Page 39 - SilverLakes_Issue 5_2022
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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


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