Rest & Sleep is a tough one for a lot of people. It has been, and still is at times. Without proper rest, our health will suffer. Not just our physical health, but our mental health as well. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Quality rest and sleep trump pretty much everything else, even food, when it comes to cultivating good health. You could be eating the best, cleanest, healthiest food in the world, but if you are not sleeping well, your health will continue to fail. That’s why sleep has become so precious and so important.
If you are struggling with rest and sleep:
First, talk to your doctor or practitioner about the issues you are having with sleep and rest. It will be really important to rule out any medical conditions that could be impacted your rest.
Second, explore herbal medicine. If you can, work with a knowledgeable herbalist who can really tailor an herbal routine to your own specific needs. Not all herbs work for all people, so it’s always a good idea to speak with a professional if possible.
Third, try to cut back on exposure to blue light for a couple hours before bed if at all possible. This is often easier said than done, but it really can help to make a difference for a lot of people.
Fourth, try to cultivate a relaxation routine before bed. Again, this is often a lot easier said than done, especially when so many of us are running full speed ahead right up until bedtime. This go, go, go creates a low-level (or in some cases high level) stress response that impacts not only our rest but our digestion and metabolism too.
- Here are some of the examples:
- Do some gentle stretching or a nighttime yoga routine
- Meditate or pray
- Journal
- Read a book
- Paint, collage, or simply color in a coloring book
- Take a hot shower or bath
Source: Delicious Obsessions – Tips for Improving Sleep and Why Rest is Critical for Health
