Does the early bird in fact get the worm? It does if that bird knows how to get up without hitting the snooze button on their alarm seven times. How does a person actually become an early bird, though, especially if it doesn’t come naturally? In this article, we will unpack the benefits of waking up early and how to get better at it once and for all. 

Figure Out Your Sleep Chronotype

Chronotype…what an interesting and foreign word. Sleep chronotype refers to your natural sleep-wake pattern. Essentially, it describes when you feel most alert, productive, and then sleepy throughout the day. Your circadian rhythm influences when you feel energized versus when you feel sleepy. Once you figure out your sleep chronotype, though, you can find an optimal schedule for your circadian rhythm. If you struggle to get up in the morning, you are likely not aware of your chronotype.

Maintain A Daily Routine

The circadian rhythm thrives on a consistent routine. The more consistent your schedule, the more likely you are to wake up at the same time every morning with ease. Your meals, exercise routine, and when you wind down for bed all factor into the equation. Exercising at the right time of day is also helpful. A bear chronotype, for example, does better exercising first thing in the morning, while a wolf chronotype has a prime exercise window in the early evening. 

Give Yourself A Good Night’s Sleep

Some adults have no issues with finding seven hours of sleep per night. Others require closer to nine, but a general rule of them is that seven to nine hours of sleep per night is the ticket to waking up feeling rested. Consider exactly when you need to wake up and set a recurring alarm for that time. Don’t have schedule constraints? Pick a time that fits your lifestyle. Once you have that figured out, work backward to determine when you need to go to sleep. Stick with that schedule for a couple weeks, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Track how you do in a sleep journal because that’s a great way to identify your sleep habits and needs. You can tweak your sleep-wake schedule until you find a routine that works for you.

Watch Your Caffeine And Alcohol Consumption

It might sound obvious, but caffeine lingers in your system a lot longer than you realize. It’s also very common for people to drink caffeinated beverages throughout the day. You should avoid caffeine at least six hours before bed, or else falling asleep will be a bigger issue than it should be. Additionally, alcohol should also be avoided before bed because, despite its sleep-inducing effects, it can disrupt sleep. Alcohol increases symptoms of sleep apnea and can affect the body’s melatonin production.

Have An Accountability Partner

If you have a roommate, friend, or family member who also wants to become a morning person, consider making them your accountability partner. Wake up at the same time together, or wake each other up with phone calls. Take turns calling to hold the other person, and yourself, accountable. 

Get Natural Light During The Day

If you want to positively influence your circadian rhythm, use light to your advantage. Natural sunlight informs your circadian rhythm that it is day, not night. Getting just 10 minutes of sunlight in the morning can help wake up the body, in addition to letting the body know when it should wake on a consistent basis. There are also sunrise alarm clocks that can help with this! In addition to getting natural light in the morning, make sure to avoid light, especially blue light from screens, at night to aid healthy sleep. 

Make Mornings Enjoyable

You will probably wake up early in a better mood if you have something to look forward to at the start of your day. Perhaps it is your favorite breakfast, an intense workout, or a morning stroll with your dog through the neighborhood. If you enjoy a morning shower, remind yourself how good you’ll feel as the water cascades down upon you. You may find that a meditative stretch session in the morning is the thing that you look forward to. Only you can find what motivates you!

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A face serum can add moisture and high concentrations of beneficial nutrients to your skin. The ingredients in the serum will determine the benefits for your skin. For example, some serums, like the one in this article, help with early signs of aging, while others are better for hydrating or repairing texture. If you’re looking to enhance your skin care routine with a single product, though, a serum is the ticket.

What Is A Serum?

A serum is essentially a topical skin care product that contains concentrated amounts of active ingredients. With larger amounts of active molecules, a serum can potentially penetrate the skin’s surface with more efficacy that a moisturizer, for example. Due to its high concentration, a serum takes a shorter amount of time to see results. You can think of a serum like a secret weapon designed to treat skin issues such as dullness, discoloration, fine lines, and acne. 

