Exercise Away Exhaustion
As moms, I believe the universal rule is that we are all exhausted. The good news is: You are not alone. The bad news is: Being exhausted kind of sucks. And it can be detrimental to your health. Have no fear, I’ve found 10 ways that you can accomplish getting a better night’s rest through exercise, and none of them take too much time!
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Mix It Up
Switching up your exercise routine is a great way to keep your body guessing and always working hard. Make sure to work different muscles to ensure muscle confusion and get the most out of your workouts. This, in turn, will make you extra ready to hit the hay at the end of the day!
Exercise Early
Working out can be a great way to wind down from a hectic day, but it can also hinder your sleep if not done at the right time. Getting your workout done early (or at least 3 hours before bedtime) is key and can also make falling to sleep easier! Exercise triggers an increase in body temperature, and the drop in temperature that your body experiences post-working out may promote falling asleep.
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Exercise Regularly
Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can improve your sleep. Getting in a little workout session everyday is good for your body and your soul. Try not to exercise too close to bedtime, though, as it may hinder your ability to fall asleep quickly. Sleep-deprived mamas, any little workout counts! Make sure to go for a walk each day or do some toning exercises on the living room floor during naptime—whatever you can fit in!
Stretch It Out
Be sure to stretch after every workout, especially if it’s an intense one. This is good for your muscles and prevents injury, which can happen if you’re working out regularly. Stretching before bedtime is a great way to loosen up your body and get it ready for sleep, too.
Take It Outside!
An increased exposure to bright sunlight helps regulate the body-temperature rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep. So get out there with your baby in his stroller and take a nice long walk through the neighborhood! Not only will it delight your little one, but it’ll get you both out of the house and improve your chances at a good night’s sleep! Win-win!
Yoga in Bed
A great way to wind down and drift into dreamland is to practice yoga before bed. You can even take it one step further by actually doing yoga while in bed. It’s the perfect way to stretch your muscles and let the worries of the day disappear. Check out this site for a great bedtime yoga routine.
Practice Deep Breathing
Inhale and exhale before bed, slowly and calmly. This helps reduce your heart rate and blood pressure, releases endorphins and relaxes your body. Get some good breaths in before bed and you’ll be primed for sleep.
