This blog is geared toward my creative colleagues both in the wedding industry and in other creative industries. Something that has plagued me ever since I can remember is the “blocks” in creativity, whether that be as I’m trying to write a script, edit a film or even just think through a concept. I always tried to push through them, sometimes sitting at my screen staring for hours and still never getting anything done. Something that I have discovered (that was really always there) that has changed this in so many ways is the importance of sleep. Sleep is one of the primary ways we can begin good self-care habits. I know that personally, I used to get 5-6 hours of sleep each night, almost every night. Some nights were a bit more but the regular amount was 5-6.
Sleep isn’t just about shutting down but it is important for restoration and strengthening both the mind and body.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends an average adult to sleep 7-9 hours each night. It also specifies that you cannot “make up” for lack of sleep, but instead have to make good sleep habits a pattern. Over the past year, I have challenged myself to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Often times this means shutting the computer down on an edit I want to keep working on, but when I go back to it the next day my mind and body are recharged and my work is much more effective and efficient. So many of us think that staying up until all hours of the night is necessary because otherwise, we won’t get things done. I would argue that by maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, we can get more done in less time with greater results. Give it a try and I think you’ll be amazed!
