It’s great that many people are focusing on a healthier lifestyle now. Exercising more, eating better, getting massages, doing yoga.  A healthy lifestyle also affects your mindset in a positive way. In order for new healthy habits to become part of a regular routine, you need to make any changes in small steps. A healthy routine won’t “stick long-term” if you try and make too many adjustments at the same time.

But where should you start?

I recommend focusing on your sleep habit as that first step. One of the worst bad habits we have in our culture is not getting enough sleep; in the long run, that can affect your health in a negative way. And lack of sleep contributes to chronic stress. It’s kind of a vicious circle.

No matter how well you are eating or how much you’re working out, you really are only as good as the sleep you had the night before.  My goal is to get 8 hours of sleep each night and sometimes that doesn’t happen. It’s a known fact that I can be crabby in the morning if I don’t get enough sleep.

My routine to get a better night’s sleep is simple. Doing the steps below helps wind my mind down:

• I enjoy sipping hot herbal tea. My favorite is Yogi Bedtime tea.  I avoid the iPhone, iPad and TV once I start drinking my Bedtime tea.
• Read for about 30 minutes while sipping tea.
• Wash my face, then brush and floss my teeth.
• Then meditate for 5 minutes. My meditation is deep breathing exercises and yoga stretches for 5 minutes.
• During boating season I include “watching the sunset” as Step 1. We are fortunate to live by a lake.

Your sleep environment is also important. Make sure the room is dark, you have a supportive pillow and your bed is comfortable.  If you’re looking to update your bed, Leesa, an online mattress provider has some great options.

A bedroom with a cooler temperature can help too and recommend turning on the ceiling fan if you have one.

If you’re getting enough sleep for you, you will become a “morning person” and this allows you to start the day more focused and more open to a growth mindset.  A growth mindset can create motivation and productivity in all aspects of your life.

Here’s a cool infographic that summarizes some ideas for you to become a morning person: (Courtesy of Leesa)

Sleep is something we tend to take for granted. Getting the right amount of sleep allows you be your best self!

What tips do you have?