So the days are shorter… But who says we have to hibernate?
January, historically, has been a busy month. For example, it’s inauguration day today, and on this day in history, JFK said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” (1961). Also on January 20, alone… Preliminary papers for the Treaty of Versailles were drawn up (1783). The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was formed (1920). Fifty two US hostages in Iran were released after being held 444 days (1981). Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake prepared to premier in Moscow (1877). The Lone Ranger premiered on radio in Detroit (1930), and the Roller Coaster was patented (Coney Island, 1885). That’s ONE DAY in January history.
And January is for hibernation?
I’d say, as a race, we’ve spent little time slowing down even when the days are shorter. In fact, history shows that we’d rather be proudly occupied than bored and ineffectual. Why, legend has it that Egyptian pharaohs created mathematics because they had nothing better to do (thanks to all those slaves).
It’s no joke that lack of light affects us, but it’s clear that we are a resourceful race and great fruits have come of the work performed during those seemingly dreary months we call winter. Here’s the cliche of the week: It is what you make it.
So, get out of bed! Get off the couch! Layer up, let go of the cold temperature blues, and get that to-do list going.
No, seriously. Plan for cozy time by your fireplace with your loved ones (two or four legged – preferably both), a good book or movie, and something warm to drink. These are ingredients for healing and nurturing that are essential but only necessary AFTER we’ve made our great contributions to the world.
How do you keep yourself focused enough to make your said contribution? Your brain needs good sleep, my friend! Darkness signals your body to release melatonin, the hormone that stimulates drowsiness and lowers your core body temperature, thus prepping you for sleep. So when the days get shorter, we often feel drowsy, and even lethargic earlier than in the summer. Modern technology such as light, TV, and computers have made melatonin less potent and even erratic. So to keep melatonin in check, and your whole sleep system on track, here are some sleep hygiene tips (straight from our Thirty Winks Adventure that encourages great sleep):
- Keep your bedtime and wake time consistent, even on weekends.
- Keep blue lights out of your bedroom (TV, computers, alarm clocks, blue tooth, etc. Note: The Kindle is okay however as its screen is ink rather than blue light).
- Give your eyes a break from electronics by turning off the TV and computers 30-60 minutes before your bedtime.
- Read in a chair or couch rather than in bed so that the bedroom is only for sleep.
- Have a “slow down” bedtime ritual to get you ready for sleep; your body will begin to count on it!
These are just a few tips from sleep experts. To learn more, visit the National Sleep Foundation, or the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Finally, when you have that lethargic melatonin feeling, think of all the greatness that has come from winter gumption over the centuries. Use that as inspiration to get up and go. A brisk walk or a little exercise time can stimulate those creative brain waves too, even if it’s only ten minutes.
Let us know what you’re doing to stay active and productive this winter. And what are your sleep hygiene tips!
Sweet Dreams.