While lack of sleep has been reported as the most common cause of stress, I’m not sure that is quite true.
I think lack of sleep intensifies the feelings of stress for sure. I am actually writing this article the day after a very poor night of sleep …
There are many little tricks to help us get the sleep that we really need, and we actually posted an article quite recently about a few of our favorites.
And I will admit that I didn’t do any of them last night.
By the time I realized it was turning into “one of those nights” I just gave into wakefulness.
Today seemed very long.
Then I found a great article about some techniques that can be used to turn off your inner chatter, and that was exactly what I needed last night!
Thank you Sharon Melnick – I am adding these to my bag of tricks immediately!
This was my favorite tip:
Left Nostril Breathing
There is a parasymathetic nerve that is activated when you do this (think Relaxation Response), and by covering your right nostril and only breathing through the left, it will help to calm you. Many people are asleep in just a few minutes.
Next time I am lying there still awake I am going to try this one!
Of course it is important to not get the sides mixed up since breathing through the right nostril will stimulate thought and you might as well just get up!
Once you have practiced breathing out of the calming nostril and slept like a baby, you may want to consider trying some alternate nostril breathing to help you make the most of your day!
Alternate Nostril Breathing
You can do alternate nostril breathing by first covering the right nostril and breathing out through the left. Then inhale through the left. Uncover the right and close the left nostril. Exhale through the right, then inhale through the right.
An easy way to do this is to rest your index and middle fingers between your eyebrows, using your thumb to close one side, and your index finger to close the other.
Some of the benefits include
– Clarity and concentration are enhanced. This is a great practice if you have a particularly important day at work, taking an exam, or any other activity that can use a boost.
– Helps to keep your mind from worry and rumination.
– Boosts your energy level
– Helps to keep your lungs functioning at their peak by eliminating impurities
It doesn’t take very long and doesn’t require any fancy equipment, so why not grab a few minutes and give it a try?
You can find more useful tips in Sharon’s book, Success Under Stress:
