Happiness is...
Setting no alarms. Yes, my biological clock still gets me up well before 8 a.m., but it's a big change from being rudely awakened by a blaring alarm at 7 or 7:30. There's just something special about a natural morning. I remember more of my dreams, wake up in a calm, and just generally start the day out right.
This will be the trend for the next four days. It's a welcome change from the usual in grad school, and it's the perfect way to celebrate the holiday.
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
fuzzy blankets
Happiness is...
Fuzzy blankets. It's that time of the year, when I add some backup to the measly covers on my bed. Pull the blankets out of the closet, stretch them out on the bed, and add some weight and some warmth in the chilly apartment. And it's more than just an additional quilt. It is an extra-soft micro-plush cover. Instead of just bundling up and feeling okay about it, I get to scream excitement from every extremity. As I pull it up to my chin I am enveloped in a cave of amazing warmth. It makes my frigid toes more content, and as my fingers run through the wonderful fibers the rest of my body is happy as well. Sure, I don't want to get out of bed. But it's also that time of the year, when the nights are starting to get longer anyway. That must mean that we get more time to sleep, correct? Well, don't ruin my thunder just yet.
Fuzzy blankets. It's that time of the year, when I add some backup to the measly covers on my bed. Pull the blankets out of the closet, stretch them out on the bed, and add some weight and some warmth in the chilly apartment. And it's more than just an additional quilt. It is an extra-soft micro-plush cover. Instead of just bundling up and feeling okay about it, I get to scream excitement from every extremity. As I pull it up to my chin I am enveloped in a cave of amazing warmth. It makes my frigid toes more content, and as my fingers run through the wonderful fibers the rest of my body is happy as well. Sure, I don't want to get out of bed. But it's also that time of the year, when the nights are starting to get longer anyway. That must mean that we get more time to sleep, correct? Well, don't ruin my thunder just yet.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Prepare to Snooze
Happiness is...
That moment when you wake up and realize that you've already taken care of making a lunch, packing your bag, and planning your day. Turn off that alarm and get some more sleep!
That moment when you wake up and realize that you've already taken care of making a lunch, packing your bag, and planning your day. Turn off that alarm and get some more sleep!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Drugs
Happiness is...
Antihistamines. Yes, I got a full night's sleep. AND I didn't even have to deal with allergies. Double whammy... It was amazing, you must admit your envy. Riddle me this: what other drug accomplishes so many amazing purposes? What legal drug?
Antihistamines. Yes, I got a full night's sleep. AND I didn't even have to deal with allergies. Double whammy... It was amazing, you must admit your envy. Riddle me this: what other drug accomplishes so many amazing purposes? What legal drug?
Monday, August 1, 2011
The right stuff
Happiness is...
When you're feet are cold as you crawl into bed. Nothing says sleep tight like wrapping yourself in a warm cozy blanket... And in the middle of the summer it's best with cold feet, you know? Mmmm I'm just gonna let myself get comfortable now. Buenas noches!
When you're feet are cold as you crawl into bed. Nothing says sleep tight like wrapping yourself in a warm cozy blanket... And in the middle of the summer it's best with cold feet, you know? Mmmm I'm just gonna let myself get comfortable now. Buenas noches!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
waking up before the alarm
Happiness is...
When you wake up two minutes before your alarm. This morning, that was the case. I rolled over and opened my eyes, with perfect timing, and never had to have the ringing in my ears. When your biological clock is set right, that is bliss. When you don't have to snooze and snooze and snooze some more, it's a relief. And when you bounce out of bed rejuvenated like this, nothing can get your down. Today is a good day already... and I've barely even started yet!
When you wake up two minutes before your alarm. This morning, that was the case. I rolled over and opened my eyes, with perfect timing, and never had to have the ringing in my ears. When your biological clock is set right, that is bliss. When you don't have to snooze and snooze and snooze some more, it's a relief. And when you bounce out of bed rejuvenated like this, nothing can get your down. Today is a good day already... and I've barely even started yet!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Blanket of Cat
Happiness is...
