Sleep & Corporate Wellness

Sometimes when you snooze....you don't lose ! We have all had the experience of a work day with a terrible hangover, when the crazy deadlines have led to burning the midnight lamp, when schedules, meetings & travels have led to poor rest & burnout… when we think a cup of coffee will make up for all the lack of energy & continuous state of feeling exhausted… but does it work ? It doesn't. Even when the work life doesn't put us through these extreme circumstances, we cannot afford to undermine the need for a good sleep. For it ain’t just a way for the body to relax and recuperate but it is : ● a learning tool: sleep effects memory, focus & concentration tool ● a performance tool: it changes the energy levels of the body & affects productivity. ● a stress management tool: you feel more equipped to deal with challenging situations. ● and an emotional well being tool: your ability to balance emotions & think through stuff changes if your body & mind is calm and well rested. So, a good sleep does us more good than we know ! What are the ways in which we can ensure that we get time to rest & work with our A game ? Here are a few things that could help:- 1. Downtime is down time: when you come back home, the work button must be switched off. Take time out to spend time with your loved ones, pursue your hobbies & think about things you cannot otherwise at work… read a book, cook a good meal, it is time to chill, relax & rest. No using the laptop, no answering the mails, no work calls… Not bringing back work to home is a great way to set personal boundaries & train the body to be accordingly. 2. Exercise: challenge your body with a good workout or playing a sport so that it feels the need to rest and at the same time remains healthy & active. Exercise leads to the release of good hormones & thereby impacts productivity & balance. 3. Respect your Rest: prioritize your sleep, make a schedule for & put it on your daily chart. Consider your sleep time, the sacred 8 hours. Manage, organize & plan your life around it, not the other way. Small naps whenever possible are also a great way to re-energize your body. 4. Environment matters: how does your bed feel like, what does your bed room look like, what about the curtains, how does it smell… all these factors contribute to the quality of sleep you get. Choosing activities that slow you down before you go to bed are also a great way to relax & calm the body. Remember, no phones in the bedroom! No screen time before bed. These rules can have long lasting qualitative impact on sleep & well being. 5. Go do art: calm sleeping stories, sleep music, meditation podcasts, & soundscapes can be a good way to get your body in the mood… to relax & chill & make way for rest. You sleep well, you perform better. You sleep well, you show up better. You sleep well, you live better. Many corporations in recent times have created resting pads & recreational spaces for employees, thereby doing their bit to prioritize rest & sleep at workplace. It is no wonder that they have realized the positive impact sleep & rest can have on the productivity & holistic well being of their employees.