Easy Ways to Improve Your Health & Happiness Series
Get Enough Sleep
Your brain and body need sleep so that you can face the challenges of the day ahead. If you don’t get enough sleep, your brain won’t be refreshed and you will have more difficulty concentrating. If you have suffered an injury or are sick, it will take your body longer to repair if you aren’t getting enough sleep. It is important to exercise “good sleep hygiene.” Make sure your bedroom is cool and dark, free of distractions, and comfortable. Avoid doing things like playing video games, exercising, and arguing before bed. Instead, have a small snack before bed, read a bit, meditate, or engage in some other relaxing activity before you go to sleep. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to sleep. I think the ideal amount of time to sleep is 7-8 hours a night. If you are exercising a lot or under stress, you may need more sleep. Try a few different sleep times to see what works best for you – and keep the same bedtime all week long. What changes will you make this year to get a better night’s sleep?
