Is your relationship with sleep

The truth about sleep...

Author

Rob Blades
September 22, 2024

How have you been sleeping recently? (Me dreadfully)

But in this email I want to talk about the importance of sleep and “me time”

We’ve all had those late-night moments: one more episode, one more scroll through social media, for me its one more horror audio book…

Or maybe it’s the only quiet time you have all day.

You tell yourself,

“I’ll just stay up a little longer for some ‘me time.’”

But here's the catch—sacrificing sleep for that extra hour of relaxation could be working against you.

Everyone always says sleep is important, and it is…but so is “Me time”.

“Me time” allows you to decompress, reflect, and enjoy activities that make you feel fulfilled.

The key, though, (as always) Is balance.

According to research, while relaxation is important, when we trade it for sleep, it can result in increased stress and anxiety over time.

So, is it better to stay up for some “me time” or prioritize sleep?

The truth is, without enough sleep, the quality of life and your “me time” suffers.

When you're well-rested, you’re more present, more engaged, and less likely to mindlessly scroll.

Think of sleep as your body's ultimate reset button—without it, even your downtime loses its effectiveness.

You make sure your kids go to bed on time. Or get your rest when you are ILL

So why don’t you do it when you are in good health..?

Let's dive into today's 4-3-2-1, keeping this idea in mind.

In Today’s 4-3-2-1:

  • 4 prompts :1 about your past, 2 about present and now, 1 about your future.

  • 3 questions to spark creativity in a world that doesn’t encourage it.

  • 2 affirmations for the week.

  • 1 tool to help with today’s topic.

"A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book." – Irish Proverb

4 Journal Prompts:

  1. Reflect on a time when you sacrificed sleep for more ‘me time.’
    How did it affect your mood, energy, and productivity the next day?
    Example: Maybe you stayed up watching a show or reading, but the following day you felt sluggish and unfocused. How did that impact your day?

  2. Consider your current relationship with sleep.
    Do you prioritize rest, or do you often cut corners to fit more into your day?
    Example: Do you find yourself regularly pushing bedtime to get one more task done, or is your sleep routine a non-negotiable?

  3. What could you change in your evening routine to ensure better sleep?
    Example: Can you incorporate a wind-down ritual like reading a book, meditating, or setting a phone curfew to help ease into sleep earlier?

  4. Think ahead: how would better sleep improve your day-to-day life in the next month?
    Example: Envision how feeling well-rested could boost your energy levels, focus, and mood. What positive effects might it have on your relationships and work?

3 Questions to Unleash Creativity:

  1. How can you transform your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary?
    Example: Try experimenting with blackout curtains, calming scents like lavender, or soft lighting to create the ultimate restful environment.

  2. What is one fun nighttime ritual you can add to your routine to help signal your body that it's time for sleep?
    Example: You might try journaling, practicing gratitude, or even indulging in a 10-minute mindfulness meditation.

  3. What creative ways can you balance 'me time' and sleep without sacrificing one for the other?
    Example: How can you allocate more intentional relaxation time during the day, so that you’re not feeling the urge to sacrifice sleep later at night?

2 Affirmations:

"I value my sleep and make it a priority because it fuels my mind, body, and spirit."

"I deserve both rest and relaxation, and I find balance between them with ease."

1 Tool to help:

Sleep Cycle App
A sleep-tracking app that monitors your sleep patterns and wakes you up at the lightest stage of sleep, making it easier to start your day feeling refreshed. Use it to optimize your sleep cycles, ensuring you get the rest your body needs while still having time for "me time" during the day.

Stay Unapologetically You, Stay Confident, And Be Kind.

Robbo ‘The PVC Chief’ Blades