Without enough sleep we can barely function. We’ve all been there. Low energy, zero patience, and a serious case of “where's Santa when you need him” delusion. Getting enough sleep doesn’t just help you stay awake, it helps you be better at everything else. When you get those 7-9 hours of rest, you’re not just recharging your body, your brain gets the reset it needs to make better decisions, stay calm under pressure, and tackle the day ahead.
Get a good night’s sleep, and you’ll basically feel like a holiday superhero. You’ll have the energy to wrap the mountain of presents, patience to stand in line at the supermarket with that one ingredient you somehow missed, and face your third consecutive family dinner with grace (or at least enough energy to fake it until dessert).
Stress is like that last guest who’s still talking as you push them out the door saying your eighth goodnight to them--hard to get rid of once it's settled in. Stress is unavoidable, especially during the holidays, but not getting enough sleep makes it ten times worse (not a scientific fact but you get the gist).
- Set a sleep schedule: Yes, even during the holidays. Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day. Even if you still have that in-case-someone-drops-by-with-an-unexpected-gift box of chocolates left to wrap. It helps regulate your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
- Wind down the right way: Instead of binge-watching Hallmark Christmas movies until midnight (we all know how every single one of them ends), try reading a book, soaking in a hot bath, or enjoying a cup of decaffeinated tea to signal to your brain that it’s time to relax.
- Embrace the power nap: It’s got “power” in the name for a reason! A short nap can work wonders. Crash on the couch, bed, or on the pile of presents you’re in the middle of wrapping and grab 10-20 minutes of zzz’s and feel refreshed enough to pick up when you left off when you wake up with a bow stuck to your cheek. Just make sure it’s not too late in the afternoon—otherwise, your plan will backfire and you’ll be tossing and turning when you finally hit the pillow at the end of the day.
While Cousin Eddie believes that a one-year membership to the Jelly of the Month Club is the gift that keeps on giving, it's actually sleep (though jelly's probably a close second). Sleep isn't something you can just put on the back burner until after the holidays, it's the secret to embracing and enjoying them and it's the best gift you can give yourself this season.
