Ah sleep. It’s as vital to us as food, water, sun and air. So why is it that some days we just can’t seem to get enough? Why does it feel as though our brain won’t stop talking to itself once our head hits the pillow?
What exactly goes on when we’re a-snoozin’?
There are three crucial things the body does while you’re in a slumber…
- Your brain recharges.
- Your body releases important hormones.
- And your cells repair themselves.
A good sleep really is a fundamental part of living your best active life.
For some, it’s an enigma. For others well, that melatonin production isn’t a worry in the world. They can get straight to sleep and stay there. You have to wonder… Do these people not have thoughts?
Even if you are a good sleeper, nourishing your sleep routine can assist you to continue to sleep well and rest easy every night. We’ve got some easy tips and tricks that you can start implementing tonight!
How to nourish your sleep routine in 5 simple ways:
#1. Establish a relaxing sleeping routine
Immerse yourself in a peaceful Epsom salt bath with essential oils or try 10 minutes of relaxing meditation. Epsom salts are available at the supermarket and won’t pinch the pennies either. Not sure where to start with meditating though? Think it’s a bit kooky? Fear not, it’s lovely and so relaxing. We’ll step you through a how-to here with our soul sister Melissa Ambrosini.
#2. Try drinking a soothing chamomile, lavender or MNB sleepy tea (keep scrolling to find the recipe!)
They’re not called the calming flowers for nothing; these herbs have been proven to help calm your nervous system from fight or flight to rest and digest. Chamomile and lavender teas are available everywhere, but if you’d like something a little tastier that gives you a big hug from the inside, you can’t beat our MNB sleepy tea below.
#3. Lighten up on evening nourishment
Eating at least 2 hours before rest can improve your sleep hygiene. Avoid heavy meals, snack foods and caffeine. These things can act as a stimulant and keep you awake, therefore resulting in tiredness the following day.
#4. Exercise early in the day
Exercise stimulates the body to make cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, which can keep you awake at night if it’s still circulating in high levels. Exercising earlier in the day can give you a deeper, more refreshing sleep.
#5. Promote sound slumber with a quiet, dark room. Oh, and no tech!
Use curtains, a sleeping mask or earplugs to help you create a peaceful sleeping sanctuary. Also, switch off. That’s right. Studies have proven technology in the bedroom makes it harder to fall asleep, and stay asleep for that matter. So, drop the mobile devices, iPad, laptop etc.
And one more bonus tip from the MNB team. . .
Before you decide to get into bed, write down your concerns on a piece of paper, fold it over and put it down. Now that you’ve laid your concerns to bed, you can have a calm and uninterrupted sleep.
Try me! MNB Nourishing Sleepy Tea
Sweet Dreams Beautiful: 5 Ways To Nourish Your Sleep Routine
Preparation Time:
2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: Serves 1
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon coconut flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of raw honey or 1 chopped medjool date
- In a stainless steel pot, bring the almond milk and water to a medium heat simmer on the stove.
- Once simmering, add the cardamom, coconut flakes, ginger and your choice of sweetener and stir occasionally for 2 minutes.
- Using a sieve, pour the tea into your favourite cup.
- Top with coconut flakes and a sprinkle of cardamom.
Sip slowly. Rest easy. MNB always xx
