Spiritual and Emotional Wellness

Stress Management
Self-Care - Sleep

All we talked about concerning diet and exercise as well as our topic today-sleep, no doubt fell by the wayside during the holidays. Now is the time to pick ourselves up and get back on the wagon and yes, to get some sleep.
Proper food, exercise and sleep help to keep the body strong, the mind sharp and the spirit energized. In previous articles we talked about food and exercise, today our topic is sleep.

Do you ever feel drowsy in the afternoon, even after getting the 7-8 hours sleep, which is required by your body. It is common to feel drowsy 8 hours after waking. So, if possible take a power nap. Doing this in the afternoon is more beneficial than an extra hour or two of sleeping in. Research shows that you can make yourself more alert, reduce stress, and improve cognitive functioning with a power nap. Some experts advise to keep the nap between 15 and 30 minutes, however some research has shown that a 1-hour nap has many more restorative effects than a 30-minute nap, including a much greater improvement in cognitive functioning. Even a brief rest has the benefit of reducing stress and helping you relax a little, which can give you more energy to complete the tasks of your day. If you only have a few minutes to spare, just close your eyes for 5-10 minutes and meditate. There is wisdom in the words of the Psalmist, “Blessed is the man who meditates in the law of the Lord day and night…” Psalm 1: 1-2. Meditation produces slower brain waves similar to sleep. It also helps the body to rest, plus there are spiritual benefits.

Sleep is very important to your physical and emotional health, as well as your personal productivity.The following is advisable in preparation for a good night’s sleep.

Avoid drinking coffee and products with caffeine in the evening because it is a stimulant that stays in your system for hours and disrupts sleep. Stress management practices such as exercising and reading can often help you attain better sleep, either by helping you quiet your mind, or by relaxing your body and encouraging quality sleep.
Remember, proper diet, exercise, and sleep help to keep the body strong, the mind sharp and the spirit energized, making us more productive for the Kingdom of God.

Why not share any tips you may have concerning sleep, exercises you find helpful or whatever may be on your mind about this topic. I would like to hear your comments.