Barely sleeping does not make you a more efficient and driven person. You’ve probably been told otherwise by your family, peers, and society at large countless times that it does, but we’re here to set the records straight — it doesn’t.
These two principles, success and sleep deprivation, seem to exist together as an undisputed pairing.Good news, fellow polymath - you don’t have to listen to that noise! In fact, it’s probably the worst advice you can take. Stand apart from the crowd and flip this old ideal. We’re here to clue you in on therealsecret to success — sleep!
SLOW DOWN TO SPEED UP.
Don’t overlook the importance of sleep in your schedule. Instead,emphasizeits role. Surviving on barely any sleep is much more foolish than it is admirable. By practicing this way of life, you’re denying your body and mind of the nourishment they need to reach their full potential.
It can be hard at first to trust us on this one. For a lot of people, more sleep immediately equates to less time forproductivity. In a sense, that’s true. However, being busy doesn’t automatically give you better results. Operating on the concept of “more work, more reward” is not sustainable if you take it too far. If you’re exhausting yourself to the point of burnout, you’re guaranteeing an unhappy ending.
In the fable of “the Tortoise and the Hare,”slow and steady wins the race.Speed isn’t the topic of this metaphorical story - it’s about taking the necessary time to lead with thoughtfulness and purpose.
Sleep is crucial to winning the race. It may seem counterintuitive, but with the right amount of rest, you’ll excel by showing up as the sharpest, most capable version of yourself. Let that tortoise be your new spirit animal - he was probably a polymath too.
HEALTH FIRST, EVERYTHING ELSE SECOND.
It’s time to care about self-care. The concept of “self-care” goes so much deeper than what’s typically implied. It ultimately means making health the number one priority above all else.
Your health starts with strong sleep patterns. Think about it this way — if you’re sick, stressed, sad or suffering from a headache (or any other ailment), sleeping is often the answer. So, if it’s the number one cure-all, why do we kick it to the curb when we’re feeling “okay?”
Sleeping serves several purposes; detoxification, strengthening, and restoration. It rids toxins from your brain, allowing you to greet the day with a good mood and a clear purpose. It also builds up your immune system, which in turn raises your energy levels and minimizes your stress levels. Lastly, and arguably most importantly, it restores your body as a whole. Every function of your body relies on being able to recharge and can only do so with an adequate amount of sleep.
If you want your physical, mental, and emotional health to operate at peak levels,sleep is the only way.
What’s Your Recharge Routine?
You have to change the way you think about sleep. Don’t think of it as “going to bed,” think of it as recharging for the next day ahead. If you need a new recharge routine, you can steal some sleep inspiration from our founder’s schedule below! 👇
Follow him onInstagram for daily inspiration and tips.
8:30 p.m to 9:00 p.m. - Time to start winding down. This means no screens! Enjoy a relaxing cup of herbal tea (if you’re into that) or another low-energy activity of your choice.
9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Start the necessary steps for getting ready for bed. Brush your teeth, complete your skincare routine, etc.
9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Meditate. Ranjit meditates cross-legged on the floor, leaning up against his bed frame for support. This also helps him focus on his present body and the energy moving within himself.
10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - Fall asleep.
5:00 a.m to 5:20 a.m. - Wake up, freshen up, rehydrate. Have a little coffee.
5:20 a.m. to 5:50 a.m. - Meditate.
6:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m. - Continue out your tasks within your planner.
SLEEP ON IT.
If you’re setting out to drastically change your sleep pattern, be aware that it might be difficult at first. This will likely be a big adjustment and will take some getting used to. Also, know that there is no one-size-fits-all sleep routine!
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If waking up early isn’t your jam, thendon’t.
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If you feel super productive at night,use that energy.
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If a nap during the day helps you feel refreshed,go for it.
As long as you’re getting the right amount of sleep, it doesn’t matter when you do it. Pay attention to whatyour body wants and you’ll be on your way to seizing the day. Recharging is necessary if you want to operate at your very best which we know you do. 💯
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