Sleep deprivation is wreaking havoc on our health globally. People brag about how little sleep they get by on like it’s a badge of honor, but it doesn’t fix the problem of never having enough time. Many of us still feel like we’re always racing and will never catch up. This syndrome even has a name:  ‘time famine’.  And It’s become a cultural norm.
It’s widespread now, but it’s nothing new.
If you look back to the beginning of the industrial era, you’ll see how it all began.  Visionaries of massive building projects experienced severe health challenges in the name of progress..  They would routinely live on little sleep and under constant pressure to accomplish the work at hand. Too often, they turned to vices to self-medicate, deal with stress, and cover up the poor state of their health.  They sacrificed their lives and families to build the American Dream and formed a pattern for future generations of workers.
So how do we change our destiny in this ever-increasing sleep-deprived global economy?
The place to start is by developing boundaries and setting priorities for the life we want to live. Obviously there will be times in life where pulling out all the stops is necessary to achieve our goals. But to be an all-out workaholic for long periods of time is simply unsustainable and not very efficient. Watch how some dynamic new businesses have implemented workplace changes to fuel their employees and you’ll see how periods of rest and recreation can fuel creative innovation and fiscal gains.
So what does this look like for you? As you take a look at your weekly schedule, look for areas of time that could be re-invested into building up your personal health.  Something as simple as taking an actual lunch break and going for a walk instead of eating at your desk can be a start.  Setting a consistent bedtime and sticking to it instead of checking of all my ‘to-do’s’ until late into the night has made a huge difference for me.
Do you struggle with the work/life balance that eludes so many of us? Â When you think to the future, what kind of lifestyle do you want to have for yourself and your family?
Feel free to share some of your thoughts on this subject in the comments below.
