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Tips For Better Z’s

Welcome to Day 24 of 31 Days of Mom Mojo – Tackling Time Management {Is that not just the sweetest picture?}

A well-spent day brings happy sleep. Leonardo da Vinci

A key factor in getting your Mom Mojo back on track is getting enough sleep. We expect our bodies to keep going and going without the much needed rest and recuperation our bodies so desperately need to operate in tip top shape. I’ve talked earlier about getting enough sleep, but thought it would be good to touch on this subject with some specific tips as we begin to wrap up this 31 Day series.

Our days are full and it always seems that there is one more thing to do before we can ‘allow’ ourselves to get to bed. Then we struggle in the morning because we want to hit that snooze button and then rush around in hyper speed to get ready to head out the door.

Is it really worth it?

Here are a few tips on how you can fit in some more time to sleep and start your morning more rested and better prepared.

Tivo or On Demand Shows

If you are a die hard TV watcher, find ways to catch those TV shows at other times, instead of the late evening hours when they air. Use your ‘On Demand’ feature to watch shows that are offered and you can watch at your convenience instead of building your viewing time around when the show airs, usually later in the evening.

Turn Off the TV

Better yet, why not just turn off the TV all together? Pick days during the week that the TV does not get turned on in the evening, then you are not tempted to watch “just one more” show. TV disrupts your ability to fall asleep quickly and can keep you up too late.

Jot it Down

People often find themselves worrying or pondering obsessively about their day or upcoming tasks as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Why not take the time a few hours before bed to go over your day, take a look at the next day’s schedule and tasks and alleviate the thoughts of anxiousness so they do not rise up at bedtime?

Nap Time

I’ve shared this one already, but it is worth repeating. I resisted this one for so long ladies – I wish I would have taken the advice of my husband a lot earlier and used that time after lunch to take a break. If you can gain that extra 20-30 minutes, you will have more energy and be able to focus better during the afternoon and evening. You may very well get even more done by taking that break. If you are waiting in the car pool line, close your eyes – or how about waiting for your kids to get done with soccer practice – take that time to relax and take a snooze. Keep a little pillow in your car and take advantage of that time for you!

Have a Set Bedtime

Just like your kids, give yourself a bedtime and stick to it. Try to get into a regular pattern to get to bed at the same time. Your body will set its own rhythm and will quickly regulate itself into a normal pattern. Are you one of those that even on the days you do not have to get up early still wakes up at the same time? Then you know your body is in a set pattern and is in a good rhythm.

Wake Up at the Same Time

As with your bedtime, try to maintain your regular wake–time even on weekends. This helps your body stay in that regulated rhythm and your sleep will be more beneficial to your body.

Unplug the phone

Cut out any possible interruptions that may interfere repeatedly with your sleep. Unless you have a need to be reached {ahem….child away at college or husband out of town} I suggest turning on the home phone as well as cell phone.

Wear earplugs

I started wearing earplugs when I traveled and stayed in hotels 4-5 nights per week. There was always small noises that would wake me. I could never get a really good nights sleep. Well, I began this at home not too long ago and it has made such a difference. If you are afraid you won’t hear what you need to hear, grab that baby monitor back out and turn it on for the night. Perhaps use only one ear plug instead of using two. When I am home alone, I will use one earplug so I can make sure to hear my little one, but if my husband is home, I use two.

It really makes a huge difference in how soundly I sleep. You may not technically get more sleep, but the sleep you do get will be better. I always fall asleep quicker when I am using ear plugs.

There are ways to fit in more sleep and certainly many ways to get better sleep. By being intentional and stopping our excuses we can get our body back on track and feel better as we go about our day. When we allow our bodies to get run down {like someone who was just down for 6 days with a terrible cold} it wastes a lot of time – and then all you can do is let your body sleep! Take preventive measures – No one else will do this for you – you have to take charge and make it happen for yourself.

What has helped you get more sleep?