Familiar, repetitive sounds induce sleep

Ocean sunset

As mentioned earlier, investing in quality sleep is one of the safest and and most durable health strategy.

Smooth, familiar and repetitive sounds produce drowsiness and sleep. Conversely, the lack of these tend to produce alertness and wakefulness.

Research shows sounds which effect a individual are dependent upon his environment. A city dweller may sleep with the steady rumble of traffic but he might find the sound of crickets to be too noisy. Someone who lives in the countryside might respond better to sounds of leaves stirred by gentle wind.

Plan 90mn of physical activity every week

As much as recovery or sleep are important, regular physical activity is required.

It improves blood circulation, weight, fights stress, depression and mood changes, as well as other vital metrics such as blood pressure and blood glucose. More intense exercise like running also release endorphins, which makes us feel generally better.

In short, exercise improves life quality.

Making sleep a priority

Too often, the focus is on being more active, look into new diets or exotic holidays.

These would bring energy, improve strength or cure depression.

The cornerstone of a sustainable and healthy body is quality sleep.

Get a day (or two) of rest

It’s not an accident that most philosophes and religions incorporate rest.

On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work

God is not lazy and has more to do. It’s the same for most workers, mums, or serious athletes. We always have more emails to read. There are always interesting side-projects. Or another personal record to reach out to. It makes sense that working hard another day will get you there faster. Social pressure will encourage those who give it all. They are the heroes of modern times. Yet, is it beneficial?

Listening to your body

Meditation to listen to your body

When faced with a health or body issue, the Internet, friends or various experts will tell you many and different diagnoses. It is important to listen what they have to say and inquire about possible solutions.

Yet, it is your job is to listen to your body on a continuous basis, not the doctor’s. Like Plato and the allegory of the cave, doctors and other experts can only see symptoms through proxies. Indeed, you tell about your symptoms in a certain way, tests are delayed and partial, and no-one didn’t live your life to know about your unique health history and identity.

Prefer Active Recovery to Rest

Active Recovery

Past burnout, fatigue, a sickness, or an athletic training, it’s tempting to stay in bed, watch TV, read a book or play a video game. That’s what most people think when doctors or mums recommend “rest”.

But it is better to follow an active recovery plan. You can improve blood circulation and increase oxygen brought to muscles and organs. You can decrease stress and get back in touch with friends. These shorten the number of days necessary to reach again your peak.

Get an activity tracker

Using a fitness tracker outdoors

An activity tracker is on your wrist and visible throughout the day. It reminds you everyday of your activity level and helps you reach basic fitness goals.

For those with office jobs, or who are working from home, it can be an eye opener on the lack of activity. A person working at home can in theory wake up, shower, have breakfast, work, have dinner and go back to sleep with less than 40meters walked. Compare to the usually recommended daily 10,000 steps!

You can compete against yourself and try to reach the daily 10,000 steps by walking to the office. You can also compare with friends. Most activity trackers have leaderboards and entice you to compete on who has the most weekly steps. It’s not unheard of to walk late in the night or on a Sunday just to be finish in the leaderboard.