*This is a guest post from the Self Caring blog (selfcaring.info)*
Sleep is connected to many parts of our bodies and minds, so it’s no wonder there’s a negative impact when we don’t get enough rest. Not only can it take a toll on your mood and energy, but it can also exacerbate stress and anxiety and prevent you from being able to perform well at work or school. Physically, a lack of good sleep can wreak havoc over time, creating issues with your metabolism, glucose tolerance, and heart. You may find that you have a hard time maintaining a healthy weight, and cognitive functions will decrease if sleep deprivation continues.
With a few simple changes, you can turn your sleep routine around and boost your mental and physical health at the same time. Consider external factors, such as your bedding and the comfort level of your bedroom. Think, too, about the ways you can help yourself get a good night’s sleep with your daily activities, including your workouts.
Keep reading for great tips on how to make your mental health a priority through better sleep.
Photo via Pixabay by C_Scott
Change Up Your Bedroom
If you find yourself unable to sleep well, there could be outside factors at play, such as your physical environment. Everything from the temperature of your bedroom to the colors on your walls can play a big role in your ability to relax and rest, so take a look at your surroundings for clues. If the paint in your room is a bright color, consider toning it down with a more calming or earthy hue. Light blues are perfect shades to stay calm and relaxed at the end of the day, while reds and oranges are energy colors that can leave you feeling wide awake or anxious.
Work Out
The way you move during the day can have a pretty big impact on your ability to get good rest at night; look at your exercise routine and give it an overhaul if necessary. If you’re crunched for time, remember that you can always fit in a couple of short workouts rather than one big one. Get your heart rate up for 15 or 20 minutes at a time with continuous movement or bring your yoga mat to work and do some stretches on your lunch break. Not only will the latter help you stay fit and tire you for better sleep, but it will also boost your mental health, if you incorporate meditation into your routine.
Declutter
Because your physical environment can have such a big effect on the way you sleep, it’s no wonder that people whose homes have lots of clutter tend to be more anxious, stressed, and sleep-deprived. Look at the rooms in your house with a critical eye. Are there areas that could use some improvement? Getting organized and removing excess items that no longer serve a purpose for you can help boost your mental health– allowing you to relax when it’s time for bed, instead of worrying about all the things that need to be done.
Get Outside
Many people don’t realize just how long they spend cooped up indoors, especially in the wintertime. It can be extremely beneficial to get outside for a little bit every day. The sun, a provider of vitamin D, has been shown in studies to reduce feelings associated with anxiety and depression. The fresh air can also do you a world of good; helping you to unwind a little so you can sleep well at the end of the day.
Finding ways to get better sleep isn’t always easy; you might have to work at it for a while before your routine becomes natural. Doing so can help you feel better, both physically and mentally, and can allow you to stay motivated in whatever your goals may be.
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