“Sleep is for the weak,” they say but with rising levels of lifestyle-induced stress, sleep is for the strong. For years we’ve been peddled the notion that sleep is a waste of time for those who want to be productive.
However, recent studies and surveys have pointed to the benefits of getting eight hours of sleep regularly. Not just duration-wise but also quality-wise, this sleep is important for the healthy functioning of our bodies.
However, with work deadlines extending into the wee hours of the night and work-from-home interfering with our body clocks, our lifestyles have become subservient to our career expectations. Quite noticeably, it’s our sleep cycles that are getting hampered.
Most of us experienced some form of insomnia due to the mounting stress. If you’re someone who is struggling to fall asleep, here are a few simple hacks that are going to be your saviours. Which of these have you tried and has it worked? Let us know in the comments below.
1. Listen to a podcast
Put on the Interstellar theme song on loop if it works for you. The idea is to listen to relaxing sounds when you’re in the process of falling asleep. This could be a podcast, any narration or the good ol’ sounds of birds and nature.
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2. Give in to guided meditation
Find a suitable guide that works best for you on YouTube or health/meditation apps, and let the process do the trick! Many of these exercises include focusing on your breathing or simply thinking about peaceful or calming situations and scenarios.
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3. Indulge in scents and candles
Creating a soothing environment is just as important as laying in bed and hoping to fall asleep. One of the easiest hacks for blissful sleep is lighting a few scented candles, maybe switching on a pretty ambient light and using a comfy blanket. These are best tailored to your personal choice.
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4. Take a bath
We swear this one works! We know our mothers have asked us to do the same many times and we’re here to give it the legitimacy it needs. Showering before sleeping or even washing your feet helps in relaxing your body. The sleep you get after this hits different!
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5. Drift away to ASMR videos
The whole purpose of these videos is to help you relax. Featuring sounds of everyday activities, it is important to pick an ASMR video that you personally enjoy. Not all will make you feel the same.
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6. Segregate your work and sleep space
With the work-from-home lifestyle, it is easy to convert your bed into an office for the day. This can continue for several days but this is not a healthy practise. It is important to create a mental as well as physical segregation between the place you work and the place you sleep. This allows you to tune out work-related stress when you move away from its designated spot.
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Lead image credit: Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment + Dharma Production