Because a serum is light in nature and delivers active ingredients efficiently and quickly, you apply it first once you cleanse your face. In order to maximize the serum’s benefits, you have to seal it in with a moisturizer or cream. If you use a serum that is suited to the issue you want to address, it can have many benefits. We’ll explain the benefits of this serum below.

Vitamin E Oil

It’s common to see vitamin E oil in many different moisturizers because it works to prevent dry, flaking skin. As a result of moisturizing the skin, vitamin E oil may also reduce skin itching. Keeping the skin properly moisturized is the best way to prevent dry skin, which in turn prevents itchiness. The American Academy of Dermatology Association looked at the benefits of vitamin E oil for people with eczema. Researchers found that vitamin E had a positive effect on eczema. That said, they did not specify whether the focus was on topical or oral vitamin E. More research is necessary on this matter. 

Carrier Oil

Because the serum contains vitamin E oil, you want to choose a carrier oil that is rich in that particular vitamin. Not all skin types can use the same carrier oils, though, so keep that in mind. Additionally, climate and season play a role in your carrier oil choice. As for which carrier oil to choose, well, that depends on your preference and skin type. Some oils that are great sources of vitamin E include sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, grapeseed oil, and apricot kernel oil. If you have acne-prone skin, you may want to try jojoba oil, rosehip oil, hemp oil. 

Essential Oils

The use of essential oils is entirely optional in this face serum recipe. Most people do not react to essential oils if they are properly diluted with carrier oils. You can always use less and increase to a stronger dilution if you desire. A 0.5% dilution is generally what dermatologists recommend for facial skin, though. As far as which essential oils to choose, consider the following:

• Anti-aging: frankincense, helichrysum, carrot seed, geranium, and chamomile essential oils
• Glowing skin: lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, and helichrysum essential oils
• Fighting acne: lemongrass, tea tree, bergamot, grapefruit, eucalyptus, cedarwood, juniper berry, and cypress essential oils

DIY Face Serum

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp pure vitamin E oil
• 2 ounces carrier oil of choice 
• 10-20 drops essential oils (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a small dropper bottle, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Store the serum in a cool, dark place to preserve the healing properties. 
• To use, apply a few drops of the serum to your face and massage into the skin for about one minute. It’s a great serum to use for overnight treatment!

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Do you regularly cycle through different skin care products in search of the fountain of youth? Perhaps you have your skin care routine dialed in, but you notice that it isn’t yielding the results you want. Instead of spending more and more money on miracle skin care solutions, registered dietitians suggest that you pay more attention to the foods you eat. Your grocery list may be the secret to clearer skin. 

Many people are under the impression that a 10-step skin care routine is necessary to achieve great skin. This is primarily due to skin care ads and beauty influencers. What these ads don’t tell you is that eliminating certain foods from your diet can do your skin a great deal of good. Your skin is resilient, provided you feed it the goods it needs and craves. Instead of complicating your skin care routine, simplify it and diversify your diet. Rotate the foods you eat, not the products you use. 

Many nutritionists state that there is a connection between gut health and the appearance of your skin. In order to improve your gut health to clear up your skin, consider the following eating habits. You may notice how your skin looks and feels, but more so how you feel in your own skin. The great news is that these are not restrictive eating tips!

Keep Your Blood Sugar In Check

You don’t have to track your blood sugar to understand if your skin is trying to tell you that something is awry. For example, some people with recurring acne or eczema can experience flare ups if they eat foods that spike their blood sugar. That is primarily because big blood sugar spikes promote inflammation. Inflammatory skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne, or eczema, do not respond positively to sugar. 

That doesn’t mean you have to eliminate carbs and sugar completely from your diet. Don’t demonize them; rather, balance your carb intake with protein to curb a blood sugar spike. Add some Greek yogurt to your oats, for example. Pairing 20 grams of protein with a serving of starch can make a big difference, both for your skin and energy levels.  

