It All Comes Down To Sleep
Photo by Victoria Romulo on Unsplash.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I keep circling back to the same simple truth, no matter how many planners I buy, routines I tweak, or productivity hacks I try:
It all comes down to sleep. Period.
I’ve always been someone who needs more sleep than the “average” person. At least based on what people tell me. If I say I’m in bed for eight hours a night, I often get raised eyebrows or comments like, That sounds amazing. But here’s the part that doesn’t always translate: eight hours in bed usually means about seven hours of actual sleep for me. On a really good night.
In a perfect world, I’m in bed for nine hours and getting a solid eight. That’s when I feel rested. That’s when I feel like myself. Period.
And the older I get, the more obvious it becomes that everything—everything—is harder when I’m tired.
Not just when I’m completely exhausted. Even when I’m a little tired. That low-grade, day-in-and-day-out tiredness that we so easily normalize.
When I’m tired, my productivity drops. Things take longer. My patience gets thinner. My mood shifts in ways that feel subtle but heavy. Decisions feel bigger. Small inconveniences feel personal. Motivation feels farther away. Life just… weighs more.
Period.
Last month, our family got sick. The actual sickness part probably lasted a week—maybe not even that long. But the cough lingered. And the exhaustion lingered even longer. Weeks, really. And during that time, I kept noticing how much harder everything felt.
Not impossible. Just harder.
The same tasks. The same responsibilities. The same life.
But with less energy, less patience, and far less margin.
It was a powerful reminder of something I already know but clearly need to keep relearning: sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s not a bonus. It’s not something to squeeze in once everything else is done.
Sleep is foundational.
It’s the foundation for productivity. For emotional regulation. For clarity. For joy. For showing up as the version of yourself you actually like.
Getting Started
We often look for complex solutions—new systems, new habits, new goals—when what we really need is more rest. More consistency. More permission to honor what our bodies are asking for.
And yes, I know sleep isn’t always simple. Life gets in the way. Kids wake up. Stress shows up. Our minds don’t always cooperate. I’m not pretending this is an easy fix or a one-size-fits-all answer.
But I am saying this: when sleep improves, so much else quietly follows.
Mood improves. Focus improves. Patience improves. Life feels lighter.
Period.
So lately, instead of asking myself how to do more, I’ve been asking a different question:
How can I protect my sleep?
Because when I do, everything else becomes just a little more manageable. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
I’m curious, what are your thoughts on sleep? How does it show up (or not) in your life right now?
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.