Just like a healthy diet and exercise, sleep plays a vital role in physical health, brain function, and emotional wellbeing. Therefore, it's essential to be optimally charged every morning to have the drive to power through your day.
Here are some ways you can optimize your sleep and manage your energy throughout the day:
- Determine your bedtime. Decide what time you need to wake up and then count back eight (or more!) hours. This is the time you should be in bed and ready to go to sleep. Sticking to the same sleep schedule will help your body find its natural rhythm and settle into a regular cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up.
- Have an evening ritual. You should begin your evening ritual about one hour prior to bedtime. This time is called the "twilight hour." Ensure that all chores or work are wrapped up and all family matters are resolved before your twilight hour. Once everything is settled focus on winding down with relaxing activities such as taking a hot bath or journaling about your day.
- Create an optimal sleep environment. Your bedroom should be dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Try blackout curtains to block out light or even try a white noise machine to mask ambient noises and other external sounds.
- Have a morning ritual. Like your evening ritual, having a morning routine can start your morning off right. After eight solid hours of sleep, your body and mind will be prepared for an optimal day. Some things you may include in your morning ritual are a healthy breakfast, a morning walk, or a meditation session.
- Restore your energy during the day. There are several methods to help restore your energy levels if you're feeling tired during the day. For example, try deep breathing, stretching, listening to music, or engaging in a lively conversation with a colleague or friend to boost your alertness.
Feel free to reach out to me if you are seeking additional support and guidance as you continue your journey to optimal health and wellbeing.
