It’s no mystery that good sleep is priceless. What can be mysterious is how to find a natural antidote to insomnia when it arises. Many business professionals in Hong Kong and other big Asian cities suffer from jet lag and stress, a sure obstacle to deep sleep. Pharmaceutical options can be fast solutions, but they can also cause drowsiness the next day when you need a sharp mind for work.
A good night’s sleep begins with what you do before you sleep. A consistent routine can signal sleep to the body and daily ritual is a great way to communicate this. The ritual should be your own, but it is crucial that you do it every night. A consistent ritual trains the body to produce melatonin and prepare to sleep. Imagine life before electricity when our bodies were prepared by the setting of the sun.
We have to enact new ways of turning down the volume. Some well-known favorites are listed below. Choose one and try it for one week.
1) Electronic Bed Time 10:00pm: Turn off all electronic devices to enable your mind to turn off.
2) Warm Shower: Relax your tight muscles after a long day at work.
3) Hot Herbal Tea: The soothing aroma and warmth of a non-caffeinated tea will calm your mind and your body.
4) Reading for Pleasure: Choose something that relaxes your mind, instead of stimulates it.
5) Seated Meditation 10 minutes: Clear your mind from the noise of the day. Soften the senses by observing them. Prepare your body for a restful sleep.