Page 39 - SilverLakes_Issue 5_2022

LIFESTYLE

THREE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR

QUALITY OF LIFE

By Michelle L. Raymond

any elements can contribute to The purpose of sleep is restoration. In With that said, how does one then get
the quality of your life, but none other words, it is the only time your better sleep?
Mare more important than the body can restore itself at a cellular level.
three I am about to mention. Research suggests that sleep plays a critical Here are a few simple things to try:
role in your neurological, psychological • Get at least 15 to 30 minutes of daily
They can set you up for success, both and metabolic health and memory sun exposure to boost your overall well-
professionally and personally, because they consolidation. If you are not getting quality being and vitamin D intake.
are aligned to enhance your performance sleep, you are not giving your body what it • Reduce your exposure to electronic blue
and well-being. These are two components needs to restore itself. light before bedtime.
that make exceptional leaders. • Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon or
So many influences and factors can disturb evening.
Most people confuse quality of life with sleep, such as worry, stress, and anxiety, as • Avoid tobacco and alcohol in the late
lifestyle, in terms of how much money they well as physical factors such as disturbances afternoon and evening if it’s something
have, how frequently they go out for nice at night in the form of children, insects or that affects your sleep. Remember, we
dinners, how big their house is and what noises, medications or worries about your are talking about the quality of your
fancy cars they drive. But in fact, it is the daily routine. sleep, and all these things affect the
simple things and the simple pleasures in cycles and processes you’ll go through.
life that have the greatest value and impact. Note: If you are a parent of young children, • Try to use your sleep area only for
this will not necessarily apply right now sleep and intimacy. Avoid clutter and
For instance, are you fit and healthy enough because your sleeping patterns will change. electronics as much as possible.
to play with your children or grandchildren? You will go through a phase in your life • Daily exercises and walking can enhance
Do you have the resilience to bounce back where you are not getting sufficient sleep. the quality of sleep.
quickly from any setbacks? Do you have the But it should only be a phase and should • Consider the temperature in the room
mental, physical and emotional capacity to end. If it doesn’t end and persists as your and regulate it if necessary.
dream big for your life? child gets older, seek help. Lack of sleep can • Notice the sounds and noises that could
cause serious harm now and in the future. disturb your sleep.
Unfortunately, many people only value
these elements, i.e. their health and well-
being, when they no longer have them. So
to enhance your quality of life, you need to
take a proactive approach.

Here are some essential building blocks to
improve your quality of life:

THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT BUILDING BLOCK
FOR CREATING QUALITY OF LIFE IS QUALITY SLEEP

A good night’s sleep is directly proportional
to your overall well-being. I am not going
to go too much into the science of sleep
because there’s lots of easy-to-access
information. Sleep is a complex process
consisting of various stages and phases.
Once you understand the purpose of sleep,
you will understand the importance of it. Image: Claudia Manas - Unsplash

INTRAMUROS JUNE 2022 | 37