Part 1 of "get your sleep" was written over a year ago and  had some great tips for physically changing your sleep environment, schedule and routine.  But nowhere did it suggest any tips to help with the mental side of getting sleep and that's where my challenge still is.  Though rare, sometimes I lay awake worrying about something or other and can't get to sleep.  More often though, I wake up at 3:30, the brain kicks in and I can't get back to sleep.  Either way I'm less likely to exercise the next day or even make better choices.  So here are some things I've learned that help: 

• If you are worrying about something you're supposed to be doing, ask yourself if you're willing to get out of bed and work on it right then.  If not (and I doubt you will be), then accept the fact you've chosen not to act and let the shoulds  and  have tos go for the moment.  The morning is soon enough to take up the worry and stress again.
• Exercise.  You will sleep better and longer if you get your exercise in.
• Some people suggest writing your to-do list the night before so that you empty your brain of all those tasks; but others suggest that the evening to-do list causes more stress and worry.  Try the evening to-do list, but stop if it isn't working for you. 
• Instead of counting sheep, count your blessings.  Find the wonder and beauty in your day, no matter what's happened.  You'll fall asleep in a positive, grateful mood.
• If you're going to watch TV or a movie before bed, watch something fun or light.  TV/movies that show the worst in people (violence, greed, etc) establish a negative mood that brings out depression and doubts.   

And don't give up your sleep to build another good habit.   I read an article about ways to get your exercise in if you're busy.  One of the suggestions was to get up earlier, but since we are already a sleep deprived nation, that would just be stealing from one healthy habit to build another, and in the end you probably would end up with neither.  Get your sleep so that you have the energy and ability to make the other healthier decisions in your life.

Best Diets -- US News & World Report evaluated 20 of the most popular diets and identified the best.

 ~~~ Where's Shawndra This Week? ~~~

Ladies Night Out -- PAMPER ME at Hilo Women's Club (7 Lele St, Hilo), 6 - 8 pm, Friday, June 17th.  Live music, hottest and latest beauty trends, and pupus.  There will be massage, hair, skincare & make-up and I will be there with organizing products from Clever Container. 

Check out my Saturday morning Weight Watchers® meeting in Hilo for free.  We open at 8:30 and the meeting starts at 9 am.  29 Shipman St, #101, Hilo.  Behind Koehnens (entrance is in the alley).  

***  Would you like support with your small steps  ***