You’ve bought a new land for your business. You are planning to purchase new equipment for your business. You are more than willing to spend thousands of dollars on your business expansion.
But wait, let me ask you these: Are you willing to shell out a few hundred dollars for a high-quality mattress? Most likely, you are not willing, right?
Good sleep is for the weak. The hustle never sleeps. These are just some of the sayings that businessmen like you try to abide in. It is because of this thinking that many people think that skipping on rest and good sleep is the only way to achieve success.
However, studies say otherwise. If you want to understand the importance of sleep to success better, continue reading!
The importance of good sleep for business
Entrepreneurs are sleep-deprived. That is why there is the term entrepreneurial insomnia, was coined. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation has detrimental effects not just on your health but your business performance as well.
Here are some of the ways not having enough sleep can affect your business:
1. Memory
One of the critical body functions that sleep plays a significant role in would be our memory. When you don’t get enough sleep, your memory performance will decline.
This may lead to missed deadlines, remembering prominent sales figures, getting lost in meetings, and many more.
2. Creativity
If you want to stand out during these competitive times, you need to be as creative as possible. Sadly, you can’t be your most creative self when you don’t get enough sleep.
One study proved that entrepreneurs who sleep more are better at spotting good business ideas.
3. Problem-solving and decision making skills
One of the well-known effects of sleep deprivation is a poor focus and cognitive performance. Our body, including our brain, recharges while we are asleep. According to studies, sleep facilitates problem-solving.
When our problem-solving skills are improved, the easier it will also be for us to come up with the right decision.
4. Mood
We are not the only person affected by our mood. It also has an impact on the people around you, including your staff and employees.
Based on studies, people who sleep poorly are less effective in leading a team and may not be able to exhibit the positivity his team needs to get things done.
How to invest in your sleep
Sleep and work always work hand in hand. While many business people already know this fact, a lot of them still find it hard to get enough quality sleep because of their high levels of stress.
However, you need to be proactive in trying to get a good night’s sleep. You need to invest in your sleep the same way you invest in your business.
The good news is the investment is not as expensive as you think it is. Here are the ways on how to invest in a good night’s sleep on a budget.
1. Do breathing exercises and meditation before bedtime.
Deep breathing helps your body relax. It also slows down your body’s critical functions, addressing any stress or anxiety that you may feel.
It also increases the oxygen level in the body, which can improve your sleep quality.
2. Download an app.
You use technology in your business, so you know how effective they can be. The good news is you can use an app to help you sleep too!
These days, you can find sleep apps that can produce white noise, dim blue lights in your phone, monitor your sleeping habits and progress, and help you with your meditation.
The great thing is you can get these apps for only a few dollars!
3. Invest in your bedroom.
As an entrepreneur, you know how important it is to have an environment conducive to what you want to do or achieve. That’s why you should also spend time and money in your bedroom the same way you do in your offices and stores.
With that in mind, make sure to buy high-quality beddings and mattresses and comfortable pillows. You should also invest in light dimmers to dim the lights in the room when nighttime comes. This can help facilitate the release of melatonin, the hormones that promote sleep.
If you also get easily distracted by noise, you may want to invest in a gadget that can produce white noise. This is also a valuable investment if you find it difficult to sleep when it’s too quiet.
4. Get a diffuser.
Aromatherapy is also another sleep tool that you may want to check out. A diffuser is the best equipment that you can use to incorporate calming and relaxing scents that can help alleviate stress and ultimately, help you fall asleep.
Some of the best essential oils for sleep are lavender, vanilla, rose, geranium, jasmine, citrus, and sandalwood.
5. Exercise regularly and consistently.
You should spend time on your health the same way you spend time honing your skills, looking after your business, and training your staff. One way to do that is to find time to exercise for at least 10 minutes daily, no matter how busy you are.
When you work out, your body releases endorphins, the happy hormones. This hormone can help reduce the stress that is preventing you from getting the good sleep you need.
The best type of exercise for good sleep is aerobic exercise or those exercises that can help get your heart rate up. These include walking, jogging, running, and swimming.
However, you should avoid doing intense workouts at night. If you plan to work out at night, you can go for light stretching or yoga instead.
Final words: Good sleep is crucial for business success
It is about time that we put the sleepless entrepreneur myth to rest. If you want to be the best in everything you do, you need enough rest. No matter how competitive and fast-paced the industry has become, the fact that health is wealth matters. It rings the truest today.
With this in mind, you must first invest in your health and wellness before you continue investing in your business. The only way to do that is to invest in good sleep. The good news is you don’t need to break the bank to do that!
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