Do you rarely wake up rejuvenated, energized, and ready to take on the day? Restful sleep is imperative for attaining more energy and slowing down the aging process. Try these alternative approaches to remedy whatever may be hindering you from getting a peaceful night’s sleep.

Feng Shui
Feng shui is the ancient Chinese science that uses shapes, colors, textures, sound, light, symbolic imagery and the arrangement of furniture to adjust the energy of a home. A misaligned bedroom may block or weaken energy flow, making you feel tired, depressed, or unable to focus.

Energy tends to be stagnant near the walls of a room. Place your bed away from corners to avoid feeling stifled by the lack of space between the side of your bed and the wall.

Don’t put your bed next to a window, as it is thought in feng shui that the window drains out the good energy. Ideally, the window should be to the side of the bed so you can receive positive energy from the universe when you wake up.

When lying in bed you should have full view of the door, but the soles of your feet should not face the doorway. You may feel anxious if you are unable to see who is approaching the room, and overtime, it is thought that this could create an imbalance in the nervous system.

Get a House Plant
Studies show that houseplants are the best filters of common pollutants such as ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene. Hundreds of poisonous chemicals may be released by furniture, carpets, and building material and then trapped by closed ventilation systems. Plants absorb toxins and pollutants through their leaves and release oxygen. They provide cleaner air that prevents respiratory and allergic reactions caused by chemicals. Snake plants are a great low-maintenance house plant as they only need to be watered once a week and are available at home and garden stores. Keep them away from kids and pets because they are mildly toxic if eaten.

Grape Skin Powder
Grape skin powder contains melatonin and other anti-inflammatory polyphenols, making it one of the most powerful antioxidants. Get your nightly dose of grape skin powder by trying Dr. Oz’s Strawberry Sleep Smoothie two hours before bedtime. Strawberries contain melatonin, and bananas are rich in magnesium and potassium, which can lower blood pressure and help your body relax before you sleep.

Combine the following ingredients in a blender and enjoy:
  • 1 tbsp grape skin powder
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 banana
  • 4-5 ice cubes
Mantra
A mantra is a form of meditation that consists of the repetition of a word or a phrase. The practice of repeating certain words or phrases over and over in your mind counteracts thoughts that produce anxiety. Try this exercise if it is difficult to quiet your mind before bedtime. You can choose a neutral word with no particular significance or a word with pleasant connotations, such as peace, love or joy.

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