The Sleep-Stress Connection

Do you find yourself waking up feeling like this lately?

Fatigued, disoriented, or anxious? Maybe even feeling a bit disheveled? ??

You see, my friend, our sleep has a HUGE effect on our mood and energy levels.

When our sleep quality is less than ideal, it can make us feel stressed, tired, and moody.

And when it comes to sleep and stress, it’s a two-way street.

It's a cycle many of us know all too well. Stress can make it hard to get a good night's sleep, and in turn, lack of sleep can leave us feeling even more stressed. ??

So, understanding the impact of stress on our sleep is the first step.

When we're stressed, our body is in a heightened state of alertness, making it difficult to relax and drift off to sleep.

This lack of restorative sleep can then contribute to an increase in stress levels, creating a challenging cycle.

You deserve better sleep, my friend.

So how do we start to improve our sleep?

Consider incorporating these practices into your routine:

?? Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Ritual: Whether it’s a warm bath, reading, or some gentle stretching, find activities that signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

?? Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment: Make your bedroom a haven for rest with comfortable bedding, a cool temperature, and minimal light and noise. I actually refuse to put a TV in the bedroom for this exact reason.?

?? Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or guided imagery can calm your mind and prepare your body for sleep. This one is GREAT!?

?? Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activities, particularly earlier in the day, can promote better sleep and help manage stress levels.

?? No Gadgets: Stop using any of your electronics at least 30 minutes before sleeping. This can help you relax and get your mind off any other distractions.

Reflect on your current sleep and stress management habits:

• What does your pre-sleep routine look like?
• Are there changes you can make to create a more conducive sleep environment?
• How do you currently manage stress, and could these strategies be impacting your sleep?

?? Let's share our experiences. What strategies have you found effective for improving sleep and managing stress? Join the conversation below.

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Create a great day,

Amanda + Team Mako Mindfulness #MakoMindfulness