THE SLEEP TEST!

“True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment” … William Penn

First and foremost, we all need a healthy sleep routine and that means, we need to eliminate all media and stimuli that contribute to anxiety, stress and sleep disturbance. Also, keep your body in rhythm! Get at least 8 hours quality sleep each day, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. I usually go to bed around 9 or 10 and awake at 5 or 6 am EVERY DAY! Occasionally there is an exception. 95% of the time that’s the cycle for me!

You don’t need a flat panel TV screen in every room in the house – especially the bedroom. From me one TV in the media room and one possibly in the living area. That’s it! NO TV in the bedroom. That room is to be reserved for primarily sleep and occasional intimacy. [This also includes phones, tablets & laptops]. PERIOD!

The average person in the U.S. watches about five hours of television programming/movies per day, which adds up to 35 hours each week. Just so we’re on the same page, that is nearly a full-time job. We need adequate, quality sleep! [No TV, Phone, Tablet, laptop]

A media device in your bedroom is one of the worst decisions you can make for a variety of reasons. If you value your physical and mental health, as well as your relationship.

Relationship Benefits

Intimacy gets better. Studies show that having watching programs/movies in your bedroom cuts your likelihood for intimacy in half. So, what will you choose: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or some real-life romance?

You’ll communicate more effectively. It’s proven there is a correlation between media and a diminishing level of cognizance. When you and your partner both are focused on programming/movies and use media to escape from reality, your real issues are set aside. You don’t talk!

Physical Health Benefits

Sleep takes priority. You might not think much about how you’ll sleep when you’re watching an action movie right before bed, but chances are, it won’t be quality rest. You will stay awake longer because of the adrenaline your body creates while watching the show.

The lights alone from the television greatly affect your circadian rhythm. Give yourself a good hour before bed with NO screens—meaning no phone, tablet, computer, or television. Listen to relaxing music, read, meditate or exercise your prayer life focused on thankfulness and peace.

Activity levels will increase. TV [media devices] + Bedroom = Recipe for Weight Gain, especially for children who have a television in their bedroom. Lounging around watching TV or playing video games adds to weight gain. When you don’t have a television in your bedroom, you’ll sleep much better, leaving you feeling well-rested and energized. Use that extra energy to burn some calories during the day.

Mental Health Benefits

Feelings of depression and loneliness may decrease. Watching fulfilling relationships on your media device /aka TV, doesn’t mean you’re getting anything from it. Entertainment is entertainment and should be left at that. Also, your relaxed state will positively affect your blood pressure and heart rate. Relax!

Healthier thoughts will flourish. What you do upon waking and right before you go to bed can greatly affect your mood. Watching TV doesn’t do you any favors in the happiness camp. Express thoughts of gratitude to yourself!

Productive habits can now fill your life. Take that time to invest in yourself. There’s a good chance once you take a break from TV and other media for a while, you’ll notice your creativity will increase… along with a better mood.

Think of it this way: If you watch an average of 35 hours of media programming or gaming per week, you are spending 1,820 hours a year. That is the equivalent of almost 76 days, or 20 percent of the year. Repeat that habit for just five years, and one entire year of your life has been spent watching various media. Would you rather watch someone’s dreams come true, or make your own happen in real life?

Don’t let life pass you by because you have your eyes glued to the all forms of media endlessly. Embrace a healthier lifestyle today by getting rid of all media devices in the bedroom. Give it a try! It will take a lot of discipline but in the long run you will be rested and more productive in your life. Plus, the added benefit of better relationships. Sleep well!

What are you going to do?