The human body needs sleep for optimal wellness
Guests at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua can experience a new program for the human body called “Sleep Fit” (see page 73 for more). Developed by Claudia Micco, mind-body-fitness director, its aim is to provide guests with a better understanding of themselves. “We’re offering them the tools,” says Micco. “If they want to continue the work at home, they’ll have the tools. They can look at what personal obstacles they need to overcome to improve the quality of sleep and therefore improve the quality of life.” Here, Micco shares her top sleep tips.
1. Develop sleep rituals. This releases the build-up of daily tension and builds a positive attitude as you prepare for sleep. Simple practices such as showering, bathing, stretching, journaling, relaxation, and yoga breathing can help your body prepare for a good night’s sleep.
2. Take time to wind down gradually. Dimming the lights or turning the TV or computer off one or two hours before going to bed can help.
3. Once you are in bed, welcome and surrender to sleep.
4. Explore any resistance to sleep. Give yourself permission to notice your thoughts without attaching a story to them.
5. Count your breaths. Inhale and exhale 1, inhale and exhale 2, and so on. If you lose count, begin again at 1.
6. If all else fails and you really can’t sleep, get out of bed for a while, but keep the room dimly lit and try some light reading. Stay away from the TV and computer!
7. Develop waking rituals. Practice waking up with a relaxed attitude. Wake up gradually and take a few moments to notice your surroundings.
8. Notice your in breath and your out breath as you wake up. Visualize a great day ahead!
9. Get rid of the annoying alarm clock; it will disrupt your whole day! Look for a Zen clock, or wake up to soft music.
10. Stick to healthy eating, moderate aerobic exercise, and drop the caffeine and alcohol for good night zzzz’s.