Count Your Plants

No, not the amount of plants that are growing in your garden. According to research, one of the best ways to support a healthy gut microbiome is to diversify your plant intake. According to the American Gut Project, stool samples from healthy individuals indicated that they had a very rich gut microbiome in common. Most of these individuals were eating at least 30 different plants per week. 

That is drastically different from the typical American diet, which usually lacks fiber and a variety of plant-based foods. Most people only consume 14 to 16 grams of fiber per day, and the minimum is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Research confirms that 95% of American adults and children fail to meet their daily fiber needs. To meet your fiber needs, aim to consume five different fruits and vegetables per day, every single day of the week. And while you’re at it, do your best to enjoy fruits and vegetables that are all colors of the rainbow to get your share of different antioxidants. 

Eat More…Especially Protein

Although there is an obesity epidemic in the United States, it is very common to under-eat, especially protein. Most people overeat carbs, sugar, caffeine, and unhealthy fats and do not eat a sufficient amount of protein, and that can negatively affect the skin. The skin requires more protein than you think, particularly if you want to enhance your skin barrier or repeat any wounds. Doubling your protein intake at meals can have a large impact on your skin, energy levels, and even your sleep. Just make sure to consume lean protein, such as wild caught fish, cage-free boneless skinless chicken, and turkey. There are also plant-based protein options to enjoy, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

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Health is wealth, as they say, and that couldn’t be more accurate. The best way to enjoy summer is to stay healthy by establishing habits that work to enhance your lifestyle. These habits range from improving sleep to including seasonal foods in your diet. In order to make these changes habitual, you have to stick with them and make them a part of your regular routine. Feel your best by establishing a routine you know you can stick to. Do that and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier summer. 

Find A Way To Move A Little 

For some people, exercise is something they love to do. They could live in the gym, provided that was a possibility! For others, exercise is the bane of their existence. They know it will benefit them, but the thought of doing any sort of movement is exhausting and laborious. In order to make exercise a habit, you have to determine your fitness goals and find a routine that helps you reach that goal. Going to the gym and working out on your own might not be what you need. You may need a group fitness class, such as Zumba, Pilates, yoga, or spin, with a motivating instructor that helps you get you excited about working out. 

Get Some Natural Vitamin D

Sure, you can take a vitamin D supplement, but summer is the best season to get some vitamin D the old-fashioned way. Spend a few minutes of your day absorbing a little sunshine. Depending on your skin tone, you may only need five to 15 minutes of sun per day for the body to make the vitamin D you’ll need for the rest of the day. Plus, there is no better cure for a bad mood than heading outside, especially if you can be in nature. The fresh air and natural setting helps reset your mood and reduce stress. 

Don’t Forget To Hydrate

As the heat rises, so does your risk of dehydration. Don’t fall behind on your water intake, especially if the sun is blazing! If you feel thirsty, you’re already in a state of partial dehydration. Carry a reusable water bottle (preferably one that is insulated to keep the water cold in the heat) with you at all times. Abide by the hydration rule that states to drink half your body weight in ounces of water throughout the day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water per day. If you exercise or sweat excessively in the heat, you will need to increase your water intake from that amount. 

Establish Good Sleeping Habits

When your sleep hygiene is on point, you have essentially laid the foundation for a healthier, happier version of yourself. Most adults require eight to 10 hours of sleep every night to function optimally. Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive screen time can interfere with healthy sleep. Before you even think about going to bed, do your best to steer clear of screens, calm the mind, and avoid eating or snacking a couple hours before bed. The one- or two-hour period before bedtime should be intended for ultimate relaxation. Engage in meditation, stretching, breathing exercises, or gentle yoga to help calm the mind and body. 

Enjoy Seasonal Produce

Want to enjoy the best produce? Make sure to shop locally and seasonally because summer invites an array of beautiful fruits and vegetables. Enjoy everything from freshly picked melons and green peppers to summer squash stone fruit varieties. By visiting a farmer’s market, you can ask the vendors how to use produce that may be unfamiliar to you. Additionally, buying directly from the farmers means that your produce is as fresh and nutrient-dense as can be. 

