How To Get Good Sleep

Martial Arts and Meditation

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How to get good sleep is a question I answer on a daily basis, and there are a number of variables and parts to the answer. Relaxation plays a key part in sleep, but many of us find it difficult to relax, and in truth, the modern day definition of relaxation is a far throw from what it should be.

Meditation, yoga and certain martial arts comprise practices aimed at not just relaxing the mind, but centering the mind and truly releasing the mind from its prison of thoughts and emotions. There are a number of ancient disciplines capable of helping you achieve this, including Tai Chi, self hypnosis and traditional Tibetan meditation. However, let me tell you about my experience with an ancient Chinese Martial art which has taught me how to centre my mind.

Some years ago I started learning an ancient Kung Fu system called Wing Chun. Wing Chun Kung Fu is a close quarter Chinese fighting system brought into the media spotlight by movie star legend Bruce Lee. It was taken from China to Hong Kong in 1949 by Grandmaster Yip Man, but actually invented by a Shaolin nun named Ng Mui.

Wing Chun does not rely on force and teaches the pupil to effectively reverse size and strength against an opponent. Utilizing speed, energy and 6 forms (systems) - 3 empty handed forms, 2 weapon forms and a Wing Chun Dummy form, Wing Chun is based around speed, balance and energy.

How Do Martial Arts Teach You How To Get Good Sleep? 

Wing Chun is a difficult art to master taking between 7-10 years to become competent in all application.. As you can imagine, learning Wing Chun forced me to develop my body-mind in a uniquely powerful way and the practice translated to skills I never had before. So what does this have to do with sleep? I hear you ask…everything!

I took a break for a few years and returned to learning the art-form last year – since then I have been training approximately 4 times per week for 2 hours at a time and doing home study. I am not one to have my head in textbooks so the study of Wing Chun suits me just fine, and boy does it help my sleep. The mistake people make is thinking that Chinese martial arts are about kicking some ass – wrong! Fighting is to be avoided at all costs, the development of the mind, body and personal discipline are of far more importance than starting or participating in fights. These 3 things are exactly what we require to achieve good sleep. Therefore, if we can apply them in a hobby then we can apply them to our sleep routine.

Centre Your Mind For Better Sleep 

The 3 empty handed Wing Chun forms are fantastic tools for centering the mind and emptying stressful and negative thoughts. There's an infinite ocean of energy contained within Wing Chun that surpasses fighting, ego or aggression. Learning to harness this energy allows you to relax and remain calm whenever required. The mind is consistently challenged by the mastering of forms which contain a sequence of movements that must be executed with precise energy, breathing and motion. These forms can also be used to meditate and draw energy from the earth - commonly referred to as Chi.

Stay Focussed On Your Goal of Study

As I look at the training I've done as well as what lies ahead, I realize the path never ends. There is always something more to learn, and it's tough. Sometimes I think I might not ever make it, but whenever a thought like this comes to mind, I glimpse at the practice that lies before me and I expel those thoughts because they are not relevant now. All that truly matters is the form I'm practicing today; right now. All that matters is my next breath; my next move; my next mistake to correct.

The point I am making here is that focussing the mind and channelling our excess energy will help us all sleep better. Put simply, it is brain food and a distraction from the somewhat abnormal lives we continue to lead.

Be Disciplined With Your Sleep

Kung Fu (gong fu) means daily discipline or practice. So it's no surprise that if you have the mindset of daily discipline you can transport it to any other area of your life. This also applies to good sleep hygiene. Be disciplined with your sleep pattern and respect your sleep like you would your martial arts teacher – for sleep is the food of life and the brother of death.

Focussing on Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, or a similar art that centres your energy and relaxes your mind will not only improve your sleep but your mental and physical fitness, too.

In my particular case I've chosen to transport my excess mental energy into daily fitness and Wing Chun - what will you choose to get a better night’s sleep?

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