Mental Health Matters: Prioritize Sleep
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
I know I have written about sleep many times before, but I truly could not create a Mental Health Matters series without talking about it again. Sleep is the foundation of mental health. When sleep is off, everything feels harder.
I used to think prioritizing sleep was mostly about productivity. And honestly, it does help with that too. When I am well rested, I am naturally more patient, focused, organized, and efficient. Problems feel more manageable. Decisions feel clearer. Sometimes it even feels like half of life’s problems soften after a good night of sleep.
But over the years, I’ve realized sleep is about so much more than productivity. It impacts our emotions, our resilience, our ability to cope, and how we move through the world.
If you are struggling mentally or emotionally, there is a very good chance your sleep has suffered too. And sometimes it’s hard to know which came first. Is your sleep suffering because your mental health is struggling? Or is your mental health suffering because your sleep has been disrupted? Often, it becomes a cycle where one impacts the other.
That’s why when life feels overwhelming, I try to go back to the basics.
Getting started
Simple sleep hygiene can go a long way. Creating a consistent wind-down routine. Lowering the lights at night. Putting the phone down a little earlier. Giving yourself more hours in bed so middle-of-the-night wakeups are less disruptive. Even planning for a short nap when possible.
None of these things are magic fixes. But they are gentle ways of supporting your nervous system.
I also think sleep is one of the first things we sacrifice when life gets busy or stressful. We stay up later trying to catch up on work, chores, emails, or even just a little quiet time for ourselves. I completely understand the temptation. But usually, the less sleep we get, the harder everything else becomes.
Sometimes caring for your mental health does not start with a big breakthrough. Sometimes it starts with letting yourself rest.
And honestly, that still counts as important work.
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.