Establish A Solid Morning Routine

You can wake up in the morning and thrive, believe it or not. You don’t have to dunk your face in a bowl of ice water at four in the morning to do that, though. A morning routine can look like a cup of tea with a journal or a smoothie to go along with your guided meditation. You can also lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement for a morning run or conquer an at-home workout. Whatever you decide to do, make the routine consistent and you will likely have more energy and focus to check off daily tasks. Do your best to wake up at the same time every day to remain consistent and to make the most of your day!

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Summertime…and the weight loss is not so easy, especially if you have been struggling with weight for a while. The dream is to look “summertime fine” or “bikini ready,” but that is not easily achievable for everyone. The reality is that summer is hot, which can make you less motivated to exercise. It is also a time to attend picnics, barbecues, pool parties, and more, all of which provide unhealthy snacks, drinks, entrees, and desserts. 

There are many factors that make it difficult to lose weight during summer. We aim to detail three primary reasons that may be inhibiting your weight loss efforts. These issues do not get in everyone’s way, but they can be big obstacles for those struggling to get rid of some extra pounds. 

Changes In Routine

Whether the kids are out of school or you are taking time off work for vacations, summer is a common season to experience a change in routine. Seasonal schedule changes and other deviations from your regular day-to-day can hinder weight loss efforts. Summer camp drop-offs, errands, work, and more can force you to put exercise and healthy eating on the back burner. 

If you find yourself in a situation such as this, take a moment to reflect on your schedule. Try to identify areas during which you can prioritize your health. Dropping the kids off in the morning when you would typically be exercising? Consider taking a walk on your lunch break. Don’t have time to go grocery shopping or plan your meals? Try to order groceries online or enroll in a meal prep service. 

More Opportunities To Indulge

Cookouts, al fresco dining, and vacations are all events or experiences that make food a focal point. Making s’mores at the campfire, going for ice cream after dinner, or grilling hot dogs and burgers by the lake are just a few examples of summertime indulgences. All of these foods and food experiences make it a little harder to lose weight. 

If you want to stay on track and maintain weight loss efforts throughout summer, try your best to enjoy balanced meals, enjoy dessert in moderation, and limit your alcohol intake. If you happen to be at a cookout, scan the food options and think about how you want to build your plate. Walking up to the full spread and piling it on is the first mistake that leads to overeating. Ideally, pick one protein, limit your carbs, and select vegetables for the remainder of the plate. For dessert, choose a small piece of the one you want to enjoy the most. Really savor that flavor and be present in your enjoyment of that treat. 

Weather Changes

It can be very discouraging to go outside when the weather is hot and humid or dry and desert-like. Perhaps smoke from wildfires (depending on their occurrence and your location) or extreme humidity can make spending time outside near impossible. In these situations, you may want to swap your regular workout or exercise routine for lazy, sedentary activities inside where the air conditioning is blowing strong. 

Additionally, it’s possible to experience physical and hormonal changes during warmer weather. These changes can cause fluid retention, which can lead to modest weight gain and bloating. Very hot weather may even slow down your metabolism! 

Although all of these factors make it difficult to lose weight, it is not impossible to lose weight during the summer. You can counteract all of these roadblocks! Instead of exercising outside, attend a fitness class inside an air-conditioned studio. If you have central air conditioning at home, consider doing a workout in your living room. There are many online videos and apps that make working out anywhere possible. Lastly, remember to stay hydrated, even if you are retaining a little more fluid. It’s very common for people to remain in a state of dehydration during the warmer months. 

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Gloomy winter weather is typically the first thing that comes to mind in a conversation about seasonal depression. It’s no secret that many people suffer from seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), in the winter months. A less common type of seasonal depression arrives on beautiful, sunny summer days, and it is just as serious. 

