For most of my life, I haven't had difficulties sleeping-once I actually got myself to bed.  Getting myself into bed at a decent hour is what has been my nemesis. I love to stay up late and chat, watch movies, snack-pretty much any activity that isn't about going to sleep.  I know I need to get to bed early in order to thrive and enjoy life, but it's just so hard to do.

As I'm in my forties now, my hormones have been shifting and a good night's sleep (once I'm finally in bed) is more elusive. I don't like this one bit, so I've been paying more attention to what factors need to be in place to a) get myself to bed and b) sleep well once I'm there.  I've gotten really positive results. When I sleep more and get better quality sleep, it's remarkable how much better the average day feels.

Since many of my clients struggle with the same challenges, I thought I'd share with you some of the tricks that have been working well for me:

1) Be realistic about how long it takes to get to bed

I used to start "getting ready for bed" shortly before 11 p.m., and felt frustrated almost every night that I'd get to sleep around midnight, as if it was a surprise. Every morning I'd swear I'd get to bed earlier that night, but would end up getting the same late-night result. 

It was key for me to identify and fully accept that it  somehow takes me an hour to get ready for bed, and that the process starts by taking my dog downstairs for her last short walk of the night (let's avoid discussing how long it takes me to wash my face and put all the various layers of skin products on after).

Rather than starting my bedtime process at 11 p.m., I now aim to start at 9:30 p.m. by taking the dog down then. That would have seemed shockingly early to my old self!  I now get to bed quite reliably by 10:30 p.m., just by being more realistic and having that time goal every night.

2) Create a wind-down routine

I used to sometimes do a bit of work in the evening, or engage in other things that could reliably keep me awake (for example, talking about my workday or worries with my honey late in the evening). 

In order to wind down, your brain enough to fall asleep easily. So make a point of doing restful things as bedtime approaches, an hour or two in advance if at all possible.

Turn the lights down low after 8 p.m., read a good book, don't watch or talk about anything stressful, have some tea or a bath if that's what soothes and calms you. 

Pay attention and you'll notice that if you do this, you'll get sleepier and sleepier as the evening progresses. I find that if I have a particularly relaxing evening, I may even take the dog down earlier as I feel so ready to go to bed.

 

What are your dreams for your life for 2016?  Stop and think about them for a moment...would you like to feel better about yourself? To feel happier and more fulfilled? To enjoy better health and finally get fit? To laugh more? Play more? Would you like to feel like you're finally living up to your potential and giving your dreams a chance?



In 2013 I created something that was a dream for me.  I brought together an intimate group of women in my hometown and called it the "Live a Life You Love Exclusive Club". We encouraged, learned, challenged, dreamed, grew, cried and cheered our way through 12 beautiful months together, and we are now friends for life.  It was a joy to see many wonderful things happen, from a-ha moments and breakthroughs to the fulfillment of life dreams. 

In 2014 I took the Live a Life You Love Club international, with members from four different continents, and this past year I did it again. For 2016 the format will be slightly different, as all Premium level members will have monthly one-on-one coaching with me.

Today is your opportunity to join in! (and potentially qualify for a complimentary bonus coaching session for those who are the first to apply and be accepted as 2015 Club members)

If you'd like to work personally with me for this entire year,  don't delay as space in the Club is limited and I have had a lot of interest this year already.


To learn more and apply to journey with me through 2016, click on the link that best describes you:

I would love to get to know you and help you to potentially make 2016 (and the rest of your life) your best ever. Please don't hesitate to respond to this email if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer you personally.

Listen to your heart on this one, if you feel this speaking to you - you are worth it!