It is my birthday this weekend! 44. Yeah. Thats my number. Happy Birthday to me…
I do not know what 44 is supposed to look or feel like. But I can share how I personally look and feel. I feel strong. I feel motivated. I feel empowered. I am checking off items on my todo list as a very successful pace. I am not stressed. I am not frustrated. I have a good balance between my spiritual and non-spiritual life.
So, yeah. All is really going well and I have my family, my dear friends and the community that motivates me, inspires me and supports me to be thankful and grateful for. I really do not wish to change anything in my life.
Now, the big question that my daughter and hubby always ask me: “What do you want as your birthday present?”
I say, “Nothing, I have everything.” But, of course, that is NOT an acceptable answer to them.
So, I get to thinking and I decide to give myself the gift of a high quality sleep routine. What does that look like?
The Backstory…
While I have been really taking care of my body via fitness and nutrition and keeping stress at bay, the one thing that I have been working on for a few months is the quality of my sleep. I have been challenged with not the best cycles of REM and NREM that has impacted my sleep quality. This affects how I show up the next day but thankfully. with consistent daily exercises and balanced nutrition, I have been able to overcome the not-so-positive effects of a low quality sleep cycle.
I knew that I could be a better version of myself. I read “Why We Sleep” by Dr Matthew Walker a few times to ensure that I was backing my experiences with scientific data. So, after a lot of research, these are the presents I have given myself this year and I am so glad about them.
1. Over the past 8 weeks, I now switch my phone to silent as soon as my last work meeting ends between 8-9:30pm and leave it in a separate room. I do not switch it on until I have finished my morning routines and am ready to start work!
Read here about how keeping away from your devices at least 30-60 mins before going to bed helps stimulate the sleep cycle.
2. I have invested in Brooklinen bedding sheets and comforters. Read here how important it is to invest in good quality sheets and comforters for a calm and consistent sleep.
3. Keeping my bedroom temperature cooler especially at night.
4. Peppermint tea, lavender tea and chamomile tea are my bedtime hacks!
One last thing to do – Invest in is good magnesium supplements. I can’t seem to turn off my brain in the night! Sixty percent American adults do not consume enough magnesium through their diets. Onward to more research…
Until we meet again, I hope you all enjoy this weekend and have a good nights sleep!
With Love,
Nishi
