Hi my friend,
In retrospect, they say your decisions are often excellent. So what I do now is to ask myself what my future self will benefit from. When we are going through life one day at a time, we often don’t pause to review or reflect.
We go through hard things and then look back and think “was I crazy, to have done things, under those circumstances, in that manner?”.
I sometimes think so. The times I have pushed myself beyond what a sane person should, not rested enough, not eaten well, not prioritized my self-care.
Then comes the compassion as is my new practice. I tell myself “you did the best with the tools you had, you will do better next time”.
So we are going to talk about “next time” today. Planning to be well, to know your stress signs, to take action for balance and restoration, to ensure you don’t get depleted.
It is easier to maintain than to build up from negative, so let’s look at one of the main pillars of wellness. SLEEP!
I am going to assume you probably know how important sleep is for your physical health, but did you know that it also plays a crucial role in our mental well-being? That’s right, catching those Zzzs can do wonders for your mental health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the power of rest and why prioritizing sleep is essential for your mental wellness. So, grab your favourite fluffy pillow and get ready to dive into dreamland!
Sleeping for Mental Wellness:
You might be wondering, “What’s the big deal about sleep? Can’t I just power through my day on a cup of coffee?” Well, my friend, sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for your mental well-being. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Restorative Power: During sleep, your brain gets a chance to recharge and repair itself. It’s like pressing the reset button on your mental state. Without enough sleep, your brain simply can’t function at its best. Think about your phone battery and how your recharge it daily, yup! That’s sleep. When you don’t sleep when, you lose some of your brain functions, your ability to plan, organize, strategize and so on, becomes impaired. I remember those days of being sleep deprived and trying to drive after a busy night at work. God help us.
2. Emotional Regulation: Lack of sleep can wreck havoc on your emotional state. Ever noticed how cranky and irritable you become after a sleepless night? That’s because sleep deprivation affects the parts of your brain responsible for emotional regulation. So, if you want to keep your emotions in check, make sleep a priority.
3. Cognitive Functioning: Sleep is like fuel for your brain. It enhances your cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. So, if you want to be on top of your mental game, make sure to catch enough Zzzs.
habitual short sleep duration has been associated with adverse health outcomes including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, depression, and overall mortality
Power Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep:
Now that you understand the importance of sleep for your mental wellness, let’s dive into some power tips to help you get that quality shut-eye:
1. Stick to a Routine: Establish a sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends. This consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed.
2. Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment: Make your bedroom a sleep-friendly sanctuary. Keep it cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress, cozy pillows, and consider using white noise machines or earplugs if needed. Do not work or watch TV in your bedroom.
3. Unplug Before Bed: Avoid electronic devices, such as smartphones or laptops, at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with your sleep patterns and make it harder to fall asleep.
4. Wind Down with Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading a book, meditating, or taking a warm bath. These practices help signal to your body that it’s time to unwind and prepare for sleep.
If you have a sleep monitor, most smart watches have them, take a look at how much sleep you are getting, how much deep sleep, how much light sleep.
Check out this video on sleep as well for more indepth information.
Quotes to Inspire Your Sleep Journey:
To keep you motivated on your quest for better sleep and improved mental wellness, here are a couple of quotes to ponder:
1. “Sleep is the best meditation.” – Dalai Lama
2. “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.” – Irish Proverb
It’s no wonder we are often tired all the time and each friendly meet up starts with “I am so tired”. We are overstimulated, undersleeping and overworking.
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Show yourself some love today, go to bed on time, as soon as you can, snuggle up under those cosy covers and let the power of rest work its magic.
Until next time, stay authentic,
Stay resilient, and continue to honour your needs.
Live wholeheartedly,
Amaka
2 Cor 3:2(MSG)
You yourselves are all the endorsement we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.
