Stressing Sleep

In 2021, the level of stress in adults have risen to a yet unattained point . At the same time, more and more people have trouble sleeping, with at least 40 per cent claiming to some serious sleep problems during the year, and 70 per cent to some missed nights of sleep every month.

While the ongoing pandemic has been a source of constant stress throughout these past two years, the problem of stressing out to the point of losing sleep has been plaguing humanity forever, and even beyond, to other forms I am sure.

So how can we stop this vicious cycle, how can we ensure to give ourselves enough rest to face the tough days ahead?

Number 1: Do not try to render every minute of every day productive.

There is nothing more stressful than to try and be more, do more , cram more in a single day because we feel we are losing control, falling behind, incapable of responding to the demands of our lives. Instead, we should accept to prioritize living over producing. Not only as individuals, but as a society in general.

What is asked of people nowadays contributes without a doubt to sleeplessness and the incapacity to find peace of mind. Of course one cannot control what their superiors or the conditions ask of them but the one thing any individual can control is what they ask of themselves.

Number 2: Do not overlook your fatigue or take stimulants to continue when you are nodding off.

One consequence of modern life is the capacity to remain awake and 'productive' at any hour of the day or night. Rest cycles have to be maintained to allow the body to adjust and repair the damage we cause to it by our intensive use of our brains or muscles. Studies show very well that well-rested workers will perform better than those who are exhausted or pumped up on stimulants.

So one thing to absolutely avoid is energy drinks before bed, or a cup of coffee to keep on a minute longer.

Number 3: Try to keep your problems out of your head.

This can be the hardest trick of all, because the natural tendency when one is in trouble or facing problems is to turn them around and around in your head until comes exhaustion and finally some very unrestful sleep.

While no one can truly just leave their problems at the door, a good night's sleep can truly put things in perspective and give one new directions to solve their problems.

Trusting your brain and yourself to come up with the answer you need is a leap of faith we should make more often.

Number 4: Find a routine and stick to it.

Nothing is harder than breaking bad habits so taking good ones is a must, things that help us relax, and this is personal and different for everyone.

I am a very energetic person and I exercise a lot: when night comes I am usually very tired and rarely experience poor sleep. My habits keep me in check and I follow them as much as I can, rarely deviating . This ensures a usual amount of sleep for me.

Number 5: Avoid over-stimulation.

Nowadays with online access, it is so easy to scroll down feeds and losing track of time, feeling bored but looking for excitement. Instead of over-stimulating our senses, we should prioritize something that rest the eyes, as they are aggressed daily by enough neurotic-causing waves it is a wonder any of us are still sane. When in doubt, close your eyes, and you should feel a little better.

Number 6: Do Not Make Resolutions.

Resolutions are broken so easily because they are like orders, and everyone rebels against orders given, even if they are made for one's own good.

No Rules, No Obligations, No Resolutions.

In my opinion, habits need to be developed, that is the only way to ensure mental balance and adequate sleep.

If society followed those rules as well, I think people would be healthier, more rested, and happier.

The world will stay crazy, so the most important rule is: Learn to Take Care Of Yourself.

THE END