When you're cuddled by a cat on one side, and another on the other. Who needs a blanket when you have furry balls of wonderful?
It's nicest when it's evened out. That's why I recommend two cats.
One for each leg/arm/side.
One for each hand.
Two companions.
Two is better than one!
And no, I'm not just that greedy.
When you're cuddled by a cat on one side, and another on the other. Who needs a blanket when you have furry balls of wonderful?
It's nicest when it's evened out. That's why I recommend two cats.
One for each leg/arm/side.
One for each hand.
Two companions.
Two is better than one!
And no, I'm not just that greedy.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sleep
Happiness is...
Sleep timers.
Want to watch a couple episodes of sitcom abc before you go to bed? Well, feel free. But by God, you don't have to leave your tv on until the wee hours of the morning. No, you don't, not when you can push a quick button and let your tv turn itself off. Don't bother waking up, getting up, walking over to the box and giving it up... not when you can set the timer for 30 minutes and roll over. Roll over into a great night's sleep. And we know what good sleep does to us---wake up happy, why don't you?
Sleep timers.
Want to watch a couple episodes of sitcom abc before you go to bed? Well, feel free. But by God, you don't have to leave your tv on until the wee hours of the morning. No, you don't, not when you can push a quick button and let your tv turn itself off. Don't bother waking up, getting up, walking over to the box and giving it up... not when you can set the timer for 30 minutes and roll over. Roll over into a great night's sleep. And we know what good sleep does to us---wake up happy, why don't you?
Friday, May 6, 2011
naps
Happiness is...
Naps.
That little extra REM sleep. That quick break in a tired afternoon. That small piece of relaxation. Siesta!
Naps.
That little extra REM sleep. That quick break in a tired afternoon. That small piece of relaxation. Siesta!
Friday, March 25, 2011
home
Happiness is...
Waking up naturally, to a bright morning, with the covers pulled to your chin and your face up against your cozy pillow.
Home sweet home.
Waking up naturally, to a bright morning, with the covers pulled to your chin and your face up against your cozy pillow.
Home sweet home.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
More sleep? No thanks.
Happiness is...
Waking up, before your alarm even goes off, completely rested. Biological clocks are a great thing. The greater thing is that it can be right on time(which is rare for me). Often, I get halfway through the week and I am absolutely exhausted. All I can dream for is the weekend, when I can sleep until I feel like it.
Nevertheless, every now and then it's the opposite. I get to Saturday, roll over at 8am, and feel completely and totally ready for the day. It's incredible to know you're not feeling behind on sleep. It's wonderful to feel well at this time in the morning. And it's pretty cool to have so much of the day ahead of me, to fill as I may.
I woke up early today, not because I have to, but because I don't need to sleep in. Who would have expected this energy early in the weekend hours? Yes, happiness is sleep... Happiness is not needing it... Happiness is laying in bed because it's cozy, not because I feel like I've been plowed over by a semi... Happiness is this Saturday morning! Enjoy yours.
Waking up, before your alarm even goes off, completely rested. Biological clocks are a great thing. The greater thing is that it can be right on time(which is rare for me). Often, I get halfway through the week and I am absolutely exhausted. All I can dream for is the weekend, when I can sleep until I feel like it.
Nevertheless, every now and then it's the opposite. I get to Saturday, roll over at 8am, and feel completely and totally ready for the day. It's incredible to know you're not feeling behind on sleep. It's wonderful to feel well at this time in the morning. And it's pretty cool to have so much of the day ahead of me, to fill as I may.
I woke up early today, not because I have to, but because I don't need to sleep in. Who would have expected this energy early in the weekend hours? Yes, happiness is sleep... Happiness is not needing it... Happiness is laying in bed because it's cozy, not because I feel like I've been plowed over by a semi... Happiness is this Saturday morning! Enjoy yours.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Pajama-ish
Happiness is...
