Sleep is the Key to Achieving Your New Year Resolutions
As the New Year approaches, many of us are thinking about the changes and improvements we want to make in the coming year. We all want to be successful in our resolutions, but it is not always easy to stick with them. However, there is one key factor that can make a huge difference in whether or not we succeed: sleep. Quality sleep is essential for managing stress, boosting motivation, and improving focus, all of which are crucial for staying on track with New Year’s resolutions.
The Connection Between Sleep and Success
Did you know, on average, only 9% of people will accomplish their New Year resolutions? Why do we continually put ourselves in the same predicament year after year? Whether it’s a second opportunity to get things right or losing weight and getting into shape when we set resolutions we are using a concept called self-efficacy. It’s the belief that we have a sense of control over the things in life around us when we set and achieve our goals. A high self-efficacy promotes confidence and personal well being and lower self-efficacy is linked to higher stress levels and depression. Your quality of sleep can help you reach all of these goals easier and faster. That’s where prioritizing sleep and sticking with the resolution can pay dividends.
WHY RESOLUTIONS FAIL:
- Unreasonable Expectations – Many people set goals that are unachievable unless they change their mindset and behavior. Habits take repetition and consistency before the change takes place.
- Too Easily Achieved – Setting relatively easy goals which can be reached daily creates boredom and loss of interest.
- Lack of Accountability – No measurable tracking and no outside support. The right partner believes in you and provides encouragement to help you reach your goal.
- Self Doubt/Fear- Your past failure and fear are holding you back. Mentally you want to achieve the goal but internally you are completely resistant to achieving a big goal.
- Unclear – Why do you want to achieve your objective? You may know what you want but you can’t figure out why you are doing it and “why” is what motivates people to take action.
Focusing on establishing healthy sleep habits can be one of the best ways to increase your self-efficacy and have a successful New Year. Getting into a consistent bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine or electronics close to bedtime, and managing stress levels can all help promote better sleep. Taking time each day to relax, reflect and practice self-care can also help set you up for success as you embark on your new year’s resolutions. Start now by setting reasonable goals, finding an accountability partner, and making sure your motivation aligns with your goals so you’re not relying solely on external factors to keep you going.
The Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep deprivation not only undermines dieting by contributing to hunger but also because sleep loss hampers the body’s ability to shed fat according to research from the Annals of Internal Medicine. If you struggle with any form of sleep deprivation, you’ll experience more hunger with less ability to shed fat. On top of all that, lack of sleep can make you too tired to exercise, which can also contribute to weight gain. This is clearly not a winning combination to help you with your weight loss goals.
Sleep doesn’t only benefit you physically, it improves you mentally as well. Your brain needs plenty of rest to function at full capacity. Do your goals require you to think better or require more concentration? Then sleep is one of the most critical foundational elements to improving mental capacity. If your goal is to write a book, earn a professional certification, learn a new skill, or do any other number of things you may want to accomplish, you need a sharp mind.
A 2017 study in Nature showed neurons in your brain fired slower and weaker when you’re tired than when you’re well-rested. This results in your memory and cognitive skills – like your ability to absorb information and form a response – performing worse than you’d like. Neurons that fire slower, also slow down reaction time. This affects everyone. It affects someone who works in an office and needs to make critical business decisions as much as someone who drives a truck and needs to react quickly on the road. In both instances, you want to make sure you get good sleep.
It’s not just about reaction times though; sleep helps strengthen your brain, as well. A study from Harvard Medical School showed how memories were encoded and strengthened during sleep. That means that whatever you learn or experience during your waking hours gets cemented into your brain while you sleep. This process is called consolidation, and it also helps you take on new skills and information faster. So, if you’re serious about improving yourself this year, make sure you get enough sleep. It will help improve your physical and mental health, give you more energy, and help you learn faster.
The Importance of a Nighttime Routine
If you’re looking to make your New Year’s resolutions stick, getting into a good sleep routine should be top of your list. While it may seem like a small step, establishing a consistent bedtime routine will help you develop a healthy relationship with sleep. Not only does adequate sleep improve overall well-being, but it also helps boost your productivity, focus, and motivation.
Good sleep habits start with creating a calming environment in your bedroom. Make sure the temperature is comfortable, the room is well ventilated and the lighting is minimal. Additionally, limit blue light exposure from your phone, laptop, or tablet one hour before you plan on going to bed. These simple steps can help to reduce stress and create a sense of calm as you prepare for restful sleep.
It’s also important to establish a bedtime routine that works for you. Having a consistent routine signals to your body and mind that it’s time to rest. This can include activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to relaxing music. Avoid anything too stimulating or mentally taxing before bed, as this could disrupt your ability to fall asleep. You may also consider journaling or meditation to help reduce stress levels.
While it may take some time to get used to your new sleep routine, the rewards are worth it. Establishing good sleep habits will help set you up for success as you strive to achieve your New Year’s resolutions. So, why not make 2023 the year you start caring for your body and mind by getting the restful sleep you need?
Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for achieving your New Year’s resolutions. Poor sleep can make it difficult to stay motivated and stay on track, so it’s important to ensure that you have the best sleeping conditions to help your body relax. One of the best ways to do this is by investing in an organic latex mattress.
Essentia organic mattresses are made from natural latex that has been sustainably harvested from rubber trees, and they provide superior comfort and support. They don’t contain any synthetic materials, meaning they don’t contain any harsh chemicals that could disrupt your sleep. In addition, organic latex mattresses are naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, so you don’t have to worry about them irritating your skin or allergies. In addition, Essentia organic mattresses also have excellent breathability and temperature regulation properties, so you can stay cool throughout the night without having to worry about overheating. This helps you sleep more deeply and wake up feeling well-rested and refreshed.
Investing in an Essentia organic mattress is a great way to help ensure that you get the restful sleep you need to stay motivated and achieve your New Year’s resolutions. By eliminating sleep stimulants and providing superior comfort and support, our organic mattress will help you reach your goals in no time. Not only that, but organic latex mattresses can also help relieve back pain and eliminate tossing and turning. They provide superior support for your spine and body, allowing you to sleep in a comfortable and natural position.
And if you sleep with a partner, our Beyond Organic patented foam formulation is great for reducing motion transfer, so you don’t have to worry about waking each other up if one of you moves during the night. Finally, Essentia’s mattresses come with Quartz active cooling technology that helps with thermal regulation to keep you cool while you sleep. This means that even on hot summer nights, you can stay comfortable and get the restful sleep you need. Investing in an organic latex mattress will ensure that you have everything you need for a successful New Year’s resolution.
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