# Choosing Sleep


There is something to be said for choosing sleep, especially when there is always something happening and the temptation to stay up just a little longer is hard to resist.

There might be one more conversation to enjoy, one more drink with friends, another episode to watch, or a beautiful evening that you don't want to end. Then there is that familiar little voice whispering, You don't want to miss out! We live in a world that encourages us to squeeze every last minute out of the day, as though going to bed means we are somehow missing an opportunity.

But what if choosing sleep is actually choosing more out of life?

Sleep is one of the simplest and most powerful ways we can take care of ourselves. It gives our bodies time to repair, our muscles time to recover, and our brains an opportunity to process, organize and recharge. It supports our immune system, helps regulate hormones, improves memory and concentration, and plays an important role in our mood and emotional wellbeing. A good night's sleep can even influence our appetite, energy levels and ability to manage stress.

Let's be honest, everything seems a little more manageable after a good night's rest. Problems don't always look quite so big, patience comes a little easier, and we are generally much nicer people to be around. There is a reason we say we need to sleep on it!

As travellers, it can be particularly tempting to resist bedtime. There are sunsets to watch, dinners that stretch into the evening, friends to catch up with and experiences we don't want to miss. When you spend time somewhere you love, it is easy to feel that every moment needs to be filled. But enjoying life doesn't mean exhausting ourselves trying to experience all of it.

Sometimes the most mindful decision is knowing when to call it a night. To put the phone down, turn off the television, leave the party a little earlier or simply give ourselves permission to say, "I'm heading to bed."

There will be another sunset, another dinner, another conversation and another adventure tomorrow. Wouldn't we rather experience them feeling rested, refreshed and ready to enjoy them?

Perhaps we need to rethink our fear of missing out. Instead of worrying about what we might miss by going to bed, consider what we might be missing by not getting enough sleep: our energy, our patience, our health and the ability to fully enjoy the moments we are working so hard not to miss.

Choosing sleep isn't choosing to miss out on life. It's choosing to show up for it.

**Mindful takeaway:** Sometimes the best thing we can do for tomorrow's adventures is give ourselves permission to enjoy a little more pillow time tonight. Because rest isn't a reward for getting everything done. It's part of living well.

Yours rested,

Ms. Mindful Traveller