But loving and accepting ourselves just as we are is maybe the most valuable lesson exercise imparts. It's not about attempting to seem or be flawless. It's about realizing the incredible things our bodies are capable of, whether they be running, dancing, or just getting out of bed in the morning (Swami et al., 2008).
Perhaps the most important lesson exercise offers, though, is loving and accepting ourselves just as we are. It's not about trying to be perfect or appear to be. Realizing the amazing things our bodies are capable of—whether they be running, dancing, or just getting out of bed in the morning—is the key (Swami et al., 2008).
Everyone knows, I believe, how important sleep is. It does, however, much more than just leave us feeling rested. Let's look at how sleep might raise our happiness, IQ, and general wellness.
First off, sleep promotes healing of the body. While we sleep, our tissues mend, our muscles grow stronger, and our immune systems fortify. It is equivalent to giving our bodies time to recover and get ready for the next day (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, 2020).
But just as much as our bodies benefit from sleep, so do our brains. Sleeping helps our brains to integrate all we have learned during the day, which improves memory and problem-solving. So getting enough sleep can actually raise our IQ (Walker, 2017).
Surprisingly, sleep can also improve our happiness. It is possible to become cranky from sleep deprivation. But when we get enough sleep, we can more readily control our stress and stay upbeat. As such, sleep is like a secret weapon against bad feelings (Walker, 2017).
Still go, though! Critically important to our physical health is sleep as well. Our hearts are kept healthy, metabolism is regulated, and immunity is increased. As such, getting enough sleep can support our health and prevent disease (Harvard Health Publishing, 2020).
Of all the surprises, sleep can also support our ability to stay at a healthy weight! We look for bad food because sleep deprivation changes our hormones that control hunger. But when we sleep sufficiently, we may make wiser choices and control our weight more readily (Taheri et al., 2004).
Yet sleep benefits our minds just as much as our bodies! Sleeping helps our brains to integrate all we have learned during the day, which improves memory and problem-solving. So getting enough sleep can actually raise our IQ (Walker, 2017).
Surprisingly, sleep can also improve our happiness. It is possible to become cranky from sleep deprivation. But when we get enough sleep, we can more readily control our stress and stay upbeat. As such, sleep is like a secret weapon against bad feelings (Walker, 2017).
Still go, though! Critically important to our physical health is sleep as well. Our hearts are kept healthy, metabolism is regulated, and immunity is increased. As such, getting enough sleep can support our health and prevent disease (Harvard Health Publishing, 2020).
Of all the surprises, sleep can also support our ability to stay at a healthy weight! We look for bad food because sleep deprivation changes our hormones that control hunger. But obtaining enough sleep improves our weight management and decision-making (Taheri et al., 2004).
You can see how incredibly great sleep is! It keeps our wits sharp, our bodies strong, and even our spirits high. Go to bed the next time you're tempted to stay up late and remember all the amazing things sleep does for you. Give your body and brain thanks!