Finding Your Breath

I’ve always been a good sleeper.

Until I wasn’t.

It happened almost overnight—literally. 

One day I was sleeping soundly, the next I was wide awake at 2 a.m., staring at the ceiling, counting sheep, replaying conversations, and strategizing my to-do list for the week ahead.

At first, I blamed it on stress, aging, too much screen time… you name it. I tried to more yoga, journaling, positive thinking.... You know, all the right things.

Nothing worked.

Then, in classic high-performer style, I convinced myself the solution was doing more. 

Finishing projects, tackling new goals, adding more to my plate. 

Because surely, if I got everything done, I’d feel calm enough to sleep.

Spoiler: it didn’t work.

One night, lying wide awake (again), something clicked. Instead of spiraling, I started breathing deeply—really deeply. 

Then I tried alternate nostril breathing, a technique I’d learned in yoga teacher training.

And for the first time in weeks, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. 

I fell asleep.

That night was a wake-up call (pun intended): My body wasn’t the problem. 

My stress response was.

The Science of Sleep and Success:

Sleep isn’t just rest; it’s restoration. It’s when your brain consolidates memories, processes emotions, and clears out toxins. Your body repairs cells, regulates hormones, and resets for the day ahead.

But chronic stress and disrupted sleep create a vicious cycle. Elevated cortisol (hello, survival mode) blocks the deep, quality sleep you need to function, which makes you even more stressed.

Here’s what happens when you don’t prioritize sleep:

🔹 Cognitive decline: Your focus, creativity, and decision-making plummet.

🔹 Weakened immunity: You’re more likely to get sick and stay sick longer.

🔹 Emotional instability: Small problems feel overwhelming, and patience goes out the window.

What Changed for Me:

I realized self-care routines aren’t one-size-fits-all—they need to evolve. What worked for me in the past wasn’t enough anymore. I had to listen to my body and respond differently.

Since that night, I’ve leaned deeper into the mind-body connection. Breathing techniques, mindfulness, and stress regulation are now non-negotiables—not just for my sleep but for my overall performance and well-being.

And it’s not just personal. These tools are becoming a cornerstone of my coaching practice.

A Question for You:

When was the last time you truly prioritized sleep?

If you’re feeling foggy, irritable, or just plain “off,” start here:

👉 Try deep breathing before bed.

👉 Set clear boundaries around your wind-down time.

👉 Reflect on whether your current self-care routines are serving who you are today.

Because you can’t perform at your best if you’re not resting at your best.

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