Getting Enough Sleep
As simple as it sounds, I find that getting enough sleep does wonders for my stress levels and my productivity. Staying up late every night and "cramming" may have worked in grad school, but as a middle-aged adult with two small children, I need my sleep!
How about you?
I teach both day and evening classes with evenings going to 10pm and 1 hour travel time back home. I used to watch tv but I really got intested and the hours flew by. Now, particulaly since it is winter, I draw a hot bath with lavender salts, put a relaxation tape in the CD player and light a scented candle. For Christmas I received a cushioned bathtub pillow and back support, so I include that as well. After the bath, I have a hot cup of herbal tea in bed with the electric blanket on "roast." A good book or a POSITIVE peaceful conversation with my husband (and I really mean "positive" not rehashing the negative parts of the day). Then some quiet moments and away I go to sleep.
I teach classes early in the morning, and late at night. When I get home around 10:30pm, I'm so "pumped up" from my class that I found it difficult to get to sleep right away - so I end up not getting enough sleep.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
These are all great techniques Bennett. Many instructors have mentioned power naps as a great way to recharge. They can happen almost anywhere and anytime.
"Power Naps" are a way of life for me. Sometimes at the computer just a leaning back in the chair and closing the eyes when tired, then when I come back I'm much refreshed.
I stopped worrying about drooling or falling out of the chair as there are plenty of other folks around to pick me up.
Good sleep relaxes the back and things just seem to go better when you can walk upright and enjoy.
To help me relax before bed a good shower seems to do the trick and to clear my mind as I've gotten all that I need ready at the door to take to work and now it is time to sleep.
Sometimes the couch does the trick and I have an alarm clock there also so I do not need to worry about dropping off.
Thats all I have for now,
Bennett
I agree - if I don't get my three or four hours of sleep every night, I'm just toast at work the next day.
Sleep probably does the most good for a body, even more than exercise. However, I find I am much more relaxed after a good workout rather than a long night's sleep. It seems that it takes longer to recover from sleep deprivation than from a good workout.
Stress relievers for me include sleep, listening to music, tennis, karate, and chocolate. I would not have survived law school without being able to lose myself in loud music occasionally. I can completely change my mood with good music.
This is true. Sleep quality is important. When people wake up too many times throughout the night - even if they sleep long hours - they don't feel rested. It sounds like you've figured out a method that works best for getting the most out of sleep.
It also depends on the quality of the sleep. Since I have started using a CPAP machine the quality of sleep increases my ability to organize and deal with the daily stress of my career as a teacher.
Getting enough sleep has become a priority. Otherwise, stress becomes too overwhelming.
I agree! I need my eight hours.
No argument here! I make mistakes when I don't get enough sleep--and yes, I can get cranky too. Worst of all, I can make mitakes and become my own worst inefficient enemy. It's SO much easier when I've had enough sleep! Such a nice, simple, healthful solution to the problem....
Yes, great point Cheryl. And I can relate. Sleep can be more important than we realize.
