Some people say sleep is a waste of time, but I see it as one of the most productive parts of the day. While we’re out, our body is busy, recharging energy, repairing tiny damages, resetting mood, and sharpening memory. No shortcut can replace that. If I’m honest, the mornings when I feel healthiest are almost always after a solid night’s rest. That’s why I treat sleep like any other important appointment on my calendar.
We tend to glorify late nights and extra hours, but the truth is simple, good sleep pays us back the next day. It keeps our mind clear and our body steady for whatever work, family, and life will demand. It’s not “lost time,” it’s the reason we can show up and actually be effective.
Small habits help, a consistent bedtime, lights and screens off earlier than we think, a cool and quiet room, caffeine cut by mid-afternoon, and naps kept short when we really need them. These aren’t strict rules, just gentle anchors that make tomorrow easier. Even the 8+8+8 idea makes more sense to me now, eight hours for rest, eight for work, eight for life. When I honor that balance, my days feel lighter and my focus lasts longer.
So every time I lay down, I remind myself I’m doing future-me a favor. I’m choosing to be healthier, calmer, and more ready for the next day’s activities. Let’s stop underestimating what a good night can do. We don’t have to earn our sleep, we just have to allow it.
“Sleep is the best meditation,” — Dalai Lama
Have a great day!
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