How To Sleep Well
There’s a saying “finish strong!” But do we really want to apply this mentality to the end of our day? Strong implies active, energetic, and tenacious, however when our head hits the pillow we want to feel calm, peaceful and serene.
By Michael James Wong
It’s often a challenge to turn off and tune in when the day is over, especially if we’re working from home or running a household, yet it’s also one of the most important actions we can take today to make tomorrow even better. Check out our Founder Michael James Wong’s checklist of sleep-savvy tips to ease the day to night transition and boost your overall wellbeing and sleep.
An active day
Physical activity throughout the day is great for everyone, and regular movement and activity allows the body to not only appreciate but need sleep more. So get moving.
Just breathe, breathe slow
Conscious awareness of the breath and slowing it down throughout the day helps the body prepare for sleep. A calm breath helps to indicate to the body that sleep is coming, and help to de-stimulate the thinking mind.
Intentionally finish the day
For so many of us, we let the business of the day carry into the evening, we keep reading emails, answer work calls or stay online ordering, shopping or socialising. A key aspect to rest and sleeping well is the intention to soften and transition your day in preparation for sleep.
Minimise caffeine and stimulus in the afternoon and evening
Caffeine hits late in the afternoon and evening add an unneeded spike of energy into the body, at the time we’re winding down for rest. Let your body follow the natural pattern of energy and respect the fact that if you feel sleepy, then it’s okay to rest. If you struggle to nap, then meditate, if you can’t meditate, pause. Find a way to respect the need to rest in some way or another.
Have a bedtime
Creating a regular pattern of sleep is essential and beneficial, I find that having a bedtime (say 10:30PM) is a helpful way of keeping regularity. Unfortunately, for many people, ‘bedtime’ is negotiable, while waking up time, isn't.
MICHAEL JAMES WONG
Michael is a community activist, writer, educator and meditation teacher, he is regarded as a leading voice in the global movement for modern mindfulness. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, raised in Los Angeles, California and is now living in London, his greatest joy in life is building and celebrating strong and meaningful communities. Michael is also the Founder of Just Breathe.
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