I often wonder why this generation underestimates the power of sleep, I mean, the chase for different life goals studies, wealth, careers, etc has even made most of us feel 24 hours isn't enough anymore, to meet our daily goals, we often sacrifice our sleep, Sadly, I also admit I've been guilty of this lifestyle so many times without number, that even when I try to take caution, I still end up in the same circle of prioritizing my job and other life's activities over sleep, not until mother nature really wants her debt paid back for all the sleep I have skipped and at that point, I have no power and no other choice than to give in fully to a good day and night sleep.
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Someone, would think I don't like sleeping, far from that, in fact, I love my sleep, sometimes when I try to get my children to take a nap, especially after school, they often want to disagree with me, I just laugh and shake my head because it also brings back memory of the time my mum would want me to take a nap and I wouldn't want to because I wanted to play more, those days where we didn't have to worry about anything, because all was provided for by our parents, now I can't have that luxury of sleep I was opportune with as a child if I sleep the way I desire, then poverty will come knocking on my doorstep, since can't do without being committed to our jobs, in that same vein, we should also be considerate of our health, and sleep is one free medicine nature has blessed us with to keep us refreshed and packed with so many benefits which most of us are not aware of, the reason why we take this generous gift of nature for granted.
It is important we give sleep its rightful place, as the natural body refresher, which keeps our overall well-being stable and the strength to catch up with the next life's activity, we shouldn't view sleep as one of our daily tasks that we can either make up time for it or not, it should be one of of our compulsory duty. Not only is quality sleep absolutely vital for basic survival, but taking charge of it'd benefits help us boost our physical, cognitive, and mental superpowers that elevate human performance and quality of life in remarkable ways.
The Staggering Impact of Sleep on Overall Health
When we think of core healthy habits like nutrition and exercise, most of us understand the vital role they play in our physical health. But sleep is arguably an even more powerful determinant of our overall well-being. Do you know that not having enough sleep could be a causative agent for obesity, and also puts one at a high risk of other health challenges like diabetes, lower immune system, and the one most ladies fear the most, not having enough sleep can accelerate aging process, no wonder one can easily tell when you are sleep deprived.
Knowing the damage to one’s health lack of sleep can cause, it is high time getting enough sleep is being taken more seriously than ever as it is also a catalyst for optimum performance in whatever we do.
Having high-quality sleep needs to become a non-negotiable part of our daily routine, When we've optimized our sleep, there will be improved productivity in virtually every area of our mental, physical, and cognitive performance. We become happier, more energized, and more creative
Viewing sleep as something to intentionally need to sacrifice for productivity is like trying to run a none charged device, meaning it can lead to total failure or loss, at the end of the day, which we often refer to as burn, out, Not only does it risk stalling our growth and deteriorating our health, but we'll never reach our true potential or get the most out of our daily pursuits. In my job as a fashion designer, whenever I get exhausted. I don’t force it anymore because I know there will be lots of errors if I do. So I just take a break to sleep and eat, and I come back with more energy, creativity, and passion to finish up my project, compared to if I had to force myself to sacrifice sleep.
Ways sleep comes easily for me Includes:
A clean well-ventilated room, no one likes sleeping in a heat and sweats
I don't know the science behind this, maybe because I am from a hot region, I love sleeping in light of no clothing at all😂 but when it's cold, I cover up
- Have you ever tried to fall asleep but insomnia took the shine instead, a none conventional method, blinking rapidly, helps me fall asleep because it easily makes my eyes tired.
- I know some can't handle this, but sleeping with my favourite cool music helps me sleep soundly
What is your regular or weird sleeping ritual? I would love to know as well.
It's time we become a society that treats quality sleep as sacred - something to be taken very important, and viewed with reverence rather than weakness. It's best we start practicing healthy sleep habits while young, also teach our young ones as well, so they learn and continue the cycle, you don't have to wait till after many years to try and correct the sleep error you made in your youth.
This post is also inspired by the #Aprilinleo monthly topics, make sure to check the announcement postfor more info and how to join in.