Catching Zzzzz’s for Better Health
As a mompreneur, sometimes getting good quality sleep isn’t in the cards. Between the kids, the stress from businesses, your health and just plain overwhelm, everything inside can get twisted upside down.
I know, you have heard since you were little that sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your body. In fact, I hear myself when I talk to my kids these days (who want to stay up later and later because of FOMO). But our parents told us that when we were little for a very good reason- our bodies NEED it!
When we get good, quality sleep it is the time our body systems rest, rejuvenate and revitalize to keep us going day to day. You may be thinking so what, I already know this. The problems start with our daily distractions and stressors. We are bombarded with emails, social media, and with virtual schooling in the recent past (messages from teachers and schools) 24/7. Technology is wonderful until it steals the fundamentals we need to thrive (not just survive).
When we don’t get the right amount and QUALITY of sleep our bodies need, a whole host of things can happen- besides becoming a bit grumpy, it affects so many other parts of our life too. Your concentration drops significantly and you become forgetful, it can cause depression, your skin begins to age in an accelerated manner, it can cause you to gain weight, and it can lead to serious health problems relating to heart concerns, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
As a pharmacist, I see that the go-to for most people is to run to the corner drug store and grab a sleeping pill. Sleeping pills usually work as a band-aid and can make your body feel worse over time instead of better.
If you are not sleeping well, here are a few things to consider:
- Sleeping conditions
- What are you doing right before you are closing your eyes to sleep?
- Medications you may already be taking
- Body aches and pains
- Anxiety/stress
There are several things you may want to think about when it comes to your sleep- check your lifestyle habits around bedtime (go back to thinking like we do for our children- calm down, read, no electronics); you may want to consider having a sleep study done if the problems are already affecting your health; and have someone look over current medications.
One of the main things I want to share with you is dealing with the anxiety and stress and body aches and pains. As I have been dealing with a lot of this myself in the last several years, I want to share some techniques and products that have helped me tremendously. If you are not consciously breathing and you haven’t added turmeric into your life- let’s remedy that now!
1) Deep Belly Breathing: (mindful breathing)
a. Sit or lie flat in a comfortable position.
b. Put one hand on your belly just below your ribs and the other hand on your chest.
c. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and let your belly push your hand out. Your chest should not move.
d. Breathe out through pursed lips as if you were whistling. Feel the hand on your belly go in and use it to push all the air out.
e. Do this breathing 3 to 10 times. Take your time with each breath.
2) Golden Milk Beverage: (includes Turmeric and Ashwagandha) This is how I like to make it and have it right before bed
a. 8 oz. of almond/coconut milk blend heated up
b. Add Solvasa Golden Moment Turmeric Elixir packet
c. Whisk in to ensure proper mixing
Turmeric can help reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, help detoxify your liver, boost your immune system and ease your digestive system – all of which help you to get to sleep faster, to sleep better, and to wake up feeling refreshed.
My favorite adaptogen – Ashwagandha, is a great additive as it helps our bodies adapt to the stress response (release of hormones like cortisol and insulin) we experience throughout the day. It is also a great anti-inflammatory and has a mild calming and relaxing effect.
** Add in a boxed breathing practice to inhale the amazing aromas from the drink to increase the mindful practice and enjoy the moment!
This is the perfect way to shut down for the day and prepare your body to get the much-needed rest it deserves.
Breathe deep and enjoy a warm cup of Yummy-ness and rest well!
Sleep = wellness
“Sleep is like the golden chain that binds our health and body together” — Thomas Dekker