Include Sleep, for Success in your Business Plan
At VO Atlanta, a very large and loud voice over conference, I mingled with some cross-continental germs and was tempted to stay up later than usual. So, what was on the forefront of my mind as I got ready to get even busier? Sleep. Sleep for success.
Sleep is one of the most important factors in anyone’s success as a voice talent, as a business owner, and as a “busy” parent. I sleep for success. 8 1/2 hours.
(Science proves why good sleep is critical to your success via Inc.)
While a good night’s rest may be obvious for productivity and health in general, as a person who works with her voice, it’s absolutely key. If exhausted, there is nothing that replaces sleep in order to speak with an even, consistent tone. If you use your voice in your career in any way – sales, teaching, performance – sleep needs to be a priority.
In keeping with this post: You Started Your own Voiceover Business, Now What? I provided you with some questions to audit your assests and systems…sleep is vital and takes up space in that coveted health category.
10 Tips on How to Consistently Achieve Quality Sleep:
- Sleep hygiene. Go to bed at the same time every night. (Yup, 7 nights a week!)
- Clear your mind with fresh air, exercise, and Yoga. (Yoga Poses for Better Sleep.)
- Journal. I’m a big believer in writing out all your thoughts to leave them on the page.
- Use guided meditation. (This is awesome stuff. Click this guided meditation resource to alter your life.)
- Avoid sugar and caffeine before bed.
- Do not drink alcohol before bed. (It’s full of sugar!)
- Rid of light in your sleeping environment, LED and otherwise.
- Keep room temperature cool to comfortable.
- Do not use electronics up to one hour before bed. Just sayin’
- More sleep hygiene. Wake up at the same time EVERY morning.
Indeed, I am no doctor. (Nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express on my way to the conference.) However, my list is backed up by some good sources.
What other’s say about solid shut-eye:
- Entrepreneur.com: Sleep: Why Successful Entrepreneurs Snooze More and Work Less
- American Psychological Association: Why sleep is important and what happens when you don’t get enough
- WebMD: 7 Myths About Sleep
- Huffington Post: What Sleep Experts Do To Get A Good Night’s Rest
- Consumer Reports: 20 ways to sleep better tonight
As for attending conferences and how I’ll stay healthy, you can bet I’ll be strict about my sleep for success, even if it means slipping out of the Karaoke party waaaay early. Boring? Maybe. A go-getter? Yes!
(Updated from original 11/13/14 post.)
Thanks for these reminders, Natasha. I do forget that sleep impacts the sound of my voice and often “push the envelope” when it comes to staying up late. I really appreciate the format of your blog as well – precise and efficient!
Great quote! Thank you, Mary Jane!
You were writing to me, weren’t you? 😉