It’s a small yet insignificant and costs-me-nothing change and I needed it. Danny still wakes up to nurse once, and on occasion twice a night, so getting a full night’s sleep is impossible.
There’s nothing I can do about that for now. But at least I can make sure that the few hours of sleep that I DO get are restorative. So I aim to be in bed by ten. I keep that in mind while I’m planning my day or evening. I have forced myself to drop something I’m doing in order to get myself to bed. And I never regret it.
I sleep early for my skin and for my mind. It has benefited my overall well-being, productivity and it can do wonders for your immune system. Unless you have kids in which case always assume you are covered in germs.
The first week was interesting because I successfully went to bed early for three nights in a row and one night shortly after his baptism, Danny woke up three times. Normally I would have been a ball of rage and tiredness the next day – at least that was what papa was expecting- but somehow it felt manageable. I was rested and ready to face the day.
I eased myself into an early bedtime by taking it 20 minutes to half an hour earlier each night.
I also created a little ritual that involves skin cleansing, a hot shower, absolutely no TV, a hot tea, a candle and a book or a notebook to help me unwind. I actually found it surprisingly easy to fall asleep one night at 10 pm without any distractions at all.
Here are a few more tips that have helped me get to bed at a sensible time:
- wear comfortable soft pyjamas or loungewear.
- tidy your bedroom and create a super-soothing environment
- write a to-do list of three things you must do before you go to bed i.e pack the kids’ school lunch box.
- do some yoga or breathing.
I still enjoy a late night once or twice a week, usually on a Friday or Saturday but overall I now look forward to going to bed early because the results are immediate, felt the very next day.
