Just when we thought we already got the hang of working from home, here comes a new test to conquer. Because of the ongoing pandemic, we are all advised to stay indoors and observing social distancing. The idea of not going outside should be easy since we’re almost always at home, hustling virtually. However, new challenges reveal themselves as each day goes by – one of them is how to fix your body clock.
Noticed how your sleep cycle shifted after the new normal took place? What’s currently happening may have been messing with your sleeping schedule! The news and its side effects might be causing you to stay up and wake up late the next day. Because of this, you may tend to become antsy and unproductive unlike before. To help you get through this, below are some tips to get a good night’s sleep again and how to fix your body clock.
1. Set your short-term daily goals and create a reminder for each of them.
It’s important to know the reason you want to fix your internal clock. Some of your reasons may include ticking off more things on your to-do lists, having me-time before starting work, etc. Internalizing your goals will help in keeping focus on the things that you want to achieve and in weeding out the unnecessary tasks in between. Keeping a handy list of goals will also enable you to stay motivated throughout the day.
Read: Why Routines are Important for Freelance Writers
2. Stop drinking caffeine-infused beverages after 3 PM.
There are just some days when you feel the need to drink your favorite cuppa once the afternoon slump kicks in. We don’t want to be a party pooper, but the latest time you should be chugging caffeine is 3 PM – ideally. Caffeine takes a while to wear off which is why you need to be mindful when drinking your booster concoctions.
3. Be mindful of your afternoon nap.
Feel free to treat yourself with an afternoon nap if there’s a need to. Don’t deprive yourself of one if you had trouble sleeping the night before or if you had an eventful morning. However, there’s a need to draw a line between an afternoon nap and a power nap. According to SleepFoundation.org, they recommend 20-30 minutes of napping time for improved alertness and performance without feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep.
4. Learn when to put down your phone at night.
Blue light emitted by mobile phones can increase alertness and cause you to delay your sleep. Feeling the need to catch up with life through social media? It is best to take your social media break outside your bedroom. Once inside, you need to observe the sanctity of this room and how it can help you fix your body clock.
5. Savor the quietness in the morning.
It’s time to appreciate the morning even more. Before declaring office time in the AM, we suggest you head out to your garden (or whichever place you can get sunlight) and get some Vitamin D while you enjoy your cup of coffee or tea. This way, you can reflect on what you need to do for the rest of the day and perhaps squeeze in some ideas for your future goals as well.
6. Follow steps 1 to 5.
It’s time to go back to your center by following each item above. Fixing your body clock is not an overnight matter but it doesn’t mean that it’s not attainable. Take it day by day and see slow improvements in your sleep.
Keep us posted on how these tips work for you in the comments below!
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