This is the first part of this months series on healthy sleep and relaxation. Each week I will be diving into a specific area and talk about the things that I consider to be useful, as well as helpful along the way to achieving and having a great sleep and soothing relaxation on a daily basis. Today is all about getting healthier sleep habits by implementing routine as a support system that can be very useful toward having healthier sleeping and relaxation habits. The important thing about routines is that they do not have to be seen as hard or boring, but instead the truth about routines is that they hold us accountable for what matters most for each and every one of us, just by simply deciding to give those practices a try and see how we can benefit from the experience by itself. For me, habits and routines are a key element that support my overall well being and health, as well as making it easier for me to focus on what matters most.
When it comes to implementing and continuing to practice healthy patters for both our sleep and our relaxation hours, one thing that can be very useful is simply the idea of what we do in the hours before going to bed. I personally find it very useful to take some time before going to bed to just relax and have some quiet time, some time just for myself. Over the years I have noticed that when I used to come from work late and try to go straight to sleep, watch a movie or something on the computer or even come from theater or any other kind of event, I would always need some time for myself just before going to bed, otherwise I would not get such a good quality sleep and also not sleep so deeply. I would then wake up the next day feeling like something was missing. The same thing goes for my mornings. I have to have some time for myself first in the morning, journal, do my yoga, and then I am ready to bring my contribution into this beautiful world.
Ideally I think 1-2 hours in the morning and at night for some “me time” (which can be anything from writing in a journal to reading a book, doing some yoga, meditating, listening to inspiring music, setting intentions for the day ahead or for next day) , work just perfectly in order to take care of ourselves and nourish ourselves first, before we are offering our time and attention to anyone or anything else. Those kinds of practices are not selfish, as some might think, but they are a powerful tool that helps us stay connected to our truth and be living happy healthy and fulfilling lives. Relaxation can seem hard or unusual for some, but we have to remind ourselves that we do have to take great care of ourselves in order to be able to show up in the world and give our best, be creative, be innovative and live awesome and amazing lives. Therefore, I would like emphasize one last time that I find routines to be super useful because, when we get used to those practices, then we just do them naturally and everything unfolds with ease and grace. It might take a while of course to establish them, but afterwards its all divine.
impRAWvise 