TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

NEW MONTH-NEW TIP THEME. 31 DAYS TO LESS STRESS.
Reach Out. Develop a network of friends and family who you can rely on and confide in. Call or visit them when you need to talk or vent. By sharing and listening, they will help you calm down. This is one of the things that Dr. Phil thinks is so important in weight loss. I know for me this blog and staying closer to all of you is really a big help for me. I really feel like I can lose the weight this time because I am not doing it alone. So a big thank you to all of you for your help, love and support.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY THE LAST DAY OF SEPTEMBER

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. Lifestyle changes alone may help you sleep better, but talk with your health care provider if you continue to experience problems. It seems every time we get a month of tips from sparkpeople, one tells us to see the doctor, one tells us to avoid caffeine and one tells us to drink more water. I am not sure what the next ones will be but chances are these three things will be included so maybe they are important. Think about it.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

PRACTICE YOGA. Doing yoga, which combines meditation and relaxation, can help relieve insomnia, according to recent studies. Try a few sessions per week, or buy a video to use in the privacy of your own home. I thought yoga was just for very skinny, nimble women. I can't picture me doing it. Not at this stage of my dieting
anyway.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

SOAK UP THE SUN. Light and dark can help regulate your sleep cycle. Get plenty of sunshine for bright light in early morning, but keep lights low closer to bedtime. I am guessing that this is the reason people love and are encouraged to walk in the mornings. Makes sense.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

START A ROUTINE. Your body will associate a series of events-an evening snack, warm bath, and reading in bed, for example-with sleep. Stick with a bedtime routine as much as possible. I have two regular routines. one, if Calvin is home we go to bed at 9 PM, because it is 9 PM and two, if Calvin is gone I stay up until I can't keep my eyes opened anymore and then I can sleep. At my age you just don't change.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

FOLLOW YOUR NOSE. Some fragrances may affect mood and promote health. Lavender and chamomile scents can be soothing and relaxing. Try scented candles, body wash, or room spray before bed. I have a terrible cold this week and can't smell anything, but I do love the soothing smells of lavender.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

DON'T EAT TOO LATE. Stop eating at least three hours before your scheduled bedtime. This will prevent heartburn, digestion and energy boosts that can prevent you from catching your ZZZZs. This makes sense to me and something I should have thought of on my own. Since dieting I have tried very hard to not eat after 6 PM. It doesn't always work but most days it does and I feel better when I stop then.