How is it possible that warm days and sunshine cause someone to head down a depressive spiral? Before passing judgment, always remember that every person is different. It’s estimated that up to 30% of people with seasonal depression will experience summer depression, according to psychiatrists. People with summer-patter depression, also known as reverse SAD, tend to experience symptoms of depression about four or five months out of the year when the weather is warmer. 

As with any form of depression, early treatment is the best approach. The exact timing of treatment will depend on the person’s history with the mental illness. There are no studies of treatments that are specific to summertime depression, but the following strategies may help relieve symptoms and boost mood. 

Dark Therapy

Just as light therapy can benefit those with winter SAD, dark therapy may help those with summer SAD. Some people report that they feel better when wearing dark glasses. Wearing blue-blocking goggles at night may help reduce the stimulating effects of blue light. Additionally, wearing blue-blocking goggles has been able to benefit people with manic or hypomanic symptoms in bipolar people. If you feel irritable or agitated as a result of summertime depression, consider wearing blue-blocking goggles. You can also turn off all screens at night to help limit your blue light exposure. 

Create A Routine And Stick To It

Psychiatrists explain that following a consistent routine can help inspire motivation and fulfillment. Start with the basics: wake up on time, brush your teeth, shower, maintain regular mealtimes, and schedule bedtime. If you feel comfortable with all of that, consider adding exercise, self-care practices, and creative outlets to your routine. A great way to stick to a routine is to write your routine down in a planner. You can also use a scheduling or productivity app. You can even go so far as to write memos on sticky notes!

Avoid Depression Traps

What is a depression trap, exactly? The ways in which people cope with depression are not always the most conducive to their mental health. Engaging in these traps will only worsen depression symptoms. Some of these unhealthy behaviors include:

• Blaming yourself constantly
• Watching too much pornography
• Eating when you’re bored, not hungry
• Gambling online, often
• Playing video games for hours and hours
• Spending a lot of time browsing your phone or laptop
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Shift Your Circadian Rhythm

One theory about winter SAD is that circadian rhythms change, go awry even, during the winter. Circadian rhythm is the body’s internal program that regulates the timing of all biological functions. The circadian rhythm is orchestrated by daily cycles of light and dark. Depending on winter or summer SAD, light or dark may help reset the person’s internal clock. Some people with summer SAD feel that their circadian rhythms run late, so they walk outdoors each day during summer at sunrise and look in the direction of the sun for 10 minutes. This is a simple practice that may lift spirits throughout the summer. There are no studies to back this up, so you may have to experiment for yourself to see if it benefits your circadian rhythm. 

Cold Temperature Treatment

If you are familiar with the Ice Man, also known as Wim Hof, then you understand the importance of the ice bath. Many people have embraced cold therapy for accelerated recovery, more energy, and reduced inflammation. Plunging into a cold bath shocks the body and has a therapeutic effect. In fact, many cold plunge enthusiasts agree that regular ice baths help to boost mood. Others report that cryotherapy has a similar effect, although that is much colder than an ice bath. Fill a tub with cold water and some ice next time you feel down and take a three minute plunge, taking care to breathe deeply throughout. You may love the results!

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The body’s core is the central stabilizing section of the body. It encompasses the pelvis, back, hips, and abdomen. The common mistake is thinking that core exercises are essential abdominal workouts. Sure, they can involve ab exercises, but core exercises work all the components of the core. 

If you work out regularly, you most likely incorporate some core movements into your workout routines. Developing a stronger core can actually help you execute other exercises more effectively and without restriction. Physical therapists note that a strong core can help improve balance and stability, two things that benefit you in your workouts and regular life. Ideally, though, a core-focused workout helps strengthen the muscles and connective tissues that support the spine. 

In order to make sure that you fully benefit from a core workout, incorporate all of the muscles in the core by engaging in various exercises. One core workout that a lot of people do is the sit-up or crunch. Both of those movements are not very effective at benefitting the core, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. 

Is Your Core In Shape?

