After a marathon of adulting all day, embracing the soft embrace of our bed should be the most awaited moment. But let’s be real, we’ve all been guilty of “revenge bedtime procrastination” at some point. A fancy term for the not-so-fancy habit of scrolling endlessly on our devices, binge-watching series, or deep-diving into the internet black hole instead of getting some much-needed shut-eye. Sounds familiar, right?
Ashley Neese, a renowned breathwork teacher, somatic practitioner, and author of “Permission to Rest,” sheds some light on this widespread phenomenon. According to her, people often fall into the trap of revenge bedtime procrastination due to anxiety, stress, or simply not having enough “me-time” during the day. This can lead to a myriad of issues like unclear thinking, fragmented attention, memory issues, difficulty making decisions, feeling irritable, and increased anxiety and stress.
Sounds like a party, right?
Although common among individuals with ADHD and self-regulation issues, this quirky trait is something that we all might indulge in. The silver lining, Ashley points out, is that it could be a sign that you need more self-care or support in your daily life.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Ashley provides some practical, actionable steps to help break this pesky habit and reclaim your sleep:
1. Engage in proven practices like breathwork or restorative yoga before bedtime.
2. Say no to blue light a couple of hours before hitting the sack.
3. Avoid caffeine late in the day.
4. Put those tempting devices away. Yes, that means no more “just one more email” or “one more post” before bed.
5. Create a bedtime ritual that signals to your body that it’s time to wind down.
Time to Break Up With Revenge Bedtime Procrastination
Let’s face it, revenge bedtime procrastination is like that ex who keeps sliding into your DMs – tempting, but not good for you. So let’s nip it in the bud by addressing the root cause instead of just the symptoms. It’s crucial to understand why you are choosing Netflix over your body’s desperate cries for sleep.
If cramming self-care into the late hours of the night resonates with you, try sprinkling some short, nourishing activities throughout your day instead. This way, you’ll feel more satisfied and fulfilled at the end of the day, and less likely to seek solace in the glow of your screen when it’s time to hit the hay.
The Verdict
Remember, there’s no need to declare war on your bedtime. Instead, embrace the opportunity to reflect on what’s missing or needed in your life and take small, intentional steps towards filling those gaps. Your sleep (and sanity) will thank you!
Conclusion
Before you dive back into the digital abyss, remember, a good night’s sleep is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. So, go ahead and shop for some sleep-inducing goodies, sign up for that yoga class, or call a friend for a chat during the day. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it. Sweet dreams!
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