Wellness

In a world increasingly dependent on digital connectivity and busyness, it can seem like you never get a chance to just sit and relax. But, in a hectic lifestyle with constant demands on your time, rest is even more important. Most people recognize the value of a good night’s sleep, but learning to relax in between has more benefits than you may realize.

Sleep is something we do without thinking much about it, but there are intentional steps we can take to improve the quality of our sleep.

Before we even get into bed, we can wind down from our day by keeping work and electronics out of the bedroom at least one hour before sleeping. To make falling asleep easier, we can make sure the room is dark and the temperature is comfortable.

When it comes to time, apart from getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night, it is important to note that sleep before midnight is shown to be especially beneficial for our bodies. Southwestern Adventist University Professor, Embedzayi Tsanzi, explained that deep sleep is more dominant in the hours before midnight, and this type of sleep is the most restorative to the body. We also produce more melatonin, a hormone considered to be the precursor to good sleep before midnight.

According to sleep expert Dr. Timothy Monk, trying to shift our bodies’ circadian rhythm is “like having a symphony with two conductors. [Our] delicate internal rhythms go haywire,” not giving our bodies the best chance to work at full capacity the next day.

Even if work is enjoyable, sometimes we need a break. However, mental breaks don’t necessarily mean sleep. They can also be hobbies and projects that we engage in to give us something constructive to do in our down time. Along with these activities, we should evaluate what is important to us. We can ask ourselves, “What is adding value to our lives?” or “What is becoming a source of unnecessary stress?”

When we think about these things, we can realize what we need to add more of and what we need to remove. By doing this, we give our brain the rest that it needs to function properly.

Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” God gave us a day of rest every week to relax with Him and forget the stress that week may have brought. Whether we are physically or mentally tired, spiritual rest is available to us and has the power to heal.

Learning how to relax is a valuable life skill. The human body is capable of some incredible things, but getting enough rest is crucial to it functioning well. To live your best life, start by getting the rest your body needs and you’ll begin to enjoy a happier, healthier life. Learn more at creationhealth.com.