Hey everyone!
Welcome back to Stridi Towers.
My name is Matt Lawrence and I’m an accredited NLP Coach (it’s similar to things like CBT), so I thought I’d share some life coaching tips.
If you follow our Twitter feed, you’ll know we’ve been posting regular tips on wellbeing and, in particular, advice on getting a great night’s sleep.
So, I thought what better way to start the week than to produce a blog on tips for good sleep?
The thing is, the modern world is full of amazing things but the downside is that this means there are more distractions.
I mean, hands up who has a TV in their bedroom?
It’s not just TV though.
Our Smartphones are always pinging. Work is a 24/7 arrangement. Spare time is often at a minimum.
These issues can really affect our sleep, and many of us struggle to get to sleep, stay asleep or don’t feel refreshed in the morning.
So, here’s five tips to get a great night’s sleep!
Numero Uno:
Either turn off your phone, put it on flight mode (your alarm will still work after using this function) or leave it in another room overnight.
Our mobile phones are our trusty companions, and I admit that I’ve been known to check my phone after briefly waking up during the night.
But – the bright light on our phone can really interfere with melatonin production – the chemical in our body which regulates our sleep pattern. It’s a good idea not to look at any screens or tech for around half an hour before bedtime.
Two:
Meditate.
We promote meditation regularly, simply because it’s a great way to look after your mind and your mental health.
Meditation is essentially the act of focusing on your breathing and being in the moment. It gives you the opportunity to breathe deeply and relax your body.
Meditation at bedtime can be a fantastic way to unwind, process a busy day and prepare for the land of nod.
Three:
Dim the lights, or turn on a lamp during the evening.
As previously mentioned, bright lights can interfere with melatonin production. Whereas, allowing your mind to adapt to a lower level of light, particularly near bedtime, can indicate to your body that sleep is coming.
Four:
Take a hot bath or shower at bedtime.
A little secret, if – like me – you’re partial to the Wim Hof method, I find that cold showers can be equally effective. But I appreciate that it could be a scary prospect for many, and so having a long soak in a hot bath can be an awesome way to relax a tired mind.
Take your time, maybe even light some candles and read a book if you’re having a hot bubble bath. It’s all good.
And finally….
Bedtime reading. Even 10-15 minutes will be beneficial.
Reading, much like meditation, allows you to relax and be in the moment. You can escape into a different world after a long, busy day.
But perhaps select your genre carefully – blood and gore probably isn’t ideal for setting the tone for a peaceful night!
So, that’s your five tips.
But as a rule of thumb, it’s beneficial to switch off tech around half an hour before bed, avoid screens and use that time before falling asleep to wind down and relax.
It’s also helpful to get some exercise during the day, even if it’s just a short walk around the block – you’ll gain some fitness and encourage the happy hormones to regulate your mood patterns.
That’s all for today.
As always, our socials are below – give us a shout if you have any comments, and let us know any tips that work for you.
Cheers!
Matt x
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