Time: < 30 Minutes

STEP 1: Think about how you are feeling…to be at our best, we need to get rest. Are you beat every day when you get home? When was the last time you went to bed early or slept in? If you don’t have the energy you should, maybe you need sleep. It is easy to push our needs to the side when we are busy taking care of others and focused on what they need. Often times people underestimate the importance of getting enough rest and its effect on our mood, mental acuity, and overall productivity. We can’t be whom others need if we are not taking care of ourselves. If you’re sleep deprived it’s time to catch up on some shut-eye. 

STEP 2: Determine when you can take a nap, go to bed early or sleep in. If you are a single parent you will likely need to get a babysitter to make this happen, or do a “swap” with another single parent and watch their kids one night in return for them to do the same.

STEP 3: Determine if you can have at least one day a week where you go to bed earlier than usual. Try some chamomile tea to help you wind down. Soon you will find yourself looking forward to that evening. Stop the use of technology an hour before you plan to sleep so as to remove stimulating things from your brain. Read a book or do some stretches in order to calm down your body and mind instead of watching television or scrolling through Twitter.

STEP 4: Make the necessary changes, recognizing the critical importance of taking care of yourself so YOU can be your best for both you and your loved ones.