This Motivation Monday is bound to be a brighter one – literally. As we attack the first work day of Daylight Saving Time, most of us can look forward to catching a glimpse of some blue sky (albeit faded) as we make our way home after the manic workday. However at this moment, quitting time may seem like an eternity away as many of us are also dealing with what I call the change-the-clock hangover. (It gets me every year.) The good news is like all hangovers, the grogginess will eventually fade away and our bodies will get back to normal. While we wait for the fog to lift, it’s the perfect time to take stock of something that’s overlooked in too many health routines: our sleep habits.

Research shows along with helping us stay energized, sleep helps us retain information and boost our mood. Search the Internet, and you’ll even find studies linking inadequate sleep to weight gain. On a personal note, when I rack up too many consecutive nights without enough shut-eye, it’s harder to concentrate on everything from writing a script to maintaining good form for a roundhouse kick. I also find myself being annoyed by the little things that usually roll off my back.

Here are some ideas to make sure you get those all-important zzzz’s:

• Shutting Down:  If you scan the Internet, you’ll find plenty of research on how watching TV in bed and using smart phones and other portable devices can be over-stimulating when your body is trying to wind down. Aim to power down at least 30 minutes before closing those tired eyes for the night.
• Exercise: Physical activity can help you sleep. However, if I exercise less than two hours before going to bed, the endorphins keep me up. Aim to wrap a workout three hours before bedtime.
• Stress:  This is an area under never-ending construction in my own life. One thing that’s helped is writing down my next-day to-do list and even some long-term project ideas at least an hour before getting into bed. Putting my tasks and even a few worries “on paper” gives me a clear outline of exactly what’s ahead instead of letting my mind get the best of me while I stare at the ceiling.
• Caffeine: I am simply amazed at how some people (my fiancé included) can drink coffee at 8 pm and still fall asleep at 10:30 pm. If I have caffeine after 3 pm, I’m looking at a rough night ahead. The key is to pay attention to how your body reacts. Don’t forget to check for “hidden” caffeine in things like flavored teas and sweet treats.
• Alcohol: My repeat readers know I enjoy a glass of wine or prosecco at the end of the day. However, too much alcohol can have the opposite effect of calming the nerves and end up wrecking your night. Obviously, having a hangover in the morning is never a good thing.

So, you’ve made the commitment to workout and follow a healthy diet? Kudos to you! Just remember, your body also deserves time to rest and recharge. It’s all part of the winning formula to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!