It is important to rest well. Your body was designed for work, rest and relationship. So make sure you get the sleep you need. Here are some tips on sleep.

1. Decide – How much sleep do you need? This can change in different seasons of life. Be open to this change. Once you have a number of hours that best fits you in this season, commit to making it happen.
2. Go To Bed – We often focus on what time we are going to get up in the morning. This becomes the focus of our sleep, to make sure we are up at a certain time each day. Rather, once you know what time you want to get up, calculate back the amount of hours of rest you need, and make your bedtime your focus. Then, be in bed at the same time every night.
3. Evening Ritual – Now back up and decide how to prepare yourself for sleep. More on this in future posts. In an ideal world, you want to get ready for bed the same way every night. This will probably start an hour or two beforehand.
4. First Thing – What is going to be the very first thing you do in the morning? Choose something that will motivate you to get out of bed.
5. Morning Ritual – In addition to the “first thing,” create a string of activities that you do each morning. These will help you prepare for your day well. More to come in future posts.
6. Nap – Take naps. Take short power naps daily. These can really help your productivity.
7. Fight for Sleep – If you are not getting enough sleep or your sleep is not restful, put in the work to make it a priority. Those you love, your work and you will thank you for it.

If you take care of yourself well, you will better be able to do all the things. If you sacrifice yourself too much, you will sacrifice everything else. Say “yes” to rest.