Energy for the holidays and beyond!

As promised, let’s spend a few minutes on the “other” side of energy. The nutrition side of this discussion for some is simply draining, because we all know what we need to do for the most part. So, while I include nutrition in the formula above, I’m going to save that one and focus on the sleep.

In case you didn’t know it already, sleep is the hot health topic for 2016. If you haven’t noticed, I promise you’ll now see the topic on magazine covers, and splashed on your social media channels.

For good reason, SLEEP according to Arianna Huffington, (publisher of the famous Huffington Post and author of the 2015 release THRIVE), is “the biggest enhancement tool” that we have in our personal arsenal for greater effectiveness. Look for her new book in April on the topic of SLEEP, and for now, take a look at her TED talk on the topic.

Locally, Dr. Michelle Robin is helping us move in the same direction with her 21-day rejuvenating sleep program. I think that sounds like a great idea if you currently are in the majority of depriving yourself of sleep!

I leave you today with some health benefits of sleep found on health.com! My hope is that you will make it a goal to improve your health in 2016 and watch your energy soar!
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1. Sleep improves memory. During the sleep process you “strengthen” memories or “practice” skills learned while you were awake through a process called consolidation. (I’m all in on consolidation… who knew?)
2. You’ll live longer and be less stressed. In a 2010 study of women ages 50-79, more deaths occurred in women who got less than five hours of sleep per night.
3. Sleep curbs inflammation. Inflammation is linked to heart disease and a host of other diseases. Research indicates that those who receive six or fewer hours per sleep a night have higher blood levels of inflammatory proteins. Yikes!
4. Sleep spurs creativity and sharpens your attention! Love that one!
   
5. Sleep helps you achieve a healthy weight. Researchers in Chicago found that dieters who were well rested lost more fat (56%) of their weight loss than those sleep deprived.