Everything from our happiness to how well we age depends on our brain. Regular exercise, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep are all free and no cost habits we can cultivate for optimal physical and mental health.
Benefits of Getting Quality Sleep:
Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night …
• Boosts your mental health
• Helps make your memory sharper
• Puts you in a better mood
• Aids in decision making
• Helps you focus on everyday tasks
• Physically clears your mind
In order to get good quality sleep, Harvard University writes that simple things like lifestyle changes such as not drinking caffeine and alcohol and using tobacco/nicotine before bed will contribute to good sleep at night. Regular physical activity helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation (alternately tensing and releasing muscles) can counter anxiety and racing thoughts.
For more information about sleep and your healthy brain visit:
Sleep and mental health Harvard.edu
How your brain uses sleep to restore and repair itself: University of Rochester Medical School
Facts and data on the importance of sleep for teen health and emotional well being: CDC
Foods that help induce sleep: AARP