iFit Sleep App

World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 each year. This globally recognized day is focused on raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. Research shows that exercise may have a positive effect on your overall mental health. We all know the feeling of pride and accomplishment after completing a workout, but focusing specifically on your mental health is another way to improve your overall well-being. At iFit, we know that a strong mind is just as important as a strong body. That’s why we have introduced several series that are focused on mental health to help you strengthen your mind through motivational messages, meditation practices, and even a series focused on quality, restful sleep. Here are some of the wellness series available in the iFit Library: In this series, you’ll walk with sports psychologist and iFit Guide Dr. Jarrod Spencer. He’ll explain the mental health issues athletes often struggle with, like anxiety, depression, anger, confidence, vision, hurdles, and energy. He’ll provide you with tools to conquer these issues, along with stories of famous athletes, including Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Stephen Curry, and Landon Donovan. Join this Series In this audio series, iFit Guide Kevin Courtney will guide you through basic practices of meditation that are intended to generate a calm and stable mind. As the series progresses, Kevin introduces more advanced techniques to enhance focus, cultivate awareness, and ultimately help you find your way to a bright, luminous mind. Join this Series This unique series with iFit Guide Jason Stephenson will help you slow down at the end of the day and peacefully transition to healing rest. He will help you overcome loud subconscious thoughts, calm your mind, and enter a deep state of tranquility. Join this Series iFit Guide Dr. Shauna Shapiro will lead you through six mindful walks, teaching you science-based practices of mindfulness and self-compassion. Her goal is to rewire your brain to bring about lasting change that can help transform your life. You'll learn specific practices to help you improve your sleep, increase your body positivity and self-esteem, and cultivate greater coping tools to manage your stress. Join this Series We hope you’ll join our iFit Guides for these unique, enlightening series, focused on your mental health and well-being.

Would you rather burn the midnight oil than rise and shine before the sun? Regardless of your natural tendencies, it is possible to become a morning person! A few small shifts in your mindset and your routine can help you on your way to enjoying everything the morning has to offer. Here are some tips to get you started. Humans are creatures of habit and changing your current routine won’t happen overnight. Consistency is key! Be patient and find small ways to “trick” yourself into enjoying the morning as you get started. Try scheduling a workout for the morning and set out your workout gear the night before. When your alarm goes off, you’ll just need to get dressed and get going! A full night’s rest (that’s at least 7 hours of sleep!) is not only key to your overall wellness, but it will make rising and shining much easier. Shift your bedtime to accommodate waking up earlier, and you’ll be ready to take on the morning. The best part about waking up early? It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the quiet and think about your personal goals. Try a meditation practice first thing or journaling to write down your intentions, so you can take on the day. It was philosopher Lao Tzu who said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” If your goal feels too big or daunting, break it down into smaller steps to stay motivated. Start by waking up early two days a week, then gradually work your way up to five days. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was your morning routine! Be open to finding ways to motivate yourself and establish a lasting way to enjoy the morning. Consistency takes time, so give yourself grace as you take steps toward becoming a morning person. Once you’ve successfully conquered the morning, take some time to celebrate! Buy that new piece of workout gear you had your eye on or head to our Facebook community to share your accomplishments and encourage others on their journey.

Imagine this: You climb into bed at night and within minutes of closing your eyes, you drift off soundly without any interruption. If this doesn’t sound like you, you’re not alone. Adults need a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night for optimal health and well-being, but most aren’t even coming close. Starting a solid sleep schedule can be daunting, but we are here to help! Make it your goal to take control of your health and happiness by following our better sleeping steps below. Revamp your room. Keeping your bedroom cool and dark will promote the best sleep, so turn down the heat and pull the shades or wear a sleep mask to create a sleep-inducing environment. You could also repaint your room in cool, calming tones or add an essential oil diffuser to emit your favorite relaxing scents. Avoid stimulants. It’s time to put down that late afternoon cup of coffee. Stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine contain chemicals that can interfere with sleep and should be avoided for at least 4–6 hours before bed. You should also avoid looking at your phone or watching TV right before bed since blue light from the screens of electronic devices overstimulates the mind. Relax and unwind. A relaxing routine primes your mind for sound slumber. You can try taking a warm bath, reading a book, or relaxing with a restorative yoga session. There are many apps available, like Headspace and Calm, to teach you mindful meditation, helping you relax. Exercise early. Exercising regularly can increase sleep quality by helping you spend more time in deep sleep, which is the most restorative. But limit the type of exercise you do within 3 hours of bedtime, so you don’t get too energized to fall asleep. Be consistent. We challenge you to practice these strategies each night. Once you become a sleeping pro, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without your sleep routine!