Sleep is so, so important. Not just during the short chaotic days of the holidays, but all the time. We need at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night to help our bodies and minds stay healthy. During the holidays, I love to get in a lot of extra sleep - sometimes I sleep 14 hours in a night!
Sleep has so many amazing benefits including:
Stress reduction - sleep will lower your cortisol levels.
Weight control - if you find yourself lacking in sleep, it can slow down your metabolism in a major way.
Mood regulation - if you're not getting enough sleep, you may fall victim to depression or anxiety.
Beauty - beauty sleep is a really thing! Getting enough sleep will keep your skin glowing and eliminate dark, puffy circles.
Here are a few ways that you can make sure to get a good night's sleep:
Eat dinner early - eat dinner early on in the evening to give your body time to digest before you head to bed.
Don't drink caffeine after 3pm - even late afternoon caffeine can ruin your restful shut eye. Try to hold off of caffeinated drinks later in the day.
Don't exercise late at night - the buzz from endorphins after a workout will keep you stimulated for awhile. Try to get your classes in earlier in the day.
Switch off from technology - I like to turn off my phone and computer a full hour before heading to bed. Pick up a novel or take a soothing bath instead of vegging in front of the tv.
Cup of relaxing herbal tea - a warm cup of chamomile tea will help set the mood for a calm and restful sleep.
Take a bath - a soothing bath with some aromatherapy salts will help you melt away any tension built up in your body.
Meditate - meditating before bedtime can help you disconnect from your worries and stresses and will help you enter into sleep on a whole new level.