Hey hey, it's Anna Marie Ellison here! Welcome to week two, or technically week one, of my Grit & Grace series—a 12-week journey focusing on mindset and overall health for women in the real estate space. Whether you’re an agent, broker, title professional, or part of the mortgage industry, this series is for you.
I’m challenging myself in the latter half of 2024 to talk more about real estate, an area that's so important to us as leaders in our respective fields. This series is inspired by Ben Bergeron's "Health in 100 Words," and I'll share that at the end of this post.
The first part of his declaration emphasizes creating an environment where it’s easy to eat well and, crucially, sleep well. Sleep is something I’ve prioritized for a long time, and I’m incredibly comfortable talking about it and sharing tips, even though I’m not perfect at it.
A few years ago, I was in a class where they asked, "What is the one thing that, if you prioritize it, will help you be the best version of yourself?" For me, that thing was sleep.
When I get enough sleep, I feel better overall. I manage not just my emotions but also my reactions to difficult situations much better. I want to be known for handling challenges gracefully and tactfully, but when I'm tired and run down, I can't do that effectively.
In that class, I coined a new term: "slangry." It's like being "hangry" (hungry + angry), but for sleep. When I don't get enough good sleep and become angry, I become "slangry." It reminded me of Betty White in those Snickers commercials, where she turns into a grumpy version of herself when she's hungry. I digress…
Consistent Sleep Routine
If I want to wake up at a certain time, I calculate how far back I need to go to sleep to get seven to eight hours of rest. Sometimes, I need a full nine hours to feel my best the next day. When my son, Major, was younger, he'd go to sleep at 7:30 PM, and I’d follow shortly after at 7:45 PM. Now that he’s in high school, his bedtime has changed, and we’re adjusting.
Just like many of us have a morning routine—whether you do your makeup before or after brushing your teeth, start your day with coffee or water, spend some quiet time, and then move your body—we need a solid bedtime routine to ensure quality sleep.
Phone not in reach
One key habit I'm working on is not keeping my phone next to my bed. Though we often use it as an alarm clock, I’ve found that I wind down better when it's not within arm's reach. I’ve read a lot of advice suggesting you charge your phone in another room, but even placing it across the room can help.
When Major is at his dad’s house, I like having my phone accessible in case he needs me. I’m trying to get better at putting it on the dresser or in the bathroom, turning on sleep mode to silence notifications, but allowing calls from him.
As moms, we often prioritize the "what ifs" over our needs, but it’s crucial to create a routine that supports our well-being. Putting my phone away at night is a small step towards better sleep and a healthier routine.
Brain Dump or Journaling
I've always carried a notebook and pencil with me. I use it to jot down a bunch of things to help set me up for the next day and to clear my mind. Recently, I discovered Apple's journaling app, which prompts me to journal at night before I put my phone on the dresser or in the bathroom.
I'm still figuring out which method works best for me. I love the feeling of writing on paper, but sometimes my phone is more convenient since it's already in my hand. I'm experimenting with both to see which one fits my routine better.
I’d love to hear from you: What are some things you do to ensure a solid bedtime routine? How are you prioritizing sleep in your life? Share your thoughts below!
Y'all have a great rest of your week. See you next time!
Grit & Grace: Gather
We're hosting a workshop at a lovely spot in West Homewood. It's a cozy place where we’ll spend a few hours recharging and refocusing on ourselves. Lunch will be provided, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals who want to take a minute to step back from the daily grind and prepare for the upcoming school year.
Join Us:
📅 Date: July 25, 2024📍 Location: Workshop, West Homewood🕒 Time: 10:00am 🍽️ Lunch Provided!
If you found this post helpful or know someone who could use a reminder to prioritize their sleep, please share it with them. Let's spread the importance of self-care and help each other recharge and refocus.
