Stress Less...and Sleep More
I don't know about you but I need all the help I can get to keep my head on straight during the holidays. During most of the year, I try to simplify my life. But something about December makes me want to embody the fictional character "Clark Griswold." I end up saying "yes" to every holiday event and even make up my own (office holiday party, anyone?). It's like a nervous tick! Can anyone relate?
And I have only myself to blame. I just want to create the best life for Maya that I can. For example, last Friday we went to ZooLights and rode the carousel and train. On Saturday morning we participated in the 41st year of a cookie baking party. That afternoon, Maya and I drove north to Chehalis, Washington to ride the Polar Express train. Then we finished our "Christmas Extravaganza" with a visit to the Grotto on Sunday. It was super fun and thankfully went smoothly!
As I mentioned above, I've got too much FOMO (fear of missing out) to decline activities, especially if they involve my daughter. So instead, I've been focusing on getting good, quality sleep. My goal is to sleep for 7 hours a night. To assist me, I take Natural Calm Magnesium powder two hours before I want to fall asleep. I've also installed black-out shades in my bedroom. I also wear an eye pillow and I turn on a white noise machine. This all may seem extreme but this routine has become a calming ritual for me...at least I've got some tools to set myself up for "sleep-success."
For more help, I've compiled a short list from the National Institutes of Health plus a tip or two from me. Apparently, improving sleep health is a something that many of us should strive for: 1 in 3 Americans don't get enough sleep. It's good to know that I'm not alone!
1. Maintain a sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
2. Have your last meal at least 3 hours before you go to bed.
3. Spend time outside every day. especially when the sun is out. The earlier you can do this, the better.
4. Keep your bedroom quiet, cool, and dark.
5. Use blue-light blocking glasses in the evening if you need to work on a screen.
For more detailed information, go here: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/your-guide-healthy-sleep
Finally, two things that might help you sleep better is having a place to write down and organize your schedule. Can you tell that I'm excited to share my newest products with you? Introducing the Keahi Health 2024 Wall Calendar complete with fun reminders to brighten your day and my new Keahi Health "Mini-Planner" with mandala coloring pages for stress-relief. You can purchase these at the clinic or I can ship them right to you!
As always, thank you for doing this with me!
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