Boxers. They're not just a relief for men, they're wonderful jammies. Comfortable in flannel, cotton, or silk, with just a few downfalls....
Why do I need a flap? I simply don't. Why do men need a flap? It still confuses me. I get the whole easy access business, but don't you have to pull your jeans down anyway? Aren't you ever afraid of the zipper? For me, the flap is comic relief, and a reason to not wear these boxers to my aerobic dance class.
What is it about men's bodies that is shaped so differently than mine? When I wear boxers I notice them wide at the butt and tight around my thighs. Since when have guys butts been big?
In any case, I can easily forget these little nuances and enjoy boxers for the exact convenience they are. Goodnight world. Hello PJs. :)
Boxers. They're not just a relief for men, they're wonderful jammies. Comfortable in flannel, cotton, or silk, with just a few downfalls....
Why do I need a flap? I simply don't. Why do men need a flap? It still confuses me. I get the whole easy access business, but don't you have to pull your jeans down anyway? Aren't you ever afraid of the zipper? For me, the flap is comic relief, and a reason to not wear these boxers to my aerobic dance class.
What is it about men's bodies that is shaped so differently than mine? When I wear boxers I notice them wide at the butt and tight around my thighs. Since when have guys butts been big?
In any case, I can easily forget these little nuances and enjoy boxers for the exact convenience they are. Goodnight world. Hello PJs. :)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Siesta
Happiness is...
A mid day nap.
In Spain, businesses literally shut down in the afternoon hours so that people could go home, enjoy their family, and relax for a few hours. Siestas have spread around the world, and with good reason. My day is just better when I get to lay down in the early afternoon. It has been way too long since I had a nice nap, and today I took the time to indulge. Not only do I feel less sick and more energy, but I feel a little more sane. And we could all use a little sanity from time to time.
Next time your eyes are droopy or you feel close to a tantrum, take an hour to turn off the lights, pull down the shades, and crawl under your blankets. You'll be amazed by the difference it makes. The weekend should be treated as such, so try to take some time out like the world was meant to.
Naps. Yes. Good sleep, cozy dreams, and a refreshed perspective on the remainder of your Sunday. Thank you España.
A mid day nap.
In Spain, businesses literally shut down in the afternoon hours so that people could go home, enjoy their family, and relax for a few hours. Siestas have spread around the world, and with good reason. My day is just better when I get to lay down in the early afternoon. It has been way too long since I had a nice nap, and today I took the time to indulge. Not only do I feel less sick and more energy, but I feel a little more sane. And we could all use a little sanity from time to time.
Next time your eyes are droopy or you feel close to a tantrum, take an hour to turn off the lights, pull down the shades, and crawl under your blankets. You'll be amazed by the difference it makes. The weekend should be treated as such, so try to take some time out like the world was meant to.
Naps. Yes. Good sleep, cozy dreams, and a refreshed perspective on the remainder of your Sunday. Thank you España.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sleep!
Happiness is...
Sleeping in... even if it's only until about 8am. In the early morning your bed is warm, cozy, and perfect for you---which is exactly why it is so painful to leave it. You look forward to the weekend just for that extra couple hours of shut eye.
One-third of young adults are pathologically sleepy during the day. The extra-hour of sleep received when clocks are put back at the start of daylight in Canada has been found to coincide with a fall in the number of road accidents. And sleep loss of four hours is equivalent to being drunk with a blood alcohol level of 0.1%
Today wasn't exactly everything I dreamed of. However, despite the rough afternoon I had today, my morning was awesome, and remained warm and cozy until I decided I'd like to get up and shower. If only it was that great every morning.
Sleeping in... even if it's only until about 8am. In the early morning your bed is warm, cozy, and perfect for you---which is exactly why it is so painful to leave it. You look forward to the weekend just for that extra couple hours of shut eye.
One-third of young adults are pathologically sleepy during the day. The extra-hour of sleep received when clocks are put back at the start of daylight in Canada has been found to coincide with a fall in the number of road accidents. And sleep loss of four hours is equivalent to being drunk with a blood alcohol level of 0.1%
Today wasn't exactly everything I dreamed of. However, despite the rough afternoon I had today, my morning was awesome, and remained warm and cozy until I decided I'd like to get up and shower. If only it was that great every morning.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Sunrise
Happiness is...
Driving to work in the sunrise. There is something magical about sunrises, the colors that splash across the sky, the sun as it gently peeks more and more above the horizon. Sunrises remind you that there is still beauty in life, that there is still hope with God, that there is still a reason to get up and actually head to work.
Likewise, sunrises are a mark of something better. Though you are still heading to work at the same crack of dawn time, it is a huge improvement from the age when you were going in the dark and coming in the dark. Knowing that the sun is rising makes the day seem worth living. And watching the sun rise is happiness in its purest form.
Try it. Get up early and head out of your house to enjoy the colors of awe, excellence, thankfulness, graciousness, love, peace, purity, wonder, and serenity. Those are some great colors.
Driving to work in the sunrise. There is something magical about sunrises, the colors that splash across the sky, the sun as it gently peeks more and more above the horizon. Sunrises remind you that there is still beauty in life, that there is still hope with God, that there is still a reason to get up and actually head to work.
Likewise, sunrises are a mark of something better. Though you are still heading to work at the same crack of dawn time, it is a huge improvement from the age when you were going in the dark and coming in the dark. Knowing that the sun is rising makes the day seem worth living. And watching the sun rise is happiness in its purest form.
Try it. Get up early and head out of your house to enjoy the colors of awe, excellence, thankfulness, graciousness, love, peace, purity, wonder, and serenity. Those are some great colors.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sleep (more)
Happiness is...
Drifting off to sleep and not realizing it until you wake in the morning fully rested. Who cares, anyway, if you have no agenda? Let the groggy within take you over and fall deep into your sleep, remote in your hand, pillows propped up. There's not a whole lot you can compare to the kind of sleep that just hits you in the middle of whatever you're doing... LET IT.
It's up there with the feeling of finishing your workout without even exerting too much effort, turning off the light without even realizing it, and finding your lunch without a thought. When it's that natural, things are just meant to be. Easy. Simple. Happy.
Drifting off to sleep and not realizing it until you wake in the morning fully rested. Who cares, anyway, if you have no agenda? Let the groggy within take you over and fall deep into your sleep, remote in your hand, pillows propped up. There's not a whole lot you can compare to the kind of sleep that just hits you in the middle of whatever you're doing... LET IT.
It's up there with the feeling of finishing your workout without even exerting too much effort, turning off the light without even realizing it, and finding your lunch without a thought. When it's that natural, things are just meant to be. Easy. Simple. Happy.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Snooze
Happiness is...
The snooze nap. Let's all try it out.
Step 1: Curse the ugly sound of your alarm this morning.
Step 2: Hit the snooze button on top with the force an angry bellowing rhinoceros.
Step 3: Roll over and pull your covers up to your chin.
Step 4: Drift off into the best sleep of the morning.
Step 5: After several minutes, curse alarm and repeat.
The snooze nap. Let's all try it out.
Step 1: Curse the ugly sound of your alarm this morning.
Step 2: Hit the snooze button on top with the force an angry bellowing rhinoceros.
Step 3: Roll over and pull your covers up to your chin.
Step 4: Drift off into the best sleep of the morning.
Step 5: After several minutes, curse alarm and repeat.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Mmmm...
Happiness is...
Cuddling. Warm, cozy, and with piles of blankets. Nothing beats the feeling of utmost comfort and security. This winter, try cuddling just a little bit more.
Cuddling. Warm, cozy, and with piles of blankets. Nothing beats the feeling of utmost comfort and security. This winter, try cuddling just a little bit more.
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