What level is your core strength at? A great way to determine that is to do a plank. A high plank is the starting point for a push-up. Although there are variations of this classic plank, holding the high plank for a while can be challenging, as it involves maintaining a straight line from your head to your heels. If you cannot hold a plank for longer than 30 seconds, you may need to do a little core work. Ideally, you should be able to hold this position for one minute without feeling like you are about to collapse. 

There are many core workouts to choose from, but you’ll find three simple, yet challenging, ones below. If you execute them properly, you will help maintain a strong core and keep your back strong and happy. 

The Superman

No need to fly in the sky for this exercise! It is an excellent move to strengthen the lower back and is highly popular due to its effectiveness and simplicity. To do the exercise:

• Lie face down on your stomach and place a rolled-up towel under your hips for back support. 
• Extend your arms overhead and engage your lower abdominal muscles and gluteus muscles. 
• Take a few deep breaths before lifting your head, arms, and lower legs off the ground. Hold for 10 seconds and then rest. Complete a total of five times, resting for 30 seconds between each set. 

Supine Bridge

Many fitness enthusiasts love the supine bridge because it is a wonderful core-strengthening exercise. It targets the hips, abdominals, glutes, and back. To do the exercise:

• Lie flat on your back and bend your knees, planting your feet on the ground about six inches from your buttocks. You should be able to touch your heels with your fingertips. 
• Engage your glutes, drop your shoulders, and elevate your hips off the floor. Only your head, shoulders, feet, and arms should be on the ground. 
• Hold this position between five and 30 seconds before returning to the starting position. Complete two to three times, depending on how long you are able to hold the bridge. 

Abdominal Crunch On Stability Ball

This takes the abdominal crunch to a whole new level! Not only is this an effective way to strengthen your abdominal muscles, but it is also the safest. To do the exercise:

• Sit up straight on a stability/exercise ball and then walk your feet out away from you until your hips come off the ball. Your back should still be on the ball with your neck hanging slightly off. 
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands behind your head. Slowly crunch forward until your shoulder blades are fully off the ball. Hold for one second and then lower yourself back down in a controlled motion. 
• Complete a total of 10-15 crunches and then rest. You can complete one to three sets.

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There are many people who claim that they don’t even have time to stretch. If you have time to watch a show or check Instagram, you have time to stretch. It’s called multitasking, people. The easiest way to maintain a consistent stretching routine, however, is to do it as soon as you wake up. You want to know the best part? You don’t even have to get out of bed! Start stretching from the moment you open your eyes in the morning. 

There are bed-friendly yoga stretches that can help loosen up the body and get it ready for the day. Some may call these lazy stretches, but if this is the routine that motivates you to start stretching, you can’t knock it. Check out these highly feasible moves that you can do before you even brush your teeth!

Lying Tree Pose

No need to balance on one leg in the lying down version of this classic yoga pose. Slide down on your bed until you can raise your arms overhead without hitting the headboard. Raise your arms overhead and bend your right leg, drawing your right foot up until it is near your left knee and inner thigh. Allow your right knee to fall out to the side and place the sole of your right foot on your inner thigh and knee. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then repeat on the other side. 

Spinal Twist

This is a great stretch to do, especially if you wake up with some lower back or glute pain. Extend your arms out to the sides, forming a “T” with your body. Bend your left leg and draw your knee toward your chest. Aim to keep your back flat on the bed as you cross your left leg over your right to bring it down toward the bed. You can use your right hand to aid this process, but don’t twist so much that your back is not flat. You should feel a stretch along your left glute and lower back. Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat on the other side. 

Heel Slides

Aiming to activate the hamstrings and glutes, heel slides can help wake up your lower body in the morning. Lie flat on your back and raise your arms overhead. Bend your right knee, but do so in a controlled motion, sliding your right heel up as far as you comfortably can. Complete five repetitions and then switch sides. 

