One of the most important things you can do for your health is to ensure you get enough sleep. Most people in the UK are chronically sleep deprived, being over stimulated during the evenings and drinking too much caffeine during the day.
Sleep is important for your long term health as there are many studies indicating that during deep sleep your brain detoxifies which can prevent you getting dementia later in life.
If you don’t sleep well it can affect your mental health as you go through a daily circle of feeling tired all the time and then not sleeping at night. In Sweden they are now starting to treat depression by rebalancing people’s sleep patterns.
You also tend to gain weight if you are not sleeping and you start to crave sugar and caffeine to get you through the day.
Start to improve your sleep by getting out in the fresh air for 30 minutes a day and doing some exercise. A brisk walk is perfect!
Next, look at your sleep hygiene:
• Are you being over stimulated by screens in the evening?
• Do something that makes you feel relaxed…reading a book, having a bath or meditation. There are lots of good mediation apps available.
Drink more water during the day and reduce your caffeine intake. Do not have any caffeine after 4pm (this includes chocolate).
New Year Resolutions
You are more likely to stick to your New Year Resolutions if they are achievable!
Try one small change every 1 or 2 weeks. You could try….
- Try to improve your sleep
- Drink 2 litres of water each day
- Eat AT LEAST 5 pieces of fruit and vegetables each day
- Get out in the fresh air for 30 minutes per day
- Try to get more exercise…take the stairs, park your car further from the shops/office, attend an exercise class.
- Meditate every day.
Listen to my interview with Sue Kinnear from BBC Wilshire “Let’s Get Physical show”. I am giving my top tips for a healthy start to 2020 (Fast forward to 2 hours 48 minutes into the show for my interview).