Life in quarantine has changed everything. Hello sleeping in! In some ways it is nice to have a more relaxed routine, but it is still important to keep your body on a schedule, especially for sleep. Here are three tips for getting back on track with sleep.
1. Maintain a sleep schedule
What was your bedtime before the corona virus? Many students struggled with staying up late during the year, but now is a great time to build the habit of going to bed a little earlier. Finals are coming up and getting enough sleep will help you feel energetic and focused.
We all use alarms to wake us up, but have your tried using an alarm to remind you to go to bed? Alarms are a great way to keep you on schedule and limit your use of electronic at night. This will help you stay on schedule and stick to your bedtime routine.
It is so easy to hit the snooze button in the morning, but have you ever challenged yourself to get up on the first try? Getting up on the first alarm is a good way to start off your day strong. Instead of the blaring alarm noise, change your alarm to your favorite song. This is a great way to wake up happy and motivated to start your day!
2. Turn off devices
Many people use their phone or watch tv as part of their bedtime routine. However, this can decrease your quality of sleep and even make it harder to fall asleep. Try turning off your devices thirty minutes before you go to bed. Be sure to set you morning alarms ahead of time.
Social media had become increasingly important in quarantine to help us stay connected, but it is important that social media use does not interfere with your sleep. You can dedicate time in your day specifically to connect with your friends and family. Once it is time for bed, you can put your phone on your desk or somewhere away from your bed. This way you won’t be tempted to scroll through Instagram from bed.
Quarantine has given us the gift of extra time. Now is a great opportunity to start reading a new book or reread your favorite series. Reading is a great way to entertain yourself before bed without using electronics. Some of UCANs favorite books are Body Kindness: Transform your Health from the Inside Out- and Never Say Diet Again by Rebecca Scritchfield and Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program that Works by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch.
3. Get active during the day
Physical activity improves sleep. So what better way to improve your sleeping habits than to get moving! Plus, being active is a great way to take a break from studying. Physical activity in quarantine requires some creativity, but start thinking outside the box. For example, you can make obstacles or workout with your roommates!
There are lots of apps like FitOn with great workout ideas. You can try a new workout video on YouTube or find some new workout ideas on the NAU Fit Instagram page @nau_fit_program. Many fitness professionals are doing live workouts on social media so you can work out with people all over the world! Or you can try going for a walk after dinner. This is a great time to go for a quick walk and get outside. It keeps you active and helps your body get ready for sleep. Plus, it’s a great time to watch the beautiful Arizona sunset!
Sleep is one of the most important things you will do all day. The freedom of quarantine allows you to start building better sleep habits and help you feel well rested for your upcoming final exams.
Anna Whitley, Health Coach