Sleepless from Stress? How to Break the Cycle and Sleep Better

Most of us have experienced stress that interferes with rest and causes sleepless nights. Whenever we don’t get adequate quality sleep, it increases our stress level, and the cycle continues. A study by the American Psychological Association1 found that “Adults with high stress are more likely to say they are not getting enough sleep because their minds race (49 percent vs. 10 percent of adults with low stress).” They also stated that the effects of poor or lessened sleep included feeling more sluggish, irritable, sad, depressed, and having more difficulty concentrating. Break the cycle and improve your sleep quality by incorporating the tips below. Create a Bedtime Routine Creating a bedtime routine that you follow consistently can help prepare your mind and body for restful sleep. Aim to begin around the same time each evening. Start by prepping for tomorrow. [...]

5 Quick Stress Busters for a Busy Day

Sometimes stressful situations arise faster than we can blink. Taking a break for a long walk or chatting on the phone with a friend might be good stress relievers, but some days our schedule is too busy for an extended pause. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed but only have a few minutes, try a quick stress buster to help manage unexpected stress. Take a Deep Breath Deep breaths help slow our heart rate and bring more focus and clarity to our thoughts. There are many types of deep breathing exercises to try. Pick one to try and notice how it helps keep anxious thoughts at bay and allows you to be more present. Belly Breathing. This form of breathing is also known as diaphragmatic breathing. It focuses on using your diaphragm to take a full and deep breath. Start [...]