Sleep is the foundation for our health and wellbeing. If we aren’t sleeping well we are more susceptible to illness, our bodies have a harder time healing from injuries and we can feel foggy, irritable, and anxious. Most importantly, a lack of sleep has a major impact on our mood, memory, productivity, and decision-making skills. It can also feel impossible to have the motivation to exercise or the discipline to make healthy food choices when we are sleep deprived. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that “1 in 2 adults have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep” and that “1 in 5 adults do not find their sleep refreshing” (Canada, 2019).
The Benefits of Taking a Break
I find this time of year super challenging. There is so much to remember, there are a lot of expectations, there are traditions that need to be withheld even when it just doesn't feel like the right time (read decorate Christmas tree when everyone is cranky, tired and hungry). It feels like there is never enough time in the day to check off all the items on the endless task list.