People tend to think sleep and rest get in the way of hectic lifestyles. They’re often trivialized to squeeze productivity from time.

But instead of saving time, the sleep or rest-deprived become less productive or creative and more depressed and anxious at work.

Why Sleep and Rest Shouldn’t Be Trivialized

Along with nutrition and exercise, rest and sleep are foundations of physical and mental well-being.

Sleep recharges the body at the cellular level. You need at least six to eight hours of sleep a day to function well.

Rest temporarily diverts you from whatever you are working on. Resting allows you to maintain high productivity levels and sound decision-making. Give yourself pockets of rest by sitting down for a cup of coffee, reading a book, or taking a ten-minute walk outside to connect with nature.

You cannot live a happy and fulfilling life without getting ample sleep and relaxation, so slow down to coast with the stress.

Achieving Sleep and Rest Despite Stress

Include these small habits below in your sleep or rest routine.

Spend a Few Minutes Writing In Your Journal

Spend at least ten minutes every night writing in a journal. Reflect on yourself, what you want to improve, and what there is to be grateful for. Practicing self-awareness and gratitude rewires your brain to always look for the good in situations and experiences.

Meditation

Meditation helps us reconnect with our spiritual selves and let go of our daily concerns and burdens.

Talking to a Supportive Friend or Relative

When someone is willing to listen to our problems, we feel validated and connected, which keeps us emotionally balanced.

Self-Care with Soothing Practices

Indulge in leisure activities that divert your mind from stress and work. Soothe your mind with time in a spa or playing with a pet.

Take a Relaxing Bath or Shower

Warm water, bath oil scents, and the wonderful sensation of going from being warm to being in a cool room can put anyone in a mood to sleep.

Cut Screen Time

Avoid looking into your devices two hours before sleeping if you want to sleep on schedule. Mobile gadgets, PCs, and TVs have screens that emit blue light, which tamps down melatonin, the sleep hormone.

Night Time Tea

For centuries, chamomile and lavender were the go-to herbs for soothing emotions. Sip a herbal tea blend to calm you down and prepare you for bed.

Daily Exercise Outdoors

Exercise induces the production of endorphins, which are happy hormones that make you feel good about yourself. Vitamin D from sunshine outdoors helps the brain secrete melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep.

Your body has the ability to best cope with stress if you get enough sleep and rest. Getting the right amount keeps you cognitively and emotionally balanced and mentally healthy.

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