Sleep is Beautiful

Sleep is Beautiful

A Daily Tune-Up

Ah, vacation.  Why is it when we’re on a vacation, we feel so refreshed and energized?  We have no responsibilities, no agendas, nowhere to be.  We are able to fully relax and enjoy the moment.  Falling asleep in Savasana?  It’s a sign that your body needs more sleep.

Numerous medical reports state adults need 7-8 hours of sleep every night.  Every night!  Kids and teens need even more.  Sleep is important to help restore the body.  While you drift off to Never Never Land, our bodies are focusing on other tasks like filing memories, restoring muscle tissues, resetting digestive functions and overall, rejuvenating the brain’s function.  Growth hormones are secreted during sleep aiding in growth for children and repair tissues in adults.

Restless nights begin to add up.  Lack of sleep is linked to increased cases of diabetes, heart problems, weight gain, depression among other illnesses. It affects our personality and sense of humor. We’re more irritable and less tolerant

How can you get more quality sleep? 

·             Establish a routine going to bed at the same time even on the weekends.

·             Tune out electronics an hour before bedtime.

·             Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime along with smoking.

·              Finish eating 2-3 hours before bedtime.

        Exercise regularly.

Make sleep a priority now, and avoid winter woes like a cold, the flu or added agitation with the holidays. Every night is an opportunity to take a mini-vacation.  Sweet dreams!

Start Early

Start Early

Change the World

School bells ring and buses mix into the morning commute.  School is back in session.  Time for homework, afterschool activities and . . . stress?

Kids and teens face an enormous amount of pressure not just from school but at home, on the computer and on the field.  I work with a group of young ladies at Girls Inc. of Washington County each school year.  We discuss their daily activities and struggles.

Back in the old days (those would be my days), one could leave all the drama at the end of the school day.  Now, with texting, Facebook, Instagram and whatever other social network that has released since I wrote this, kids and teens are glued to the conversation to ensure they are not the main topic.  One pre-teen described middle school as “being under a microscope.”

Yoga and meditation can help build self-confidence as well as provide tools to deal with the stressful teen years.  Asana practice (physical practice of the poses) allows kids and teens to become more aware of their body, and appreciative of what it can do.  Meditation along with easy breathing techniques gives their mind a moment to process without the distractions.

Kids and teens can start with the tried and true Sun Salutation sequence.  Start slowly by completing 5 rounds as many days during the week.  Then, add meditation and breathing every morning or evening (or both!).

Encourage your kids and teens to keep a journal or allow open conversation so they can release the highs and lows of the day.  Don’t have children?  You can volunteer or support a local children’s organization.  Positive role models are always needed.

“It’s true we’ll make a better day.  Just you and me.” Michael Jackson’s We are the World.