Make your to-do list. About an hour before bedtime, make a list of the things that need to be done the next day. Write it down and then release it from your mind. Keep a notepad (or your phone) by your bed. If you do wake up and think of something, jot it down and then you can rest knowing that you can refer to it later. Go to bed at the same time every night.
Ironically, one of the great advantages of being an adult is not having a "bedtime," yet I have learned that being consistent helps me stay on track. Do your best to not throw your schedule off too much on the weekends. Have fun, but keep your bedtime consistent. Eat healthy. This is not a fitness book and I am certainly no expert on what to eat or what to avoid. I will not attempt to lecture on carbs, sugars, or protein. At the heart of it, you know what you need to do.
When we are busy putting in full days at work and at home, it's very tempting to order pizza, or microwave that meal just one more time. When you eat better, you feel better. Do the right thing and be mindful of what your intake looks like. You will be glad that you did. Take breaks every hour. Sure, you can work a twelve-hour day, but you can't stay 100% focused all of the time. No matter how effective you are, you will get distracted and actually become less productive over time.
I have found that taking a five- or ten-minute break every hour helps me stay on task. Get up, step outside for a few moments, and get some fresh air. The change of scenery and moving around a little bit will help you regain your focus.
Get some sleep. I have always been a horrible sleeper. Calming teas, hot baths, sleep medication--nothing ever seemed to help. Like many working moms, when the house is finally quiet, it can often still be incredibly difficult to quiet yourself and get that much-needed rest. I am certainly not a sleep expert, but it's common knowledge that most of us require between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. Here are some of my best suggestions for getting some rest:
Exercise. We already talked about this, but my kids never have trouble sleeping, and I believe this is because we keep them active. Exercise keeps you healthy, keeps you thinking clearly, and helps with sleep. On the days I exercise, I sleep much better.
For a product that will give you the perfect cup of coffee every time, check out the Delonghi EC155 Review. Another great product that will help you get your weight in control can be found at the Fitbit Aria Review.
