“More energy requires less resistance to life.” – Jennifer Hough
Ever feel like you’re caught in a never-ending cycle of tossing and turning, struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night? You’re not alone.
As a leader, the quality of your sleep directly impacts your ability to fully present yourself to your team and make clear decisions. But here’s the kicker—what if I told you that you could actually have more energy on less sleep?
Let’s dive into some game-changing insights that can help you break free from sleep struggles and tap into a wellspring of energy you didn’t know you had.
The Hidden Culprits Behind Poor Sleep
First things first, we need to address the physical factors that might be sabotaging your sleep without you even realizing it.
Here are some key areas to investigate:
1. Thyroid Health
Believe it or not, thyroid issues are often overlooked when it comes to sleep problems. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to chat with your doctor about getting your thyroid checked:
✔️ Cold hands and feet
✔️ Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
✔️ Dry skin (without using lotions)
✔️ Low energy levels
✔️ Changes in metabolism
✔️ Increased hair loss
2. Overstimulation
You might think that morning cup of coffee couldn’t possibly affect your sleep, but you’d be surprised. Even decaf coffee still contains about 30% of the caffeine of regular coffee. And it’s not just caffeine – certain foods can also disrupt your sleep patterns. Dairy, for example, is highly inflammatory for many people and can lead to sleep disturbances.
3. Adrenal Fatigue
If you’re feeling constantly negative, unmotivated, or unusually reactive, your adrenals might be crying out for help. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on these important glands, directly impacting your sleep quality.
Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Now that we’ve addressed some internal factors, let’s look at how your environment might be affecting your sleep:
✔️ Consistent bedtime: Your body thrives on routine. Try to go to bed at the same time each night to regulate your circadian rhythm.
✔️ Dim the lights: Bright lights signal to your brain that it’s time to be awake. Start dimming the lights about an hour before bedtime to ease your body into sleep mode.
✔️ Avoid mental stimulation: Put away work-related tasks at least an hour before bed. Your brain needs time to wind down.
The Stress Factor: A Paradigm Shift
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. While all these physical and environmental factors play a role, there’s a deeper issue at play for many leaders – stress.
But I’m not talking about the kind of stress you can fix with a few deep breaths or a walk in nature.
I’m talking about a fundamental shift in how you relate to life itself.
Redefining Stress
Stress, at its core, is the gap between what you wish was happening and what’s actually happening. The wider this gap, the more stress you experience. As leaders, we often fall into the trap of trying to control every aspect of our lives and businesses.
But here’s the truth – that approach is exhausting and ultimately futile.
From Survival to Thriving
Most people operate from a survival mindset, constantly trying to find balance and manage their symptoms. But what if instead of just surviving, you could thrive?
What if you could wake up each day inspired, knowing you’re living your unique piece of heaven on earth?
This isn’t about ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about understanding the laws of physics and how they apply to your life and business. When you grasp this, you realize that for every problem, there’s an equal and opposite solution waiting to be discovered.
The Thriving Operating System
Imagine having the confidence that everything you need will come to you. Imagine knowing how to get back into your flow state, no matter what challenges arise.
This is what I call the Thriving Operating System, and it’s a game-changer for both your sleep and your overall energy levels.
When you operate from this mindset:
✔️ You stop wrestling with life and start flowing with it
✔️ Solutions appear more readily because you’re not stuck at the frequency of the problem
✔️ Your sleep becomes more restorative because you’re carrying less resistance
Practical Steps to Better Sleep and More Energy
While shifting your entire paradigm takes time, here are some immediate steps you can take to improve your sleep and boost your energy:
✔️ Cut out caffeine after 10 AM and avoid red meat after 6:30 PM
✔️ Create a bedtime ritual that includes dimming lights and going to bed at the same time each night
✔️ Before bed, declare “This day is complete” and write down any lingering thoughts for the morning
✔️ Focus on embodying the thriving mindset rather than constantly trying to fix problems
Remember, true transformation isn’t about managing symptoms – it’s about fundamentally changing how you interact with the world.
When you do this, not only will your sleep improve, but you’ll find yourself with an abundance of energy to pour into your passions and purpose.
Are you ready to make the shift from surviving to thriving?
It’s time to stop pushing against life and start opening yourself to the incredible possibilities that await when you align with the laws of physics and your true potential.
Until Next Week,
xoxo Jennifer
Don’t settle for just surviving. It’s time to thrive. Register for our Free Live Webinar, “Thriving in Times of Great Change” Sept. 25th at 4 PM ET at https://linke.to/blogpromo
