Hello, this is Kyo.
Do you ever find yourself thinking, “I need to work harder” or “I don’t have time to rest”?
Having experienced an adjustment disorder in the past and being unable to sleep, I want to share something with you that I learned the hard way.
The most important thing for maximizing your work performance is to rest, especially to get quality sleep.
Why I Started Prioritizing Sleep
In the past, I pushed myself too hard for my job, and as a result, I couldn’t sleep even when I wanted to.
It was then that I realized how precious something I had always taken for granted truly was.
My life began to change little by little when I shifted my mindset from, “I’ll sleep so I can work hard tomorrow” to, “I’ll end my workday now so I can get a good night’s sleep.”
3 Habits to Conquer Your Sleepless Nights
Here are three specific habits that can help people who tend to accumulate work-related stress get a good night’s sleep.
1. Create a “Routine” to Rest Your Brain and Body
- Define the end of your workday
- Create a personal routine to switch from work mode to private mode. For example, tidy your desk, do some light stretching, or listen to your favorite music.
- Set aside screen-free time
- Avoid checking social media or work emails for an hour before bed. The light emitted from smartphone screens can hinder the secretion of sleep hormones.
2. Let Go of “Perfectionism”
- Aim for “80% is good enough”
- Striving for perfection in everything can unconsciously build up stress. By allowing yourself to be “80% okay,” you create a little more space for your mind.
- Track your achievements
- Make it a habit to focus on the small things you were able to accomplish, rather than what you couldn’t do. This boosts your self-esteem and helps you fall asleep peacefully.
3. Add “Rest” to Your To-Do List
- Schedule your breaks
- Intentionally create break times during your workday. By viewing breaks not as “laziness” but as an “investment in your next task,” you can rest without guilt.
- Prioritize quality sleep
- Treat “sleep” as your top priority and incorporate it into your daily schedule.
Summary
Working hard is a wonderful thing. However, it’s meaningless if you push yourself to the point of breaking your mind and body.
Quality sleep is the foundation that supports your performance.
Don’t be afraid to rest. Make it a habit to take care of yourself so you can perform at your best, with a healthy mind and body.
After reading this article, has your perspective on sleep and rest changed?
If so, please share your tips for not overworking yourself or your small daily reset habits in the comments below.
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