Whether you are a new parent, a busy college student, or someone working multiple jobs, a good night’s sleep may sometimes feel like a luxury beyond your grasp. According to Healthline, experts recommend adults get at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Unfortunately, over a third of us are not getting the sleep we need to maintain our health and well-being. When you don’t get enough sleep, you may be more prone to weight gain, you may be unable to focus or concentrate, and your productivity may suffer. Lack of sleep also affects the efficiency of your immune system, it can negatively impact your heart health, and it may put you at greater risk for developing anxiety or depression.
Sleep is essential for your mental and physical well-being. Unfortunately, tucking in for several hours of peaceful, uninterrupted slumber isn’t always a possibility. Even though nothing beats a good night’s sleep, there are a few ways you can recharge your mind and body if you are in need of rest but aren’t able to catch your winks.
How to recharge your mind and body
According to functional medicine practitioner William Cole, there are a few ways you can rest and recoup that don’t involve sleep (via MindBodyGreen). One thing you can try is scheduling a break for yourself. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a month-long meditation retreat (although that would be great, too). But taking a breather every now and then from the scramble of your daily life is a necessary act of self-care especially if you want to avoid burnout.
Spending time alone is another great way to recharge. Taking a time out can allow you to pause and reflect on how you’re feeling and may also help you gain some insight into the areas of your life that may be draining you of energy. Although alone time is important, so is balancing that with spending time with others. Being in the presence of those who lift you up and who appreciate the real you can bring a rejuvenating zing to your energy, per MindBodyGreen.
Immersing yourself in nature can also leave you feeling recharged and refreshed. Dr. Cole suggests a Japanese technique called forest bathing to ground yourself and connect with the natural world around you (via MindBodyGreen). Start by simply taking a mindful walk outside, and taking some time to observe and appreciate any nature you see around you (via The Well). Doing so can leave you feeling relaxed and rested.
