BOOST your SLEEP with these helpful hints
Stop These Habits
In Order To Boost Your Sleep Health
Getting better sleep as a young adult is something many of us would like to do, but it’s not always easy. Stress from work, anxiety, and certain lifestyle habits can all affect the quality of our rest and leave us feeling exhausted every day, which can start to affect our overall health according to Harvard Medical School. So how do you know which habits to get rid of so you can focus on boosting your sleep routine?
You might start by taking a look at how you react to stress, especially at work, as well as how you treat your body. Improving your physical health with daily exercise and a good diet can go a long way toward helping you get better rest. You can also make sure your sleep environment is maximized, notes Verywell Health. Alexis Silver Therapy outlines a few things you can stop doing in order to improve your sleep quality:
Stop working a job you hate
Do you dread going to work every day? Is your job unfulfilling, demanding, or stressful? It can be challenging to think about leaving a work situation even if you’re unhappy, simply because going out into the unknown is often scary. However, you don’t have to keep suffering in an environment that doesn’t support your needs.
There are lots of resources available online for those who are looking to make professional changes, so you can start working on an eye-catching resume as soon as possible. Once you land the job you deserve, you can start recovering from the toll that stress has taken and make better sleep a priority.
Stop minimizing relaxation time
As a young adult with plenty of ambition, it’s easy to fall into the trap of being busy as a badge of honor. But is it really? No. Being busy and stressed only contributes to poor health, high stress levels and lots of tossing and turning. By embracing time to unwind every day, you set the stage for a better night’s rest.
Make a point to stop working at a set hour, particularly if you work from home or own your own business. Unplug from your cell phone and spend quality time at dinner with your family. And perhaps most importantly, make your bedroom optimal for sound sleep, which can start with looking for cotton duvet covers that are comfortable and cozy. You can even pick your own style and pattern to suit your style.
Stop limiting yourself
Whether you’re unhappy with your current job or just want the opportunity to rise up through the ranks, earning an advanced degree will help you figure out the next steps. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn more about? Did you start college courses but never have the chance to finish? Unmet life goals may be a reason behind not getting enough quality rest. Now is the time to work on something just for yourself and start pursuing your goals.
If wrapping up your education is high on your bucket list, with so many online courses available now, you can enter a degree program from the comfort of your own home and tackle schoolwork even as you take care of work and home responsibilities. The knowledge that you’re doing something for yourself might just give you some peace of mind so you can rest easier.
Stop eating conveniently
Work, school, home responsibilities…they all contribute to a busy schedule, which can often lead to a diet that’s more convenient than it is healthy, but what we eat can play a big role in how we sleep. If you find yourself grabbing fast food and sugary snacks often, it’s time to take a look at some better options when you’re pressed for time.
Keeping items like granola bars, pre-cut vegetables and hummus, and string cheese on hand can help you make better choices even when you have a lot going on. Keep cold water on hand throughout the day—not only will you stay hydrated, but this can prevent overeating as well.
Utilizing a meal delivery service or simple meal prepping can allow for healthier options when it’s been a long day at work and you don’t have the energy for a time-consuming dinner. Take a look at the types of foods that encourage good sleep–including turkey and tart cherries–and work those into your daily rotation.
Stop putting off that checkup
Even if you’re eating healthier and getting daily exercise, it’s essential to keep going for checkups with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re a smoker or are living with a health condition. Many young adults don’t even realize how much their lifestyle affects their ability to get quality rest, and sometimes there are undiagnosed issues–such as sleep apnea–that can easily be sorted out and treated with a quick trip to the doctor.
Taking better care of yourself is always a good idea, but it can be difficult if you have a busy schedule or are dealing with a lot of stress at home. Make time for self-care, and make small changes to your lifestyle in order to ensure that you can get the rest you need.
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