Since time immemorial, our forefathers developed a routine of life-based on these cycles. Most activities were performed during the daytime, and night-time was for rest. So the body acquired a rhythm of activity and rest, day and night. To be in tune with these cycles, they generally rose early. Still today, in villages in India, you can see people in the early mornings practising the traditional ritual offerings to the sun.
One thing leads to another
Rising early and being in sunlight leads to the production of serotonin, the happy hormone, which leads to melatonin production, which allows us to sleep well so that we wake up early and fresh the next morning. When this cycle is disturbed, we are prone to sleep problems and depression, two of the most significant maladies of the modern world.
This brings us to the importance of sleep. How well we sleep and how deeply we sleep determines our state of mind throughout the day. If we get the right amount of sleep, the right nostril will automatically be active in the morning. When we are fully alert in the morning, we naturally invite higher states of consciousness.
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Sleep: The choice is ours
To struggle with a disturbing, turbulent consciousness, or to cultivate a still clear awareness. When we are in tune with these rhythms, our consciousness and our overall health automatically improve.
What happens when we go to bed very late at night? We go against the natural rhythm, we swim against the current, and our decline in health over time speaks volumes. Starved sleep patterns result from irregular habits and late nights, and our immunity levels go down because our nervous system is under stress. When we are sleep-deprived, what happens in the morning? We are cranky and easily irritated with every little difference of opinion.
Those of us who want to excel in life will find a way to normalize sleep patterns. Otherwise, that one fundamental thing will elude us all our lives, and we will uproot our consciousness, the very guiding force, leaving ourselves vulnerable to emotionality and reactivity.
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Following tips can help in promoting proper sleep patterns:
- Have a balanced diet to promote sleep. Eat a well-balanced diet, especially for dinner to make sure that you get a sound sleep. Avoid eating fatty and fried food at night.
- Indulge in light exercises every day to ensure that your body doesn't feel lethargic and heavy
- A massage helps in relaxing the whole body. If you have had a long week at work, indulge in some pampering to promote proper sleep patterns.
- Music does help in inducing sleep. Listen to soothing sounds and notes to ensure that your mind is fresh. Any disturbance can lead to a disturbed sleep pattern.
So for those of you who want to feel carefree, light, relaxed and calm, experiment with your sleep patterns and breathing patterns. There is a great benefit in it. Please try it and see for yourself!
With inputs from Kamlesh D Patel, also known as Daaji. He is the spiritual guide of Heartfulness
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