Sleep and Stress: Techniques to Unwind and Promote Relaxation
In our fast-paced world, stress has become an all-too-familiar companion. It can creep into our lives and disrupt our sleep, leaving us feeling tired and overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are effective techniques to help us unwind and promote relaxation, paving the way for a restful slumber. Here are a few tips to consider:
1️⃣ Bedtime routine: Create a consistent routine with calming activities like reading, bathing, or gentle stretches. Avoid electronic devices due to their interference with sleep hormones.
2️⃣ Deep breathing & meditation: Practice slow, deep breaths in a quiet space with closed eyes. Start with a few minutes of meditation daily and increase gradually.
3️⃣ Physical activity: Engage in enjoyable exercise like walking, yoga, or sports. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days.
4️⃣ Sleep-friendly environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Use comfortable bedding, a supportive mattress, and remove stressors like work-related items or electronics.
5️⃣ Relaxation techniques: Try progressive muscle relaxation, aromatherapy, soothing music, or gentle yoga poses. Release tension and prepare for a peaceful sleep.
Remember, it takes time to find what works best for you. Be patient and kind to yourself. By prioritizing relaxation and incorporating these techniques, you can reduce stress, unwind, and wake up refreshed.
Sweet dreams! ✨
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.1% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.