The Sleep Challenge!
Hi my loves! Okay so I am going to jump right in and ask, are you getting enough sleep? Do you engage in healthy sleeping patterns? Before you answer, I would just like to quickly admit that I do not!
So I am truly a wellness advocate. You know the person who eats clean and exercises consistently. The one who is a firm believer in having a healthy mind, body and soul. But to be quite honest, I do not sleep as much as I need to.
But I am also a firm believer that’s it’s never too late to make a positive change! I think as individuals we possess great habits, but we also have some not so great ones too. Studies show that it takes a minimum of 21 days for an old mental image to dissolve and a new one to gel. This number comes from a widely popular 1960 book called Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon who noticed his patients seemed to take about 21 days to get used to their new faces.
So I am putting myself towards the forefront and I am going to test this concept. I am going to utilize 21 days to re-create a better sleeping habit.
Some of the benefits of sleep include:
Sleep may help prevent Cancer.
Sleep reduces stress.
Sleep reduces inflammation.
Sleep makes you more alert.
Sleep improves your memory.
Sleep may help you lose weight.
Sleep keeps your heart healthy.
Sleep may reduce your risk of depression.
Sleep helps your body to repair.
Now let’s talk a little bit about napping.
Napping isn't just for babies. Studies show that an afternoon nap is great for adults, too. A short nap in the mid-afternoon can boost memory, improve job performance, lift your mood, make you more alert, and ease stress. So I am challenging myself and you all beautiful people to take on the Sleep Challenge!
From 21st. January - 10th. February I am going to engage in sleeping for at least 7-9 hours. While sleep requirements vary slightly from person to person, most healthy adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function at their best.
So even though these hours sound marvelous, I am a woman, wife, mom, and just an individual who has many roles. But a wise lady once told me that a woman’s day never ends, but she has to be intentional about putting an end to her day. And I wholeheartedly agree!
Here are some ideas to implement to assist you with staying on track.
1. Setting a bedtime reminder.
You can do this by putting an alarm on your phone that simply reminds you to go to bed.
2. Turning off the television!
Okay I admit that I do indulge in watching Animal Planet, Food channel, and Some Fashion Program’s when I am in bed. But I am going to be intentional and turn that television set off when it’s time to go to bed.
3. Setting the mood.
A nice bath, some organic essential oils, prayer, peaceful music, an enriching read, and dimming the lights are all great ideas to set the mood.
4. Exercising
The fact is our bodies need to be active to feel the need for inactivity. The best example of this is seen in our kids. When our kids sit inside all day doing quiet activities and get minimal exercise, they have a harder time falling asleep. In contrast, when our kids get to swim, ride their bikes, or have lots of playground time, they fall asleep faster.
5. Invest in a comfortable bed set up.
This includes proper pillows, the right mattress, and the sheets your desire just to name a few.
Alright my loves! Let’s do this. Let’s keep each other accountable and work on re-creating better sleeping habits, and better habits in general.
Leave a comment below and let me know if you will be taking the challenge!
#peace #love #jewelg