Saturday, November 29, 2008

BEATING BAD HABITS

I have always been wary of sleeping pills. I believe there are natural ways of having a good nights sleep. Of course anxiety, worry, fears, discomfort and tension, reduce the chance of a good nights sleep, but I feel that people need to be more aware of what their individual needs are. It is no good to take the advice of one of the gals at the Lunch Club, or a fellow bridge or tennis friend. You need to know why you need a pill.. You must consult with your Doctor. The gal at the Pharmacy does not treat you and has no idea what medication you are swallowing. Each person has their own needs….find out what yours are

You, might need to supplement your eating program with multi vitamins, minerals and special tonics. Some times we have a need of iron, Vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. If you have been on a course of antibiotics, you might need a yogurt a day and some vitamins. Your protein levels and sodium might need correction. So be in touch with the Doctor and Nutritionist. Kids and older folks need special care and regular visits for check ups to the Doctor and Dentist.

Sleep needs special conditions. You must be tired. No good going to sleep if you have energy and are wide awake. Read, bake a cake, tidy a drawer, mend something, call a friend, or reorganize the fridge. Make a few notes of what you need to do, what you need to fetch and attend to. Leave all the bits and pieces on paper, and not floating in your head.

Have a hot bath. Rub two drops of lavender oil, , on your warm shoulders. Dry your feet well and massage a cream on them. Buff your nails and use a night cream.
Sit down and breathe deeply for five minutes. Just in and out, at a pace that is good for you.
Skip flicking the TV channels before bed. Do not play on the computer and do emails when you are ready to go to bed.
Read something relaxing, poetry, love-notes and fun things.
Make sure you have not eaten a snack or a meal a while ago. You need to stop eating a few hours before bedtime. Large, late night dinners, alcohol and heavy desserts can only add to sleepless nights.

Cut out all the caffeine drinks, soda pops and weird concoctions filled with junk. At night there are good drinks like Chamomile tea.

These are a few I suggest:

Honey and Lemon Tea. Boil the water and add a teaspoon of honey, and some mint leaves and a slice or two of lemon. Great in the morning too.

Cinnamon Treat. I boil the water and pour two thirds of water into a large cup, add a little cinnamon powder. You will adjust it to your taste. Then I add a little honey and milk to the top. This is a great TV tea, a warm drink for people who cannot have too much milk. It is good for the kids.

Cloves, mint and honey. When we had toothache, my Mom always gave us a special tea. Boiling water, tea in it and four to five cloves. Let it stand for ten minutes and drink this great tasting brew. This can be drunk cold and used as a compress on cotton wool for sore teeth and gums. You can rinse the mouth with it too.

Lemon and Herb Tea. We drink FORTUNE DELIGHT in one of the flavors according to the season. There is Natural, Lemon and Cinnamon. Have a glass of cold or warm water, add and mix Great for the digestive system. You can add natural sugar SUNNYDEW, the Stevia sweetener.

Chocolate Drink. This is great for the kids to prepare. Warm up some Soya, Rice, Almond or ordinary milk. Add a chocolate and stir. There is place for a cookie with a chocolate drink. Remember to brush the teeth after the treat.

Grapefruit and Honey Drink.
We have organic grapefruit in the garden a Jeff always made this Grapefruit drink. It is an excellent way to reduce caffeine drinks. Just squeeze a grapefruit into a tall glass, and add some honey and fill up with boiled water. We always leave the spoon in the glass, as we were taught that the glass won't break with a spoon in it. I often make a large jug for guests on a wintry night and it is a good start to a meal. Apple cider is also a fun warm drink.

Finally, clear the mind, tidy all thoughts and allow the body to relax. Make sure the bed has ample warmth, that the cushions are aired and switch off all electrical buzz and unnecessary plugs around you. Place the cell phone and alarms, a distance away from your body. Have appropriate lights and if you need a night light, just have a small one.

I have always tuned in to the powers that be and meditated for peace, loving kindness and a better world. Thanks for the day, the things we have and the vision of a good nights sleep, are the way to nod off. Have a peaceful sleep and wake up refreshed and energized, healed and ready for the day.

Love and light RONA

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Rona, I love your blogs. See you soon
Mariana