A lot of us look forward to the holiday season. This is when we can finally relax; do what we love or spending quality time with friends and family, right?
Well, as soon as we kick off the holiday season, we quickly realize that this is not always the case. Quite often it’s the holiday season when we end up being busier than ever, stressing up about different things and sacrificing our sleep.
In this article, we want to explore how the holiday season disrupts our sleep and what we can do about it.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET ENOUGH SLEEP
2020 has been a year of lockdowns and various kinds of limitations. So, people working from home often stay up late because they have a deadline at work. Another reason for developing a sleep procrastination habit is the need for an accessible form of distraction and fun.
As common and understandable as these drivers may be, it is vital to make sure you get enough quality sleep. Otherwise, you risk having to deal with the effects of sleep deprivation . These include memory and concentration issues, mood changes, poor balance, gaining weight, etc.
HOW THE HOLIDAYS CAN AFFECT YOUR SLEEP & WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
#1. A Busy Schedule
As soon as we kick off the holiday season, a lot of us try to squeeze in million-holiday commitments. This often leads to joining late-night gatherings and feeling like we need to sacrifice sleep for the sake of fitting it all in. To prevent this ask yourself what would bring you most joy during the holiday season and put everything else aside.
#2. Overeating & Drinking
It is easy to assume that in 2020 we will have the longest Christmas season. Yes, we face some limitations in terms of travel and joining social events. However, we are still exposed to the negative effects of overeating and overdrinking.
If you want to avoid sleep disruptions, limit the consumption of sugary foods, caffeine and alcohol. Also, makes sure you stop eating at least a couple of hours before you go to bed. This is important so that your body has enough time to digest the food.
#3. Skipping the exercise
We would not recommend that you push yourself to stick to your regular exercise routine during the holidays. However, make sure you keep your body moving. For instance, you can dance, go for long walks, and play football or ice skate.
#4. Worrying too much
Another great disruptor during the holiday season is worrying too much. Family dynamics, financial uncertainty or realizing you haven’t completed your last year’s resolutions can be discouraging.
To prevent this problem, make sure you focus on your accomplishments and what you DID manage to achieve. Also, set healthy boundaries with family members who tend to stick their nose into other people’s business. Last, but not least, remember that quality time is the best present you can give your loved ones. So, focus on creating shared experiences live or virtually.
We know that it can be very tempting to sacrifice sleep during the holiday. Yet, as you saw, it is important to avoid sleep disruption. Hopefully, this article will help you make the most out of the holiday season while keeping your immune system strong.
