Wellness Refuge Pillar:
In this episode of the Leadership Wellness Circle podcast, Miara Shaw sits down with LaShasta Bell, a professional sleep strategist and business therapist, to discuss the critical role sleep and rest play in the lives of high-performing women leaders. LaShasta takes us through her journey into sleep therapy, explaining the importance of sleep hygiene, understanding sleep windows, and the differences between sleep and rest. They explore how sleep deprivation can negatively impact health and performance, and how leaders can integrate wellness practices, especially restorative rest, into their busy lives. LaShasta also shares practical tips for improving sleep quality, emphasizing that good sleep habits are an essential part of achieving sustained success in leadership.
Stay tuned for her upcoming book, “Don’t Sleep on Sleep,” hitting shelves soon! https://lashastabell.com/
Takeaways:
- Sleep hygiene starts when you wake up and is essential for maintaining good health.
- Women are more likely to experience sleep deprivation, impacting their productivity and well-being.
- Understanding sleep windows can help regulate sleep patterns for more restorative rest.
- Regular rest and restorative practices are just as important as sleep for maintaining productivity and leadership effectiveness.
- Creating a consistent sleep routine can significantly improve sleep quality and overall wellness.
Listen to this Episode:
Takeaway Summaries:
- Sleep hygiene starts when you wake up: Establishing good habits from the moment you wake up sets the tone for healthy sleep, including hydration, light exposure, and morning routines.
- Women experience sleep deprivation more often: Due to unique hormonal, lifestyle, and social factors, women are more prone to sleep deprivation, which can affect their productivity, mental clarity, and overall health.
- Understanding sleep windows enhances restorative rest: Recognizing the optimal times to sleep, based on the body’s natural rhythms, can improve sleep quality and ensure you wake up feeling refreshed.
- Rest is as crucial as sleep: Restorative practices, like taking breaks or meditation, play an equally important role in sustaining leadership productivity and effectiveness as sleep itself.
- A consistent sleep routine improves wellness: Establishing a regular sleep schedule and environment promotes better quality rest, helping to boost energy, focus, and overall leadership performance.
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