Let’s face it, the majority of us college students don’t sleep the full recommended eight hours. Who’s got the time? With school, work, and maintaining a social life, how can one possibly do it all?
When my sister was in college, she informed me of the “3 S’s,” which were sleep, social, and school. As a college student, we’re often forced to sacrifice one of these “S” factors in order to function properly, and essentially, make life work. There will be times when your social life is peaking, or your coursework is booming, and you’re rocking your classes with straight A’s, (if this is you, congrats, keep it up!). No matter which “S” you are committed to, you should definitely try to make sleep a priority.
I’m often guilty of not prioritizing sleep. I mean, you gotta do what you gotta do right? With late night study sessions and slipping in a few episodes of “The Office” or “Grey’s Anatomy,” how can I possibly get to sleep at a reasonable time?
But, the later I stay up, the more I feel like:
I can not tell you the number of times I’ve done this.
During this winter break, I’ve been trying to get organized and you know, “get my life together.” With the spring semester just around the corner, I want to start off right, with a Bullet Journal in hand and everything. That’s right, I’ve become one of those people that started bullet journaling, and let me just say, it’s a great system that helps you become the well-organized person you aspire to be. However, the most challenging task of my 2017 goals has been making a sleep schedule that I can stick to. Confession: I’ve been going to bed around 3 a.m. for the past week, and if you ask me what I’ve been doing up at that time, I’d probably say that I’m on social media or catching up on the Netflix original series, “The Crown.” I’m obsessed. See my problem?
When it’s almost 3 a.m., I finally realize the time and I quickly begin to get ready for bed, but when I lay down, I find myself staring at my dark room, listening to silence and waiting for sleep to come.
Here’s where I go wrong, (a.k.a., the DON’TS of setting up a nightly routine):
1. Steer Away from Electronic Devices
I am beyond guilty of this. I can blame social media all I want, and my generation for influencing me to participate in this modern commodity, however I can not deny my obsession of reading new articles and checking updated images/videos on Instagram. Wait, hold on, @rudymancuso (popular Vine content creator) just posted a new video…. hilarious, as always. See, what I mean? Our smart phones have become a constant companion in our everyday lives but, as with most relationships, sometimes you need a break from one another. Let this separation take place the hour before you head to bed. Set your alarm and place your phone on your nightstand. Start journaling instead, organize your to-do lists for the next day (start a Bullet Journal), or catch up on your reading.
2. Don’t Eat Cereal Before Bed!
Oh, you don’t do that? I’m that weird person who refuses to eat cereal in the morning. My taste buds crave the sweet flavor of chocolate Rice Krispies and Fruity Pebbles at nighttime. I know I’m such a rebel, right? Since I am up at a late hour, I become hungry and can hear the Fruity Pebbles in my kitchen calling my name and my craving wins me over, yet again. Therefore, the sugar wakes me up and interrupts my sleep, and then I’m staring at the ceiling, counting sheep. Take my advice, don’t eat the cereal. Mind over matter, people. If you do end up eating it, no worries, (I’m enjoying a bowl of cereal as I write this. Shh, don’t tell anyone!). Just try don’t fall into the habit of it, or else you’ll be struggling to fall asleep. A better alternative? Drink herbal tea.
3. Don’t Try To Start A Task You Can’t Finish
You know when you start thinking about everything you’ve ever wanted to do ever, and so you try to somewhat plan it all right at that moment? That’s great that you aspire to start now; I admire the enthusiasm. However, you can’t begin, and finish, a project right before bed. You should be trying to relax, stretching or meditating. This is the time you can escape the world outside, focus on yourself, and just peace out. Don’t begin to stress about the errands for the following day, that’ll get done with a better mindset when one has consumed a good night’s rest.