Getting a full night’s sleep is something I struggle with. I have the best of intentions, but once my kids are in bed, I revel in the quiet time. Social media doesn’t make things easier. Many of us get pulled into catching up with what’s going on in the world and our community… and it’s easy to spend thirty minutes to an hour more than we originally intended online.
This habit can have adverse effect on our health and sleep patterns, “Researchers checked out the social media habits of 1,700 adults between the ages of 19 and 32 and found that those who spent more than an hour a day on social media or tried to fall asleep to their news feed were more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances.”
Let’s unplug a bit earlier this week. Here’s to getting a good night’s sleep!
Your Third Happiness Challenge:
This week, give yourself a no-later-than bedtime. If you find you’re having a hard time falling asleep: cut your screen time and caffeine intake earlier, drink some chamomile or ‘sleepy’ herbal tea, and stretch a bit before bed. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep.
PS — Next week we’re going to challenge you to read 20-30 minutes prior to sleeping! If you’re up for the early challenge, go ahead and start reading.
Reflections from Week 2’s Happiness Challenge:
Last week’s challenge was ‘speak with kindness’. Here’s some science behind being kind which ultimately makes you happier:
“Kindness is scientifically proven to boost health, happiness and societal goodwill… There’s the positive effect on the recipient, and the positive effect on you—you might find yourself experiencing the positive emotion of the ‘helper’s high.’ But perhaps the biggest effect of all will be on a passer-by who just happens to witness the act.”
“People who engage in kind acts become happier over time…When you are kind to others, you feel good as a person — more moral, optimistic, and positive.”
See more on Random Acts of Kindness benefits here.