Unraveling words: Reconcile sleep, productivity, and well-being.

Unraveling words: Reconcile sleep, productivity, and well-being.

Welcome back, faithful reader, if you like what you are about to read or hear please share it! If you've been following along on our word escapades, you'll know that we've been on a rollercoaster ride through the tangled jungle of words, exploring our relationships with these linguistic creatures and how they influence our emotions and behavior. Today’s word is "sleep".

We may not realize the profound understanding that words are the building blocks of our communication, and they hold a profound influence over our lives. Words shape our thoughts, beliefs, and actions, often dictating our perceptions and experiences. Yet, within this intricate web of language, there is a word whose significance transcends mere linguistics: "sleep." Ah! How do we perceive this fundamental aspect of our existence? Is it a welcomed rest or a dreaded obligation?

Henry David Thoreau, one of the most important figures in American literature and philosophy, once said, "The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it." I’m going to say it again. "The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it."

This quote, which is often applied to the concept of work, resonates deeply with our perceptions of sleep.

You may be asking the reason I would take the time to write about the word sleep. One reason I chose this word is that, for most of my life, I did not have a good relationship with the word “sleep”. Until very recently, sleep was a dreaded obligation. I never liked to sleep, and never gave much importance to it. However, once I changed my sleeping schedule and turned into a dawn enthusiast, my mind cleared and I understood that my sleep dislikes correlated with productivity and my FOMO attitude.

Once that became clear to me, I asked myself, how much of my life do I exchange for the restless pursuit of productivity? And in doing so, do I overlook the invaluable gift of rest?

Here is the thing, changing my sleep routine has been a game-changer for me! First, my brain feels like it's running at full speed – I'm sharper and more focused, and I notice that my memory has improved. Second, I have time for myself in the morning to pray and meditate before the sun rises. Having the habit of going to bed early, helps me to wake up refreshed, which sets the tone for my day. I feel everything feels more manageable, even when things get tough. I generally don’t sleep through the entire night. But I broke the pattern to reach out for my phone or to use the time to write what I had to do the next day. I lay in bed with my eyes closed practicing my breathing until I’m able to fall asleep again. Generally, when it hits 3:30 or 4 o’clock, I bounce out of bed, feeling ready to tackle whatever the day throws at me. Finally, the body likes a routine. My immune system seems to be thanking me. I rarely get sick, and if I do feel a bit under the weather, my body bounces back faster.

Allow me to share with you some insights I've come across, though remember to reflect on your circumstances.

I redefined productivity: I shifted away from solely equating it with work output, embracing self-care and rest. Now, I understand that sleep isn't a luxury but a necessity for optimal performance and well-being. By changing my mindset, I transitioned from seeing sleep as a detriment to recognizing it as a cornerstone of productivity.

I adopted a Wind-Down Ritual: Just as we prepare for the challenges of the workday, I developed a nightly routine to signal to my body and mind that it's time to wind down. My ritual involves enjoying a glass of wine with old-fashioned popcorn while watching a light-hearted show. This ritual helps me calm my mind, especially if I wake up during the night. When I wake up in the middle of the night with a busy brain, I redirect my thoughts to the show I watched to alleviate brewing anxiety. Generally, this allows me to fall back asleep easily. Others may prefer gentle stretching, reading, or mindfulness meditation—what matters is engaging in activities that relax you.

I learned to prioritize Sleep Hygiene: As crucial as physical hygiene, sleep hygiene ensures our sleep environment promotes relaxation. To me, that means to minimize noise, light, and electronic distractions. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule has been a game-changer for me—it regulates my body's internal clock and improves sleep continuity.

As we wrap up our exploration of "sleep," let's remember its vital role in our lives. If you've enjoyed this journey through words, please share it with a friend, and look at our other blogs for more insights. Don't forget to catch the audio versions on our Instagram. Follow us for more adventures and join us as we continue unraveling the wonders of language and its impact.

PS: Do you like this blog? Please share it and check out Mon Espace+ on Petit Espace's website www.mypetitespace.com, our rapidly growing platform of self-care collaborators. With our community of like-minded individuals, you'll have access to a wealth of resources, support, and inspiration to help you on your journey. And don't forget to check out my corner in the Self-Help Category - Your Upward Journey: It's Easier Than You Think! with my informal guidance, you'll be well on your way to becoming the best version of yourself.

A special thanks to my amazing brother-in-law for allowing me to use one of his exclusive photographs to illustrate this blog! Luv ya Alvaro Donatti. We can start creating these beauties as well!