For the millions of Americans who own and operate a business, getting enough rest is an essential part of staying successful, yet it can be difficult to do.
Busy schedules mean you’re always on the run, while all the details of running a company can keep you up at night worrying and planning. Without good rest, however, you’ll suffer decreased performance and judgment, as well as a decline in your memory function.
All of these things can affect your business, so it’s in your own best interest to make sure you get good sleep. But where do you start?
One of the best places to begin is with your bedding. Your mattress — as well as the sheets, pillows and comforter — play an essential role in how you sleep and, subsequently, how you feel when you wake up in the morning. Making sure you have the right kinds will help you feel refreshed, reduce body pain and boost your mental health at the same time.
Keep reading for more tips on how to get better rest as a busy entrepreneur.
Create a Sleep Routine
Creating a good sleep routine is highly personal, so it’s important to think about how you can wind down and prepare for good rest. This might mean getting ready for bed at the same time each night, taking a hot shower to relax or reading for a little while before lights out.
Of course, this also means making sure your bedding is in good shape. If your mattress is more than 10 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Think about the type that will work best for your needs; there are many options, including foam, latex, hybrid and inner-spring mattresses.
Balance Your Two Lives
The balance you keep between your work life and your personal life is extremely important when it comes to reducing stress and being able to relax; this is especially true if you work from home, as it can be difficult for many people to draw a line when it comes to getting things done during a certain time frame.
Set goals and rules for yourself — don’t answer work emails after a certain hour and keep your workspace separate from the rest of the house. This will not only help you balance your life, but it will also give you a distraction-free place to get things done in.
Put Away Those Electronics
Computers, televisions, smartphones and tablets can all emit blue light, which has been shown in studies to be detrimental to our sleep. That’s why many doctors recommend putting these devices away at least an hour before going to bed so your sleep patterns won’t be interrupted.
If you find that you’re more stressed after using a device, think about setting a time limit or map out certain times of the day when you’ll use them instead of having them available at all times.
Don’t Leave Things Unfinished
Many business owners are extremely goal-oriented, but even the most dedicated individual can get lost along the way sometimes.
Staying organized — both at work and at home — will help you stay on top of everything you need to accomplish and will help prevent a list of unfinished tasks that could keep you up at night. Make lists so you can check off each task as you complete it; this will allow you to see a visual representation of your responsibilities.
Getting better sleep when you have a busy professional life is important, but it shouldn’t cause stress. Think of small changes you can make that will help you rest easier but that won’t lead to frustration, and talk to your doctor if you experience several nights of sleeplessness in a row.