Planning can play a really important role in keeping up with your health, diet and fitness goals. Personally, it’s far less likely that I’ll skip a workout sesh if I have it planned into my calendar (alarm included) and planning is one of the reasons I spend my Sundays running around the kitchen, cooking up meals and snacks for the week ahead.
Whether you are a power planner or more of a fly-by-your-pants kinda girl/guy, there is one element that is important to keep tabs on: your sleep!
Lack of sleep not only makes us want to stay under the covers, but studies have shown sleep deprivation can have negative effects on your metabolism, causing you to burn fewer calories, have less energy and less concentration . When we skimp on sleep, our bodies search for energy, which is why we often go for the extra cup of coffee or sugary sweet-boost during a drowsy morning and around 3pm-ish, when we are faced with an afternoon slump.
If you think you need more sleep, here’s a tip: Plan it in and set your alarm. It might seem silly, but writing down your goal sleep time can be just as effective as when you write down your spin class, dr’s appt. or other goals. I also like to set an alarm an hour before bedtime, letting me know that pretty soon I’m going to have to peel myself away from the Real Housewives of New Jersey and get my butt to bed. Eventually, going to sleep at a decent time will become habit, but if you are aiming for those 7-8 hours, I highly recommend penciling it in.
Speaking of Real Houswives of New Jersey, TV can be a real big sleep sucker. Here are four other things that can get in the way of perfect ZZZZ’s:
Coffee, even Decaf! - Coffee contains caffeine – yup, even decaf contains enough to keep you buzzing. Aim for caffeine-free, calming teas like “ Sleepytime .”
Alcohol – That wine might may you feel sleepy, but alcohol has been known to interrupt sleep patterns, leaving you less than refreshed in the morning. Drink moderately and always have a glass of water after you’ve been drinking.
Heavy Meals before Bed – Pants popping full is an uncomfortable feeling for anyone – eat a lighter meal right before bedtime or make sure to leave enough time to digest before slumbering.
Sweets/Sugar – Sugar can act as a stimulant, so avoid eating cookies and milk before bedtime.
How many hours of sleep do you get a night? How do you make sure to have a sound sleep?
Planning can play a really important role in keeping up with your health, diet and fitness goals. Personally, it’s far less likely that I’ll skip a workout sesh if I have it planned into my calendar (alarm included) and planning is one of the reasons I spend my Sundays running around the kitchen, cooking up meals and snacks for the week ahead.
Whether you are a power planner or more of a fly-by-your-pants kinda girl/guy, there is one element that is important to keep tabs on: your sleep!
Lack of sleep not only makes us want to stay under the covers, but studies have shown sleep deprivation can have negative effects on your metabolism, causing you to burn fewer calories, have less energy and less concentration . When we skimp on sleep, our bodies search for energy, which is why we often go for the extra cup of coffee or sugary sweet-boost during a drowsy morning and around 3pm-ish, when we are faced with an afternoon slump.
If you think you need more sleep, here’s a tip: Plan it in and set your alarm. It might seem silly, but writing down your goal sleep time can be just as effective as when you write down your spin class, dr’s appt. or other goals. I also like to set an alarm an hour before bedtime, letting me know that pretty soon I’m going to have to peel myself away from the Real Housewives of New Jersey and get my butt to bed. Eventually, going to sleep at a decent time will become habit, but if you are aiming for those 7-8 hours, I highly recommend penciling it in.
Speaking of Real Houswives of New Jersey, TV can be a real big sleep sucker. Here are four other things that can get in the way of perfect ZZZZ’s:
Coffee, even Decaf! - Coffee contains caffeine – yup, even decaf contains enough to keep you buzzing. Aim for caffeine-free, calming teas like “ Sleepytime .”
Alcohol – That wine might may you feel sleepy, but alcohol has been known to interrupt sleep patterns, leaving you less than refreshed in the morning. Drink moderately and always have a glass of water after you’ve been drinking.
Heavy Meals before Bed – Pants popping full is an uncomfortable feeling for anyone – eat a lighter meal right before bedtime or make sure to leave enough time to digest before slumbering.
Sweets/Sugar – Sugar can act as a stimulant, so avoid eating cookies and milk before bedtime.
How many hours of sleep do you get a night? How do you make sure to have a sound sleep?