The importance of a good night's sleep
Most people know that getting a good night's sleep is important, but few truly understand how vital at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night is.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for both our physical and mental health. It helps to boost our immune system, improves our mood and cognitive function, and reduces stress levels.
The benefits of good sleep on overall health and wellness
There are numerous physical health benefits associated with getting enough sleep.
It can:
boost your immune system.
repair tissue damage.
reduce inflammation.
regulate hormones.
regulate blood sugar levels.
control appetite-stimulating hormones.
improve your skin.
Sleep also plays a vital role in regulating mood and managing stress levels. It can:
reduce stress and anxiety.
improve our concentration and cognitive performance.
Boost your energy levels.
make it easier to cope with difficult situations.
help reduce the risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
If you're having trouble sleeping, try these tips:
Establish a regular sleep schedule.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Avoid screen time before bed.
Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet.
Take time to relax and clear your mind.
Make sure your bed is comfortable.
In conclusion, prioritizing sleep is one of the most effective ways to enhance your overall health and well-being. By understanding the profound impact that quality sleep has on both your body and mind, and by implementing healthy sleep habits, you can significantly improve your quality of life. So, take that step toward better health tonight by committing to a good night's sleep.
⚠️ DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS. If you love them, don't leave them. ⚠️
It's a message we share time and time again, and this year, we're calling on you to help us spread that message further.
Did you know that calls to SPCA about dogs left inside hot cars made up a whopping 11% of all welfare calls last summer? This is a completely preventable issue, and one which is causing hundreds of dogs (often loved pets) to suffer.
Here are some quick facts to share with the dog owners in your life:
👉 The temperature inside a car can heat to over 50°C in less than 15 minutes.
👉 Parking in the shade and cracking windows does little to help on a warm day. Dogs rely on panting to keep cool, which they can't do in a hot car.
👉 This puts dogs at a high risk of heatstroke - a serious condition for dogs, with a mortality rate between 39%-50%.
👉 It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress. You can be fined, and prosecuted.
SPCA has created downloadable resources to help you spread the message even further. Posters, a flyer, and a social media tile can be downloaded from our website here: www.spca.nz...
We encourage you to use these - and ask your local businesses to display the posters if they can. Flyers can be kept in your car and handed out as needed.
This is a community problem, and one we cannot solve alone. Help us to prevent more tragedies this summer by sharing this post.
On behalf of the animals - thank you ❤️
Would you like a free copy of our February 2025 issue?
Kia ora neighbours. We give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine. We're still on the hunt for tomato recipes, so send your family's favourite way to use up your homegrown harvest, to: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the mag