Don't Forget To Sleep | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Don't Forget To Sleep

You need it. You love it. Make sure you get it.

67
Don't Forget To Sleep
Pexels

I love my routine. I really do. I hate changing it up. I think a lot of people can relate because you’re already used to doing something for so long, at a specific time, that whenever there’s a “wrench” in your plans, you feel jumbled up. The day just doesn’t feel right. For the past few weeks, I’ve been feeling sick and recovering from a sinus infection and pinkeye. It’s been greeeaaaat… but of course I had to alter my routine a bit, and I had to rest.

Usually I go to the gym early in the morning, SUPER early. This allows me to feel confident energetic throughout the rest of the day, like I said in my “7 Reasons to Love Your Single Self” article. This time, however, I couldn’t. I did it once, but it was not pretty.

I woke up early as usual, and by early, I mean before the sun rises. The problem was that during the night, I kept waking up. I was restless. Nothing felt comfortable, and I had too many thoughts swirling through my mind. Despite that, I went to the gym. I started on a treadmill, and my legs were moving like jelly. I was tired, but I thought, “Let’s keep going. Maybe I’ll warm up and get in the zone.” Trust me, I did not.

My sluggish attitude progressed, but I still had motivation. Quite the contrasting pair, don’t you think? I wanted to work out because I haven’t for the past week and a half. I needed some sort of boost to get me back into the swing of things, and typically the gym would give me that energy spike. That day though, it made me even more exhausted.

I finished my normal regime, got a shower, and ate breakfast. My day was like any other day, except for how I felt. I kept referring back to my terrible night, and that even though I got less than five hours of sleep, I still got up early and went to the gym. I shouldn’t have done this. I should have laid in my bed and thought, “Nah, I’m going to sleep some more.” I was so hung up on my routine that I forgot how important sleep was, especially when recovering from an illness no matter how severe.

The next morning I skipped my workout. It felt wonderful. I slept in, and I needed that rest. For a college student, rest is a necessity, and since I am one but I was also sick, I REALLY needed it. I cannot stress enough how good that night’s sleep was. My dreams were all over the place, I slept straight through the night, and I woke up with that little puddle of drool on my pillow, which is the obvious sign of some intense REM. I woke up with ease and felt both physically and mentally better.

Please listen to me, reader. You need sleep. You really NEED it. If your schedule is changed because you have to nap or go to bed earlier or even wake up five minutes later (while not being late to class or work), then do it. You hear it all the time that sleep helps reinvigorate the body and mind. Not only that, but it is worth it. Those extra minutes or hours of snoozing are some of the best feelings of relaxation. While you might think about the stuff you have to do once your precious minutes end, you’re still closing your eyes in your bed. What’s better than that?

So here’s my advice: No matter who you are or how old you may be, prioritize sleep. You might not think it’s that important, but it is.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2125
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1788
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1410
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments