Is Tiredness Holding You Back?

This is a contributed post.

It’s that time of year again when we all start thinking about making resolutions. Perhaps you’re going to lose weight or do more exercise. Or maybe you want to quit smoking or try and give up snacking. For many of us, our health is a priority. But there are often changes you could make to improve your health even more. One common problem we face in modern society is sleepless nights. How often do you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day? If this is a rare occurrence, it could be time to address sleep troubles. If you’re not getting enough sleep, tiredness could be holding you back. With the New Year approaching, is it time you tried something different?

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Pinpointing a cause

If you experience difficulty sleeping on a regular basis, try and identify a cause. What is it that’s keeping you awake at night? Is your mind racing? Or do you feel restless? Is it too noisy? Or are finding it tough to switch off? Once you’ve pinpointed a cause, it’s much easier to look for solutions. Sometimes, you can make very simple changes. You could wear earplugs, for example. In other cases, the solution may be more complex, and it may take a while for results to become visible.

Learning to relax

Most of us find it hard to get to sleep because we can’t relax. Are you always thinking about what’s happening at work tomorrow? Are you anxious about your finances, or worried about relationships with others? If you find it hard to unwind, it’s essential to learn to relax. Everybody needs time out. If you go to bed with your mind racing, it’s no wonder you’re struggling. Spend part of your evening doing something that distracts your mind or calms you down. Meet up with a friend for a chat or read a magazine with a cup of tea. Put some music on, watch TV or enjoy a cuddle with your pet dog. Do whatever makes you feel content.

If you find that stress is a constant problem, seek advice. Treatments and self-help techniques you could try include exercise and creative activities. Some people also find seeing a massage therapist or a counselor helpful.

Changing your sleep habits

If you’re tired all the time, this can affect your social and professional lives. You may not be able to concentrate at work, and you may not have the energy to socialize. Part of the problem for some people is that they don’t get enough sleep. Most experts recommend 7-8 hours of sleep per night. If you’re not getting to bed until the early hours, your body may be crying out for more sleep. Try and get into a routine that enables you to get sufficient sleep. Don’t wait until you’re falling asleep on the sofa to go to bed. Your body clock will soon adjust to your new regime.

If you’re eager to start 2017 with good intentions, why not make an effort to get more sleep and boost your energy levels. Tiredness can affect your mood and your capabilities. When you lead a busy life, your body needs downtime. Make sure you make sleep a priority.