You might be surprised to know that the best solution for holiday productivity is to make a good night’s sleep a priority. For most people, this means around 7-8 hours each night.
Walking around bleary-eyed from lack of sleep slows you down, and limits your ability to multitask or even carry out your daily tasks efficiently. An occasional night of 5 hours of sleep won’t be a problem, but if this is a regular occurrence (be honest with yourself!), it’s time to revisit your sleep patterns.
Lack of sleep is also associated with weight gain. People eat more, in the hope that they’ll feel more energized. Mental focus and awareness of mindful eating also decline with fatigue. Some hormones related to hunger and fullness signals are also out of whack, and stress levels can skyrocket with too little sleep.
While it’s not a perfect world, one of the best gifts you can give yourself this season is a good night’s sleep. To optimize your ease in falling asleep after a hectic day, aim for a one-hour “mental detox” prior to turning off the light. Shut off the television, computer, and smart phone, and read, or take a warm shower to relax.
What about a power nap? This can help in a pinch, but is no substitute for a sound, sustained sleep.
Sweet dreams to all!
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