Take a minute and think…what keeps you up at night when you’re trying to get to sleep? Work? Family? Dating?
For millennials, or those born between 1981 and 1996, finding a successful work-life balance is something that requires constant attention to detail. And if you’re feeling out of whack, it can be difficult to figure out where to even begin to balance your life.
We see motivational speakers and life-coaches like Gary Vaynerchuk, Grant Cardone (10X), and JB Glossinger (The Morning Coach) utilizing technology and digital media to speak out to us through Instagram and YouTube on how to improve their personal lifestyle as well as their careers. And guess what? It works. There’s no room for negative energy in your life. Not up in here.
Yet, with all the work and determination required to achieve success (however you define ‘success’ in your life), resting your mind is essential. Millennials spend about 20 minutes more per day sleeping, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report released last October.
If you look further into the BLS report, millennials, ages 21 and over get close to 9 hours a day of sleep per day, which includes naps and spells of sleeplessness.
Yet, for most of us who are in actuality sleep-deprived and going to bed with more thoughts than they know what to do with, keeping our zen and energy is a must. We work more hours each day than prior generations, but we also enjoy our sleep.
Grit Daily spoke with Marla Goldberg, a renowned energy-healer, self-care expert, and best-selling author on some healthy habits that we millennials should be embracing to help improve the quality of both our personal and professional lives.
Goldberg uses a number of techniques, including Spiritual Response Therapy (SRT), Chinese Face Reading (CFR), Space Clearing, and Intuitive Life Coaching to help bring clarity, understanding, and focus to those lives around her.
Speaking from personal (and current experience), I had a few questions I wanted answers to on behalf of all us millennials who work, work, work, yet continue to stare up at the ceiling at night trying to get to sleep. Because counting sheep just doesn’t do it anymore.
I Need My Sleep. How Do I Get It?
#1 — Stick to a Sleep Schedule
When I keep to that schedule, I turn my lights out at a certain time. This has helped give me the right amount of hours that I need to wake rested and ready to take on the day’s events.
If due to an event or something beyond my control, I get back on my schedule as soon as I can.
I have always been an early riser, but to ensure that I get up at a certain time I will set an alarm.
#2 — Why So Serious? End Your Night With Some Humor
If the TV is on prior to my turning off the lights, I make sure that there is something comedic on. I find that humor before bed puts my mind in a happy place which in turn offers me a better quality of sleep.
#3 — Find a Meditation Playlist and Get Your Zzzzz’s
I also love to fall asleep to meditations. I actually like guided meditations, but will fall asleep to a 528 mhz meditation and sleep like a baby.
#4 — Hello Darkness My Old Friend
I prefer a dark room with no lights glowing. That also supports a deeper sleep for me.
How Can I Keep My Exercises Consistent?
My schedule can get really hectic, which has hindered me from being consistent with my workouts in the past.
What I find works best for me is to sign up for a class, or to find an accountability partner. This forces me to make my health a priority.
I don’t like to spend money on a class that I didn’t take, or have to face someone who won’t allow me to make excuses for not making the time for my health and myself.
I Need to Learn Fiscal Responsibility. How Can I Avoid Bad Decisions?
When I was much younger, I wasn’t well versed in healthy financial habits, and it got me into a lot of financial situations I didn’t want to be in.
Though I occasionally run up against an old bad habit, I make sure that I don’t buy anything I can’t afford. I pay off any credit card debt each month. I won’t use my card if I can’t pay it off.
I believe in not just saving money, but I believe in investing my funds so I have a better return for the future.
In addition to finding an ethical financial advisor to help me, I like annuities and whole life-insurance policies for a low risk place to put some of my funds.
How Do I Define Self-Discipline?
Personally, I live through my calendar on my two or three phones. And needless to say, without them, I would be a deer in headlights, wandering with no direction.
Continuing our conversation with Goldberg, she approved and added her own suggestions as well:
#1 — The Power of Lists and Calendars
Make a list of the things you need to do immediately and in the upcoming days and weeks.
#2 — Actually BLOCK OFF Your Calendar
Use time blocking on your calendar(s) to make sure you are able to work on the projects you want to undertake.
#3 — Appoint an Accountability Partner
Lastly, find an accountability partner who won’t let you off the hook
Nobody Likes Pressure. How Can I Thrive Under High-Pressure and Not Go Bonkers?
As a serial entrepreneur of founding five different types of business, I have found that it is imperative that you take time out for yourself. Whether it’s a few minutes, day or weekend, taking “me” time is one the healthiest and most self-supporting acts you can give yourself.
I have found that if you have a limited amount of time, a ten or fifteen-minute walk, a short mediation, a quick conversation with a friend who can make you laugh will help decrease the pressure of the situation.
If you are able to take a day, weekend or entire week to recharge, I suggest you do things that allow you to reset and recharge such as a hike, a massage, make time to be with friends, find a spiritual or yoga retreat which will not only help to nourish not only your body and mind, but will also nurture your soul.
I also find laughter to be a great way to release and recharge. Watch a funny TV show or movie, play fun games with your family and/or friends. In my opinion you can never laugh too much.
What I don’t advise is to use food and substances to as a substitute for self-care. I know it’s convenient and offers a moment of satisfaction, but in the long run it can really weigh you down, physically and mentally.
