When I sleep well, I feel and function well.
This is what I do for a good sleep in reverse order:
- I make sure I am asleep before midnight. When I fall asleep after midnight, the sleep is not so deep and short.
- Before going to bed I meditate. The meditation can be as simple as sitting in a dark quiet place with closed eyes. It is important to sit without support, otherwise you fall asleep. It is important not to move - this leads to physical relaxation. It is important to focus the attention on the breath - this relaxes the mind. There are way deeper forms of meditation but they are not required for a good sleep.
- Before meditating I read paper books. This is not required. I just love it. It also helps me fulfill the commandment of studying the Torah. It is important not to read off an electronic device in order to relax the mind. It is important to read something unrelated to the daily activity. For example, I do not read anything related to my profession, although I love it.
- Before reading and meditating I stretch. It just puts all the bones in place.
- Before stretching I walk with my dog.
- Before the walk I work out. This is the best reset after the stresses of the day. I love to do Aikido, bouldering and swimming. But it can be anything where you sweat and lose breath.
So the routine is:
- workout
- dog walk
- stretching
- reading
- meditation
- nighty night
This routine
- removes the stress of the day (mostly thanks to the workout)
- switches me from the external world to my quiet inner space. It is important not only to make money, buy material objects, hang out with friends but also to take care of the body and give body, heart, mind and soul their quiet time.
This routine is good even if the day has been spent in complete rest because even after a relaxing day one still must sleep well.
A few words about sleeping itself. Sleeping can be a dark unconscious pit where we fall for the mind reset. But it can also be a sequence of bright lucid dreams, astral travel and deep meditation. But even so, in order to have these experiences one must get accustomed to good quality sleeping first.
If you like what I've written, remember, it's all up to you!
Enjoy
