Advent Self-Care: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

As I was talking with a recent widow of a dear minister friend about how busy Advent was shaping up to be, she gave me wonderful advice – take an extra nap from now until Christmas.

It sounds so simple, but in practice, when the schedule has so many add-ons this time of year, more rushing around, and more preparation for the usual things we already do, it can be very difficult. Add to that concern and worry and we’re not necessarily sleeping soundly all tucked in our beds. Sleeping in heavenly peace seems a stretch at times.

I have to admit that I’ve been sleepy and dopey, which could be attributed to a backlog of not sleeping well from my head cold and poor breathing, or even diet, or over-doing it activity-wise and planning-wise. I’ve caught myself starting to nod off at different times which I should be realizing is a helpful sign that I’m just not sleeping enough.

We know that not sleeping means our bodies aren’t recovering and mending from whatever we’ve put them through during the day, that our minds don’t get to deal with what’s been happening and process, and that in general we tend to become less flexible and patient and more cranky and irritated.

So how do we get the rest we need, especially in this over-taxed season? Here are some ideas:

a) Remember good sleep hygiene – start to prepare for bed early, whenever possible, by not looking at screens for a while before turning in; avoid caffeine in the evening and right before bed; have a dark and cool bedroom; and if you have a snack, make it something small and earlier in the night without stimulants like sugar.

b) Firm up your bedtime routines with others in the household, especially children. Their excitement for the season means they may be over-tired as well, so maintain their good sleep habits and predictability of what happens at bedtime to prepare them to fall asleep. Then you get to sleep sooner too.

c) There is lots in the news, in situations of family and others we know, that concerns us at this time of year. We can feel overwhelmed by requests for donations to charities in need, the pressure to provide perfect gifts and meals and to have the house decked out for guests. Besides finding the time for silence, find the time for reflection on what is realistic this season for you, how much you can help and do, and what is not necessary. Make decisions and then let them rest.

d) Take time to pray about what God’s priorities are for you for this special time. Hand over the things that are causing stress and concern to God. Recognize what is within your control and what is outside of it and rest in knowing that you aren’t in charge of the universe. Entrust God with the tough stuff and ask for the sleep that you need to cope.

e) Fight the urge to sprawl on the couch under a blanket and binge watch tv shows or movies when you are overwhelmed. It’s important to find things you enjoy in the midst of all the planning, but you want to actually be tired at bedtime. The more you do involving movement and crossing things off your list, the better you will sleep.

f) Fall asleep having prayed for concerns and handed them off and in the midst of your list of gratitude. Think of all the people around you who are assisting with all that you have to do, all the people who are serving those in need, all who are generous and giving to the less fortunate, and all the ways that God has spoken to you and blessed you in this time. It’s the absolute best way to fall asleep, thanking God for all your blessings and the help you’ve received.

Find a balance this Advent and Christmas of doing what gives you hope, peace and joy while also honouring your body and giving it the rest that it needs so that the season doesn’t become something you resent. It’s so hard to enjoy and receive the Greatest Gift when we are cranky and over-tired. May you find the rest you need in this busy time, and not feel guilty for taking a much-needed nap.

Happy Advent to all, and to all a good night’s sleep!