Ways to Achieve Better Sleep and Health

When someone talks about improving their health, they normally think of fitness or eating better, but they never think about your mental health. Your mental health is something that plays a crucial role in your life that most people tend to overlook. One of the best ways to improve your mental health is through your sleep.

Sleeping is one of the best ways to feel healthy and recharged each day, it helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve immune function, and enhance your athletic performance. However, about 15% of Americans have trouble sleeping each day. If you also have trouble, here are 3 ways to fall asleep better and quicker other than the ways you already know.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation - PMR is a great technique for relaxation by tensing up and releasing certain parts of your muscles. In a comfortable position, you tense the muscles in your feet for 5 seconds and release for 10 seconds. You repeat this process about 3 times and continue tensing all other parts until you have relaxed all of your body.

The Paradoxical Intension - One of the main reasons why I can't fall asleep is because of racing thoughts in my head about many things, and trying too hard to fall asleep can make it more difficult to sleep. Instead of trying really hard to fall asleep, you can tell yourself, "I will stay awake." This can shift your focus and clear your mind, leading you to fall asleep much quicker.

Cold Feet - Having cold feet can make your body think it's time to go to bed. Your body naturally slightly cools off when you go to sleep, so purposely cooling your feet can help. Before bed, you can soak your feet in cold water or just place an ice pack on them to wind down.

These specific techniques can help clear your mind and make you significantly sleep quicker and easier.