Did poor sleep affect your productivity in 2019? If so, now is the right time to change your sleeping habits for the best. As you may already know, sleep is essential to the growth of your business. A good night’s sleep keeps you healthy. Sleep and mood are also closely connected. After a sleepless night, you become vulnerable to stress.
This 2020, make it your top priority to improve your sleep quality. Don’t ignore it because it affects every aspect of your life! If you need help, I’ve rounded up eight tips for you.
8 Tips to Make Sleep a Priority This Year
1. Stop drinking caffeine in the afternoon.
Consume your favorite cup of coffee in the morning only. Yes, coffee is a great energizer and a luxury for most solopreneurs. The downside is, consuming it at the wrong time can affect your sleeping patterns. With that being said, enjoy your beverage responsibly!
2. Get natural sunlight each day.
If you want better sleep, get morning sunlight! Exposure to sunlight is associated with a release in serotonin. Serotonin is a precursor to melatonin, the main hormone for sleep. As soon as you wake up, get outside the house and greet the sun.
3. Take a warm shower before bedtime.
Taking a warm shower at night is a simple way to help your body relax. Research tells us that 1-2 hours before bed is an optimal time to take a shower. Avoid a too-hot shower because it has the opposite effect.
4. Write in a gratitude journal.
The idea of keeping a gratitude journal isn’t a new one. But here’s the thing: Journaling before bedtime forces you to dwell on positive things. As a result, you feel better and sleep better. Here’s a tip: Think about the small things that are worth appreciating, such as someone saying a kind word to you or a client who left a testimonial.
5. Workout regularly.
Exercise increases your body’s temperature. When that temperature drops, you naturally transition to sleep. Physical activity also serves as a natural painkiller since it stimulates the production of endorphins. If you’re crazy busy, I recommend exercising first thing in the morning. Set your alarm early. How about a coffee maker with a timer in your bedroom?
6. Use your bed for sleep only.
Do you run your business from home? Avoid working in bed. Your bed is for sleeping. In fact, you need to stay out of your bedroom unless you’re going to sleep. Dedicate an area for your home office space or consider joining a co-working space!
7. Watch a funny movie.
After a long and stressful day, it’s good to watch something that’ll boost your happiness. End your day smiling with a funny movie. By doing this, you avoid negative thoughts that only keep you up at night.
8. Meditate before bed.
Sleep meditation allows for a peaceful, restful night. Guided sleep meditations are widely available these days. They employ helpful techniques like deep breathing, visualization, silence, and gratitude.
Make Sleep A Higher Priority
These tips are sure to help you get quality sleep. A good night’s sleep is ten times more effective in taking your business to the next level than burning the midnight oil. Do you agree? If you’ve got thoughts and more sleep tips, leave us a comment!
