Self-Care: Sleep Edition

     What does self-care have to do with organizing your home? In some cases – everything. Here’s why. Basic self-care (sleep, nutrition and exercise) improves brain function and good brain function supports effective decluttering and organizing skills. If you are challenged by clutter, overwhelmed by too much stuff, don’t know where to start or lack energy to make decisions consider self-care to bolster your decluttering efforts! Today’s focus is on the sleep component. Upcoming posts will discuss the value of nutrition and exercise.
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     First, let’s identify the necessary decluttering and organizing skills.

• Identify a project
• Define tasks
• Plan steps to achieve tasks
• Initiate each task
• Stay on track
• Wrap up tasks and eventually complete the project

     Second, can we improve these skills? Of course, that’s where self-care comes in – sleep in this case. Quality sleep has been proven to enhance brain function. We may think the purpose of sleep is simply to refresh our minds and energize our bodies. However, it has many specific, healthy effects on the body’s systems including the immune system, metabolic system, and the cardiovascular system. In particular, the nervous system (brain function) is enhanced: improved mood, increased concentration, augmented cognitive function, and enhanced memory. These are all vital contributing factors to the above decluttering and organizing skills. What happens without good sleep habits? The brain cannot function optimally. It lacks focus, motivation, initiation and follow through.

     If your sleep habits need an overhaul, here are some ideas:

• Get at least 7 – 8 hours’ sleep every night
• Strive for quality, uninterrupted sleep
• Follow a bedtime routine
• Adhere to a sleep schedule
• Decrease late-day caffeine
• Put away electronic devices an hour before sleep
• Darken and quieten bedroom in advance to prepare for sleep
• Lastly, find an accountability partner for support

 
      Sure, you say, easier said than done! Granted, it may be challenging to improve sleep habits; however, the slightest success will reap noticeable results. If you need some motivation, define your reasons for decluttering and organizing. The more clear they are, the more your effort will be worthwhile. Ask yourself. Am I serious. Am I ready?