Anxiety over the coronavirus is high right now. One thing we can do to help keep anxiety from wreaking havoc on our immune system is, you guessed it, sleep!
Managing anxiety starts with managing sleep.
When we feel anxious, sleep can be difficult, if not downright impossible. Sleep is essential to our ability to concentrate, cope with stressors, as well as maintain a healthy immune system. In short, sleep is the foundation of all things healthy. Anxiety can easily shorten our sleep or disrupt the quality of our sleep altogether, thus weakening our health. We can’t have this.
Sleepcare practices are crucial right now. To combat our anxiety when it is time to sleep, instill sleepcare practices that are calming and promote mindfulness. Help create a tranquil environment at nighttime free from stress with some of our favorite practices:
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Create a dedicated ritual around sleep. Sleep as a ritual practice is a step beyond routine as it requires intention. Intention requires a present mind, thus freeing us from fears and anxieties around the coronavirus. Here is how to make sleep a ritual practice.
- Take a bath to calm your nerves. Your internal temperature has a steeper drop as you fall asleep following a bath, thus easing the physical manifestations of stress, such as tightness in the neck or body.
- Invest in quality bedding that will help you sleep better at night. Our soft and innovative bedsheets and pillowcases are designed to give you a good night's rest, and in turn, ease your anxiety.
- Mindful breathing and meditation before sleep can reel in your busy and worried mind. By focusing on the physical act of breathing (feel your chest expand, the coolness of your breath) we give our mind a break from our surroundings, a much-needed break. Let’s breathe together now, shall we?
Inhale for a four count (1, 2, 3, 4)
Hold for a four count (1, 2, 3, 4)
Exhale for a four count (1, 2, 3, 4)
Hold for a four count (1, 2, 3, 4)
Repeat this tonight when you prepare for sleep.
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Do not, we repeat, do not bring your sources of stress and anxiety into the bedroom. Yes, we are talking about cell phones, tablets and televisions. Give yourself permission to take a break from the inundating and constant coverage of the coronavirus. Taking in the same information over and over again can fuel your stress. Not to mention, exposure to artificial blue light from electronics at night suppresses the creation of melatonin, the natural hormone which prepares the mind and body for rest.
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Ease muscle tension caused from stress and anxiety with an Ayurveda self-massage.
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Make sure your bed is a cool, clean place to rest your mind and body. We can help with that.
Remember, setting time aside to create a calm environment for sleep is not selfish. It is essential. Sleep is our superpower against anxiety and stress. Let’s harness that power.
