AYURVEDA FOR GOOD SLEEP
Stress, anxiety and insomnia are becoming extremely common these days due to the global coronavirus pandemic. The impact it has had on the whole world is taking a toll on mental health, which over time will directly affect physical health. The biggest cause as well as of all these issues, is the inability to sleep. Ayurveda believes that a healthy mind is key to a healthy body, and a good 7 hours of sleep every night is absolutely essential to keep your mind well rested and calm. Without this sleep, the brain goes on overdrive leading to chronic stress, overthinking, depression, irritation and more. There are a few ways prescribed by Ayurveda which can help the mind shut off and the body relax and drift off into a deep and restful sleep. Below is a nighttime routine to follow which will drastically improve your quality of sleep, making sure you’re ready to face a new day every morning.
- Oil and gently massage your body thoroughly. Allow the oil to work on you for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Take a calming, warm bath. A soak in the tub is also advised.
- Drink a glass of warm milk before you hit the bed. According to Ayurveda, warm water, warm milk all have a great effect in de-stressing the body. Avoid cold drinks, and drink a glass of milk sweeter with warm honey just before bed time to enjoy blissful sleep. This can also be an aid to calm the stomach.
- Indulge in self massage. Ghee has immense restorative properties. Ayurvedic massage of the navel and temples with ghee causes a subtle drowsiness, and allows you to sleep immediately. Feet have several nerve endings which means massaging the feet with oil also has an immense effect in relieving tense muscles. An indulgent head massage also has a similar effect.
- Gadgets have been big reason for insomnia in the modern world. Put away all gadgets. With news about coronavirus on every platform, browsing on mobile gadgets only serves to increase anxiety. In addition to this, the blue light emitted by phones, tablets and laptops, disrupts the body’s biological clock. So, always put your devices away in an unreachable location, at least half an hour before you plan to go to bed. This will showcase a drastic difference in your sleeping patterns almost immediately.
