The value of a good night’s sleep, preferably on a consecutive basis, cannot be overstated.
Proper slumber allows the brain to activate Beast Mode, unlocking your full recall/memory-building powers. Oh wait, there’s more!
Aside from being the ultimate restorative elixir, it’s also great to balance your mood, keep you heart-healthy, and harmonize the hormonal composition that controls appetite.
If you are looking for ideas that will help you sleep better, stay awake, The Equanimity Collective has you covered!
COUNTING SLEEP
We can debate the effectiveness of sleep trackers. Frankly, they range from ‘somewhat accurate’ to pure charlatan. However, regardless of their accuracy, a sleep tracker, when used consistently, can help you work towards a baseline, giving you something to work towards. (I’m partial to the Amazfit Bip S for those on a budget and Whoop for people with more to spend.)
POWERING DOWN
Kill the electronics at least two hours before bed. In our screen-driven world, only optometrists and opticians will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Quiet your brain and eliminate additional stimuli as early as possible.
And speaking of light…
DARK n’ COOL
Sleep in cool darkness. Light trips the sleep system, telling your ‘internal clock’ that it’s time to rise and shine—the greater the absence of light, the higher the possibility that you will sleep deeply. A quiet and dark place can help you sleep better. And keep the temperature cool!
THOUGHT STOPPING
Stop your thinking in its tracks. Allow yourself to feel gratitude and calm, and filter everything else out. Whether it’s the day’s events, yesterday’s drama, or future-thinking creeping into your mind–shut it down. Absolutely no planning, no reminiscing, and no mental list-making!
BE A DIETARY DYNAMO
Simply put, do not overeat. You will want to ensure you are fully hydrated an hour or two before you go to bed. Also, stay away from foods that cause acid reflux (i.e. garlic); limiting caffeine and cutting it off 8+ hours before bed can also help you sleep better. And I’m so sorry, but stay away from alcohol!
MIND GAMES
Do not psych yourself out. Sleep anxiety is real. People worry they will not be able to perform the next day; they grow concerned that their eyes will look like they are carrying their own suitcases; a lack of sleep can wear down confidence. The bad news is sleep can’t be replicated. The good news is that by simply laying in a dark room, deep breathing with a clear mind, you can still ‘recover’ a significant percentage of your restoration. The bottom line is that even without enough sleep, you can operate effectively for a decent period of time.
CONSISTENT HABITS
And now for the tip that so many people hate hearing: it’s all about routine. If you go to bed and wake up at approximately the same time for an extended stretch of time, you are letting your body know what to expect. It might sound militant but adhere to a rigid sleep schedule.
We hope these tips help you sleep better. Staying well-rested is a key component to maintaining equanimity. Treat bedtime with gratefulness and respect and be rewarded with a royal sleep; it will change your life in so many ways.
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