Lying Hamstring Stretch

Lie flat on your back and bend both knees, planting your feet about six inches away from your buttocks. Straighten your right leg and raise your foot up toward the ceiling. Ideally, keep your foot flexed with the sole of your foot parallel to the ceiling. Flexing your foot helps deepen the stretch in the calf and hamstring. You can reach your hands around your right hamstring to help hold your leg up, but also to draw it closer to you for a deeper stretch. Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat on the other side. 

Reclining Pigeon Pose

This is the last stretch in the sequence and it’s excellent for relieving tightness in the lower back and glutes. Lie flat on your back and bend your knees, planting the soles of your feet about six inches away from your buttocks. Bend your right knee out to the side and place the outside of your right ankle just above your left knee. Interlace your fingers around your left hamstring and pull until you feel a stretch along your right glute and hip. Press your right knee away from you to deepen the stretch. Hold for 10 seconds and then switch sides.

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On average, a person spends one-third of their life sleeping, equating to an average of 26 years. What’s even more impressive is that a person spends an average seven years trying to get to sleep during their lifetime. What is so special about sleep and why is it integral to your overall health? Additionally, are there nighttime habits that negatively impact your sleep, or make it harder to fall asleep? 

Sleep impacts how well you focus during the day and can influence what you eat, how you think, and more. Trying to reduce the amount you sleep in order to get more things done in the day is ill-advised. Short sleepers (those who sleep minimal hours per night) make up about one to three percent of the population. The rest of you who want to sleep less are only putting your health in jeopardy. 

There are many things you can do at night for better sleep, but what about the things you shouldn’t do? If your sleep is suffering, one of the following habits could be to blame. Sleep experts want you to avoid these common habits that interfere with your sleep. 

Drinking Alcohol

It’s true that a glass of wine or cocktail before bed can help you doze off faster. Nervous system specialists agree that alcohol can negatively affect overall sleep quality. Alcohol can make you feel like you are getting deeper sleep, but it causes problems with sleep architecture. Sleep experts explain that alcohol primarily affects the second half of sleep, so you spend less time in REM sleep. Alcohol also has diuretic properties, so it can cause you to wake up and use the restroom in the middle of the night. 

Delaying Bedtime

It’s common to have a night when your bedtime is later than usual. Perhaps you went to see a movie, concert, hung out late with friends, or you wanted to catch one more episode of a new series. The urge to stay up late and put off bedtime is sometimes referred to as “revenge bedtime procrastination.” This can lead to chronic fatigue overtime, according to sleep experts. A 2014 study found that bedtime procrastination is related to general reports of insufficient sleep that extend beyond self-regulation. Basically, you just have to go to bed at a reasonable hour and your morning self will appreciate it. 

Getting Into Bed Before You Are Ready For Sleep

Sleep experts explain that the optimal time to get into bed is when you are ready to fall asleep. There is no sense in lying down before you are tired. If you cannot fall asleep, you should try again when you are really sleepy. That way, you can feel more confident in your ability to fall asleep. Just make sure you don’t do anything to get in the way of feeling tired. 

Eating A Late Dinner

It’s true that eating too close to bedtime can interfere with proper digestion, which can negatively affect sleep. Your circadian rhythm, though, loves routine, which is why it’s best to eat dinner at roughly the same time every night. Ideally, eat dinner more than three hours before your bedtime. Late-night eating can affect metabolic health and make it more difficult to stay asleep once you fall asleep. Research suggests that eating dinner at roughly the same time every night can benefit your body’s internal clock, which benefits your sleep. 

Staring At Your Screen

This should not come as a surprise, but it is a very common bedtime habit. Scrolling through social media, watching YouTube videos, or streaming a movie or show on your laptop before bed can affect circadian rhythm and melatonin production, due to the blue light that screens give off. If you experience difficulty falling asleep and have a screen habit in bed, try to ditch the screen and opt for a book instead. Sleep experts suggest avoiding screens for at least one hour before you go to bed to ready your brain and body for sleep. 

