This Week's Focus

My objective for this week is to adopt a sleep-enhancing practice that I’ve been reluctant to embrace for quite some time. I realize that when I hesitate to do something, it often signifies a necessary change, but this particular goal feels daunting.

Why would I choose to wake up even slightly earlier, especially when my primary concern is getting enough rest? Why not relish those final moments of sleep instead of tossing and turning?

However, sleep experts and resources like the NHS emphasize the significance of maintaining a sleep routine. (My sleep score on the NHS tool is a disappointing 4 out of 32, indicating there’s significant room for improvement!)

"A steady sleep schedule supports the body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm," explains Dr. Carolina Marcus, a sleep medicine specialist and associate professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Sleep.com

Throughout the school holidays, my wake-up times have been inconsistent due to the absence of the morning school routine for my daughter. I often wait for my youngest to stir before getting out of bed, and if my husband is available, I tend to sleep in as long as I can.

Falling asleep takes me a long time, and I frequently find myself awake for over an hour during the night, sometimes even longer. Yet, I always seem to drift off just when it’s time to rise.

To address this, I've set my Fitbit alarm for 07:00 every day, including weekends. Yes, even on weekends.

This decision doesn’t feel particularly enjoyable. Honestly, it doesn’t seem like self-care either; a leisurely morning feels more indulgent than dragging myself out of bed with an alarm.

Yet, self-care can sometimes be mundane. It involves taking actions that we know are beneficial for our overall well-being.

Here’s hoping for positive results.

Last Week's Progress

Last week, my aim was to enjoy 15 minutes of morning sunlight daily. I performed reasonably well, except for a few days of dismal weather when I delayed going outside.

Sitting on a bench in the rain isn’t very appealing. So, on those gloomy days, I opted for a brief walk just before lunch. While it wasn’t the early start I envisioned, I still managed to soak in some morning light.

I wish I could claim that this has dramatically improved my sleep, allowing me to enjoy eight solid hours each night. However, that would be misleading, which is why my focus this week is on establishing a consistent wake-up time.

Upcoming Goals

• Continue following my Glucose Goddess tips.
• Use Balance nightly before sleep.
• Engage in outdoor exercise for 15 minutes each day, including at least one swim during the week.
• Get 15 minutes of morning sunlight every day.
• Rise with my alarm at 07:00 every day.

When listed like this, it appears to be quite a bit, doesn’t it? I’ve gradually built up to this over the past weeks, and honestly, some of these practices have become automatic.

What about you?

Did you prioritize self-care last week?

I encourage you to select a self-care objective for this week as well. Perhaps it could be a rather mundane goal like mine, one you know will be beneficial but have been hesitant to undertake.

Feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll check in with you next week to see how it went!

Liz Barrett is a freelance writer specializing in crafting blog content that engages audiences and establishes authority. For more information, visit LizBarrettWrites.com.