3 Simple Ways to Relax for Better Sleep
By Genevieve Cunningham
Most people complain about the inability to sleep. You either can’t fall asleep or can’t stay asleep or some combination of the two. While some people have legitimate reasons why sleep eludes them, other people simply can’t relax enough to fall asleep. If you would like to get a little better sleep, take a look at these ways to relax the body and mind just before bedtime.
Take a Long Hot Shower
A long hot shower can relax you in two dinstinct ways. The first is physical. The heat and the steam combined works to loosen the muscles and literally relax your entire body. After the physical relaxation, you may also find a mental relaxation as well. A hot shower tends to melt away any stressful thoughts and let you wind down your mind in order to fall and stay asleep.
Meditate
Meditation brings a ton of benefits to the body. Those who do it regularly get to boast lower blood pressure, less illness, more stable moods, and a wealth of other positive side effects. You don’t even have to sit on the floor with your legs crossed and eyes closed. Just find a few minutes in a quiet space to be alone with your own thoughts. Breathe deeply, let go of any dominating thoughts or emotions, and just be present for a few minutes.
Do Some Yoga
Yoga can be incredibly relaxing. If you haven't done it before, it might feel intimidating, so choose something that is made especially for beginners. During a session, you’ll take some long, deep breaths that slow the heart and calm the mind. You’ll also do some deep stretching that elongates the muscles and works out any soreness or tight spots. And you can do this quick routine in the comfort of your own home. Just do a quick search on Youtube to find something that you find interesting.
Winding down and relaxing before bed can lead to much better sleep. We often skip this process and wonder why we can’t sleep! Easing into sleep instead of expecting it to happen immediately might be a much better approach. If you don’t know where to start, just try one or all of these methods to get your body and mind relaxed and to get some of the best sleep of your life.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Escondido, Calif.