The motto “work hard, play harder” is definitely a dangerous misconception across many college campuses. More than ever, young college students have chose to party and study, instead of catching up with their zzzzs. While this may seem like a fun and more productive lifestyle at first, it can lead to a dangerous down spiral of your physical and mental health. That said, here are some helpful tips, in order for you to step back and regain control of better sleep habits that will lead to a happier and healthier you.
1. Be a yogi!
No, you don’t have to be a flexible yoga expert to try yoga. Personally, I like to do a simple and easy yoga routine an hour before I go to bed because it helps me to wind down. If you don’t already have a yoga routine, my favorite is Tara Stile’s YouTube Channel. She has worked with countless celebs to help them achieve their enviable bodies, and why not you? Only instead of shelling out those dollars, you can for free! Namaste ladies!
2. Create a peaceful sleeping environment
If your bedroom resembles a New York alley rather than a tranquil oasis, it’s time to re-think your personal space. Your room should be free of any distractions, clutter, noise, etc. Also, try to turn off the T.V. and electronic devices before bed because we all know those 10 minutes to just “check” email, Twitter, Facebook takes more like an hour.
3. Cut out caffeine
Redbull, sugary coffee drinks, and tea have made my all nighters in college bearable, or so I thought. Sticking to one or two cups of coffee before noon is fine, but drinking more than the recommended amount can do more harm than good. Not only can your daily Starbucks run lead to weight gain, but studies have shown that more than 600 mg a day can lead to irritability, stomach upset, a faster heartbeat, and insomnia. Nobody has time for that!
4. Schedule a time to go to bed
Sleeping for a consistent amount of time (about 7-9 hours) each night is more beneficial than trying to play the catching up game of sleeping 5 hours during the week and then 11 hours on the weekends. That plan will definitely backfire on you. Schedule your day and try your best to stick to it. It will be hard at first, but once you are comfortable with a routine, it will be hard to break!
So, what are your tips for getting your beauty sleep? How do you prioritize sleep, classes, and a social life? Let us know!