sleeeeep

I felt more tired today than usual. While I didn't get a full eight hours last night, I got a solid 6 1/2 (which isn't bad, considering the pile of homework I had). Then, after class, I took a two hour nap. TWO hours! I take naps probably about once a week (or more depending on the week), but rarely sleep for that long. Oftentimes I'll have something to do or will set an alarm so that I make myself get up and be productive.

Part of me was thinking that I should have set an alarm today so that I could be more productive. But also, part of me realized that I still would have been tired, and maybe not as productive. (Or even cranky! No thanks.)

Getting sleep is so important, and I think I forget that sometimes and put it on the back burner when I get busy. I think, oh, I'll just grab coffee later or go to the gym to boost my energy. But in the end, your body needs sleep. This is something I know in the back of my mind, but need to remind myself now and again. I even wrote a more extensive blog post on the subject last year! It explains a few of the many benefits of sleep and why you need sleep. Let me know if you find it helpful :)

On that note, goodnight! I'm going to bed zzZZZZzzzZZZzzzZZ

xo-ally

sleep: catching Zs

I'm writing this after taking a nice nap at the foot of my bed where the sun shines in through the window. While the temperature isn't as high as last weekend's heatwave, it was nice to still be inside and feeling the warm heat through the window. Sun + sleep = recipe for a mood booster! Sun not only boosts your mood, but sleep makes you feel less cranky and more energized. That's why summer naps outside are some of my favorite :)

Is this what you feel like? You may need more sleep.

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However, we can't always choose to get as much sleep as we want. When things get busy, it seems like there are not enough hours in the day. (Midterms week, anyone?) Sleep is usually the first thing to get crossed off the list. I understand just as much as anyone that it is sometimes hard to get enough sleep. But I do know that sleep is so important! Why?

It's essential. Your body needs it to function properly.

It makes you happy! Or, at least, less cranky.

It aids in memorization. Your brain memorizes things throughout the day during sleep, so getting a full night's sleep before a test ensures that you will recall information far easier than running on only a few hours. (Or none!)

It keeps you slim. Sleep is the only way, other than food, that your body can get energy. That infamous midnight stomach growl? Your body is actually telling you you need sleep, but since you're not letting your body sleep, its last "survival" resort is extra calories. (The word "calorie" = energy, get it?!) It is a known fact that being overweight or obese can sometimes be a more extreme outcome of getting no sleep.

Getting enough sleep could make you THIS happy and relaxed!

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The reasons above are just a few I know off the top of my head. If you're interested in learning more about the benefits of sleep, check out this article! It explains why sleep is important for other things too, like creativity, athletic performance, lowering stress, and emotional stability!

And, if you just can't get a full night's rest, check out this site - sleepyti.me - to calculate the perfect time to go to bed or wake up. It measures time in sleep cycles so you can at least feel well-rested if you can't get in those eight hours!

Have sweet dreams this weekend!

xo

It's that time of year...midterms

This is what I've felt like this past week.

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As midterms week inches closer and closer, I get busier and more tired. Having late-night dance team practice with a 7:30am class the next morning is a recipe for exhaustion! I do admit, I love dance team and the 7:30am class is my favorite of all my classes, so it is worth it. I do need to take care of myself, though.

Last semester I wrote this post about "surviving" midterms week in terms of staying healthy and studying. I am so glad I re-read it, because I really needed to read those tips again. I need sleep! I need sleep to memorize the material I learned that day, to have a clearer mind, and to be able to focus more and be productive.

I suggest reading it if you're nearing midterms too, or are just really busy! Taking care of our bodies is so important, yet it is often quickly neglected when we get tied up with other things. I just took a nap - I needed it! I feel much more awake than earlier this afternoon, and am ready to go to practice.

Happy Leap Day!

xo