If you're constantly on the go, sometimes your to-do list can get overwhelming. And let's face it, more deadlines often means more stress. But at Mattress Firm, we know all of the best ways to scale down your stress... starting (of course) with a good night's sleep.
Aimed at increasing awareness for both the causes and cures for modern-day stress, Stress Awareness Month is a time to reflect on your current state and seek solutions to reduce your overall anxiety.
From meditation to calming products to quality sleep, there are a myriad of things you can do to improve stress naturally. Try a few of our favorites below, and make this month your most stress-free month yet.
Improve Deep Sleep
One proven way to significantly diminish your stress is to improve deep sleep. Deep sleep, or REM sleep, can be difficult to achieve when accompanied by stress.
So you may wonder how to improve deep sleep...
For starters, practice sticking to a consistent bedtime routine. This will get your brain in the mindset that it's time to go to bed. If you feel your sleep quality still isn't improving, the answer could be right under your pillow. There's nothing that gets in the way of a good night's sleep like an old mattress. If you're tossing and turning, and can't remember the last time you replaced your mattress, consider taking a trip to your nearest Mattress Firm.
Indulge in Essential Oils
Nothing is more soothing than falling asleep to a calm, relaxing scent. Using essential oils for sleep can help ease you into a peaceful state and reduce feelings of tension or stress. Smells like lavender and chamomile can help with insomnia by calming the mind and reducing anxiety.
Aromatherapy with essential oils can be used for a variety of purposes, but focus on how they can be used to relax body and prepare your mind for sleep. Try out these scents in your bedroom with a diffuser as one of the best natural remedies for insomnia and stress.
Get Moving
Exercise is a great natural way to help manage the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Just by getting out and taking a fast paced walk or jog, your body actually lowers its stress hormones — like cortisol. Exercise also releases endorphins, which improve your mood and even act as natural painkillers.
Experiment with Guided Meditation
Another helpful way to reduce stress is through guided meditation. Taking a few minutes out of your hectic day to focus on relaxation can make a huge difference. Meditation is one of the best ways to tame anxiety, as it can help you relax in the moment while also focusing on long-term improvement and peace of mind.
Not only can you use meditation to help you overcome a stressful situation, but you can also use guided meditation sleep improvement methods. Listening to a calming voice and practicing deep breathing can slow down your heart rate and relax your body — two important ways to wind down before bed. And these days, meditation is easy to access with podcasts, apps and music available right on your phone.
This month, make an effort to reduce your anxiety and get more sleep this month. Whether you are testing our your new diffuser or downloading a meditation app, try these simple techniques for a relaxing, well-rested month.