It’s the same, every year – Christmas is approaching and we are falling into actionism. The To-Do-list we want to accomplish until Christmas is long: write Christmas cards, buy gifts, prepare Christmas and so on and so on. The consequence: a lot of hustle and bustle, nervousness, stress and bad sleep. So that it is going to be an enjoyable and peaceful time, the well-known sleeping expert and book author Guenther W. Amann-Jennson is giving hints, how to decelerate and to destress your Christmas Time. And, how you sleep healthy and good in spite of all the hectic.
The important question now is: what is important, what can wait? Now, a To-Do-list might come in handy. Especially, when we only stick to the really important things. And this we combine with a detailed schedule. This is a perfect possibility to daily integrate pleasure- and relaxing breaks. Indulge in 15 contemplative minutes with a steaming cup of “winterwonder-tea” or a delicious cup of hot chocolate which releases happy hormones. A brisk walk in the park that gives new energy and your body and brain get supplied with blood.
Further important hints for healthy sleep:
• During the Christmas- and holiday season care for regular get up times, too. This sleep-wake-rhythm significantly contributes to a healthy, restful sleep.
• If you are having problems to fall asleep at night, get up and listen to relaxing music, don’t put yourself under pressure. The more inner pressure you put yourself into, the harder it will be to fall asleep.
• Regularly do sports. Normally, physical exercise causes that the body feels satisfied and tired. But, avoid major physical efforts up to two hours before going to bed. Inevitably, this would lead to a rise of the body temperature –- and for falling asleep and sleeping through easily, we need a decrease of the body temperature.
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine before going to bed. After consuming, they remain in our body for 3-5 hours and might affect as well the phase of falling asleep as the intensity and effectiveness of recovery of the sleep. Out of this reason, don’t consume any of these substances 6 hours before going to bed.
• Before going to bed, drink less and avoid heavy meals for dinner. Spicy food, too, might have a negative effect on your sleep, since they may lead to heartburn and falling asleep might become difficult.
• Don’t go to bed hungry! When you are feeling a sense of hunger, eat some protein-containing snacks, since they contain tryptophan which may have a positive effect on your sleep.
• Before going to bed, take a relaxing bath, listen calming music or do some light reading.
• Drink a cup of St. John’s wart tee with a spoon of honey.
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