Cranking The Heat

According to sleep studies, the optimal bedroom temperature for high-quality sleep is about 65-68 degrees Fahrenheit. The body temperature naturally dips just a little when you get ready for bed, so a warm bedroom is not ideal for sleep. Heat exposure ultimately decreases REM sleep and slow wave sleep, in addition to increasing nighttime wakings. Depending on the time of year, you will have to adjust your thermostat or open up windows to set the stage for a somewhat chilly sleep environment.

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To address this straight out of the gate, building arm strength does not mean that you have to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime. You do not need to do 2,500 bicep curls and 4,000 tricep extensions. There are many yoga poses that work to tone your arms using your own bodyweight. 

There are many yoga poses that can help you build arm strength, but we are only covering five of them in this article. They are great introductory poses for strength training. Once you build up stamina and more strength, you can practice poses that are a little more advanced. Get creative and incorporate some of these static poses into your workout routines. Not only do they target your arm muscles, but they also activate your core. Be strong and carry on!

Plank Pose

This is one of the most classic arm-strengthening poses out there. Plank pose activates most muscle groups, from your head to your toes. Keep your core tight and back straight as you practice this pose. To do the pose:

• Begin on all fours in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. 
• Spread your fingers and press your palms firmly into the ground or yoga mat. Step your feet back and tuck your toes, engaging your lower abdomen and glutes as you do this. 
• Lengthen the spine and imagine a straight line from your head to your heels. Hold for five deep breaths and then release. You can repeat this pose again after resting for one minute. 

Bear Pose

Similar to plank pose, bear pose activates most of your major muscle groups to keep you stationary. Don’t let your hips sag and keep your back straight by engaging your chest and shoulder muscles. To do bear pose:

• Begin on all fours in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. 
• Press your palms firmly into the ground and tuck your toes. Engage your core as you lift your knees off the ground, just enough to hover them above the floor. 
• Root your hands and toes into the ground while lengthening your spine. Hold for five deep breaths and then rest. 

One-Legged Plank Pose

We aren’t getting to handstands yet, people. You have to harness the power of your core in combination with your arms before you start inverting yourself. To do the one-legged plank pose:

• Begin in a plank position (refer to the first yoga pose description).
• Once you are in plank position, elevate your left leg up so that it is in line or slightly higher than your head. Do not twist your body; rather, keep your hips square to the ground and press firmly into the ground for support. 
• Actively press against the floor to lift your chest away from it. Hold for five deep breaths before you switch sides. 

Side Plank

Get ready for the most intense pose in this article. The side plank targets single arm strength and is a classic gym exercise that also targets the obliques. It is a solid strengthening position with the full load of the body supported by one arm. To do the pose:

• Begin in a side plank pose as described above. Start on your right side and place your hand on the ground directly under your shoulder. Stack your left leg on top of your right and hold a firm position. 
• If you need a little extra support, feel free to lower your right knee to the floor. You can also stagger your legs so that your left foot is in front of your right foot on the ground. 
• Press firmly into your right hand and reach your left hand up toward the sky. Rotate your torso to the left and direct your gaze toward your fingertips. 
• Lift your hips away from the floor and hold for five deep breaths. Rest and switch sides. 

One-Legged Downward Dog

For the final pose in the sequence, you have another one-legged pose. You probably know of downward dog, but this pose is a notch above in regards to difficulty. It makes a little more work for your arm muscles, as you have to support more weight. To do the pose:

• Begin on all fours in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. 
• Walk your hands forward one palm’s length  and tuck your toes under. Lift your knees off the floor, tipping your pelvis forward slightly to stretch your sit bones toward the sky. 
• Straighten your legs as much as you comfortably can while keeping both your feet planted on the ground. Drop your shoulders and widen your back as you press your hands firmly into the ground. 
• Shift your weight to your right side and float your left leg up toward the sky. Keep your hips square and don’t rotate to one side. 
• Evenly distribute your weight between both hands and hold for five deep breaths. Bring your left leg down, rest for five breaths, and then repeat on the other side.

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