The Power of Sleep: A Guide to Being Your Best Self

Trivena GV
2 min readNov 18, 2023

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In a world where some people think that success is all about doing lots of work and that sleep is for lazy folks, there’s a different perspective that’s helping people become their best selves. Let’s explore how something as simple as sleep can make a big difference in our lives.

Finding My Way

As someone who likes making others happy (people pleaser they say), I used to believe that sleep was something I should skip to get more work done. But as I try to be true to myself and do things I love, I discovered a book that changed my thinking: “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown.

The Essentialism Journey

This book taught me that being productive doesn’t always mean doing more. It’s about doing what truly matters. While I’m still reading the book, I’ve come across a challenge — deciding if I should prioritize 8 hours of sleep for being more “productive” or if 5 or 6 hours would be better.

Understanding the Importance of Sleep

On my journey to becoming a better person, I’ve realized how crucial sleep is. When I don’t get enough rest, my emotions don’t behave well, and being creative becomes tricky. The book assures me that it’s okay to sleep and do less, but what matters is the quality of what I do.

Why Sleep Matters

  • Emotional Well-being: Lack of sleep can make emotions feel out of control. Getting enough rest helps me handle my feelings better.
  • Creativity Boost: Sleep is like a superhero for creativity. When I’m well-rested, my brain is more ready to come up with cool ideas.
  • Problem Solving Ability: Full night’s sleep may actually increase brain power and enhance my problem-solving ability.

While sleeping is often associated with giving rest to the body, recent research shows that sleep is really more about the brain — Essentialism by Greg McKeown.

So, here’s the deal — sleep isn’t just for lazy people. It’s a secret weapon for those who want to be their best selves. Instead of chasing endless tasks, it’s about focusing on what truly matters and ensuring that you are rested enough to tackle it with full force. So, the next time someone says sleep is for the lazy, I’ll just smile and think about how it’s actually for the smart ones who want to be powerful in what they do.

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Trivena GV

Vinyasabyvena.com | Yoga Teacher | Practice Stoic in daily life | Varies in nature and art of life | There is no one-size-fits all to live your best life