Promoting Creativity Through a Good Night’s Sleep

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps 4:8).

In college, I studied all the time and went to bed by ten. I still remember one night when I stayed up to keep a friend company during the last hours of her shift working the front desk of our dorm. A couple of us joined her from ten to midnight. My friends were shocked, first of all, that I joined them, and second, that I stayed awake the entire time!

Like many of you, I’ve struggled at times with getting enough sleep. Insomnia has plagued me, while other times worry and anxiety kept me from falling asleep. Still other times, I stayed up late on purpose and then regretted it the next day.

Years ago, a neurologist told me how important a regular sleep schedule is to ward off migraines. On his advice, I tracked my sleep schedule, and I noticed a pattern: when I stayed up too late or slept too long, I had a migraine the next day. Unfortunately, I had many other migraine triggers as well, many of which were out of my control, but I could control my sleep schedule. Continue reading “Promoting Creativity Through a Good Night’s Sleep”

Focusing on Health in 2019

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31

As I look back over 2018, I’m repeatedly drawn to my health goals. My goal was simply to be healthier. It was a pretty broad goal, to be sure, and I realize now that I wasn’t specific enough in how I wanted to reach that goal. Many of the health problems I experienced in 2018 could have been prevented. Some were caused by pushing myself too hard. I worked even when I was sick, rarely taking a day off, which leads to more illness and potential burnout. I also struggled with seasonal depression more than usual, so this year, I’m taking steps to combat that issue. You can read all about it here in my recent blog post. Continue reading “Focusing on Health in 2019”

Time to Rest and Recharge

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” (Mk 6:31)

On a recent drive home from visiting my parents, I thought of around five blog post ideas in the span of an hour and half. Because I couldn’t write them down, I dictated them into my phone to transcribe later. Once one idea formed, the rest flowed quickly – so quickly, I felt I almost couldn’t keep up. Continue reading “Time to Rest and Recharge”