During the holidays, it’s easy to become overbooked. And unfortunately, your sleep suffers during the holiday madness.
Everyone wants to get together and celebrate. You have family gatherings, parties with friends, and even office celebrations.
Additionally, you have gifts to buy, holiday treats to bake, and a home to decorate.
The list can be endless — resulting in holiday madness.
With holiday madness, it’s easy to short-change your sleep.
How else would you fit everything into your schedule?
But before you decrease your sleep, understand how it adversely impacts you.
Sleep deprivation creates stress on your body, leading to overeating and impacting your appearance (e.g., puffy eyes, sallow skin).
Do you really want to look tired in all your holiday photos?
Here are some ideas to help keep sleep a priority during holiday madness:
1 – Give yourself permission to decline some invitations – fight your fear of missing out. It’s better to miss out than to ruin the rest of your holidays with insufficient sleep.
2- Set a time when you will leave evening gatherings. Stick to it, no matter how much fun you’re having. Planning ahead will help you return home in a timely manner to get your sleep.
3- Limit your alcohol intake. Many people think alcohol will help them sleep. But in reality, it gives you interrupted sleep. Waking up during the night will leave you feeling not well rested.
4- Track your sugar intake. It’s tempting with holiday cookies and treats, but too much sugar can pull you out of a deep sleep.
5- Constrain your caffeine. It can adversely impact your sleep ten to twelve hours afterward. Caffeine includes coffee, tea, and chocolate.
With holiday madness, it’s easy to short-change your sleep. But is it really worth it?
Stay healthy this holiday season, and give sleep a priority.
You’ll be glad you did when you look back at holiday photos.
(Update to original post from November 24, 2017)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”