Want optimal brain health? Don’t skip this.

Fun fact! 

Sleep doesn’t only give you energy, boost your metabolism, and help with weight loss…

🔥 Sleep is essential for neuroplasticity 🔥

Neuro what? (you may be asking)

Neuroplasticity means that our brain cells have the ability to reorganize and create new connections—like rewiring. 

It’s how people recover function after a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, and it’s also how we train the brain for optimal function as we age 🧠

Research shows that during sleep, microglia become active in the brain, repairing damage, making new connections, and supporting neuroplasticity. 

💫Pretty awesome if you ask me. 

Are you interested in optimizing your brain function as you age? 

👉Just remember that sleep should be part of the strategy. 

If you learned something from this post, be sure to like ❤️ and follow for more! 

When Worry Gets in the Way of Sleep...

Too anxious to sleep?

People struggle with sleep for all different reasons, but if you’re one who can’t stop the thoughts and the worries, this post is for you.

💞 If this is you, let me know in the comments 💞

Here’s the thing:

Our minds respond to PHYSICAL inputs (like nutrients & foods) and also MENTAL inputs (like journaling, taking a bath, or other bedtime routines).

I love *chamomile tea* because it sends the body both of these types of signals.

✅ Chamomile has long been used in herbal traditions to calm the nervous system and support relaxation.

✅ Taking the time to sit and sip a cup of tea sends a message to the brain that it’s time to transition to calm.

Chamomile is generally safe except in the case of allergies. It’s in the same plant family as ragweed, which is a common allergen so be aware.

What do you think? Will you try it?

Steal this Sleep Secret 🤫

🌱 Sleep tip!

One thing I love to nerd out about is natural products. When it comes to sleep, lavender essential oil is one natural option with research to back it.

📚One study found that college students who wore a chest patch containing lavender essential oil had better sleep and ☀️woke up feeling more refreshed ☀️

Raise your hand if you want some of that ✋

Lavender essential oil is calming and stress relieving. Here are some ways to use it for better sleep:

▪️Apply a small amount to the wrists & temples

▪️Apply to the soles of the feet before bed

▪️Use in an aromatherapy diffuser

▪️Add to a warm bath before bed

LIKE this post if you needed to hear this today ❤️

Foods to Help You Sleep 🍒

✨ Foods that help you sleep ✨

I don’t recommend eating right before bed. It can disrupt digestion, slow your metabolism, and contribute to weight gain.

But if you find yourself feeling hungry early in the evening and want a snack that will support better sleep, here are some backed by science:

🥜Foods high in magnesium (to calm the nervous system):

Oats

Almonds

Cashews

Chia Seeds

🥣 Foods containing tryptophan (to make serotonin):

Pistachios

Sesame Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds

Cottage Cheese

🍒 Foods that support melatonin production:

Kiwis

Oranges

Bananas

Pineapples

Tart Cherry Juice

Do you have a favorite evening snack? Let me know in the comments! ⤵️