How to Disconnect from Work and Sleep Like a Baby
By Sandy Schroeder
If you have found yourself tossing and turning after a tough day at work, you may welcome some new sleep suggestions from Caitlin Demsky, PhD, a professor and sleep researcher at Oakland University in Michigan.
Learning to Detach
Recently on Good Morning America, Dr. Demsky said, “Just spending some amount of time each evening doing something that completely detaches you from work is beneficial for sleep, according to new research.”
She also suggests that you take time for yourself every day to relax. Demsky said sleep research has shown negative situations at work, such as harsh judgments or verbal attacks, are linked to the symptoms of insomnia where it is hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, and ever feel really rested.
Develop a Detachment Plan
I have worked in a variety of situations with an array of people, and the most successful workers that I ever saw liked their work, but also valued their lives.
One great example was a nurse that I worked with in a healthcare center. Wesley ran a treatment section and showed up every day to keep everything perfectly organized, but her weekends were hers. Then she simply disappeared with her boyfriend and headed off for sailing, dining, or socializing. Promptly on Monday morning she would return smiling and ready to work. That job, like most jobs, had its share of people who created negative waves, but Wesley never seemed to be bothered. She had already figured out a way to enjoy life that made work’s challenges less important. When she retired, she and her boyfriend headed off to the Amazon for an amazing adventure.
What’s Your Detachment Plan?
It's important for you to have a way to leave work at the office.
Family time - Spend some time with your family doing what you love. It could be cooking, baking, gardening, sports or games, whatever works.
Hiking, biking, tennis, or sailing - Having a sport waiting for you that keeps you active and energized can go a long way to blow off stress.
Music everywhere - Make the effort to surround yourself with your favorite music, or consider learning to play an instrument. A professor that I admired spent evenings learning to play the cello. He was one of the most mellow people I have ever known.
Home projects - Pick a spot in your home that you would like to transform and work on it on weekends or evenings.
Special trips - Set aside funds for a special trip every six months and then spend time researching every aspect of it.
Whatever attracts you and holds your interest may be rewarding enough to help you balance life and roll with the punches at work. When you find a great detachment you may find yourself resting well.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Calif.