Sleep pretty darling with Megan Knight

There are various fundamentals to leading an exceptional life and sleep is definitely one of them. On a cellular and regenerative level, our bodies and minds are doing tremendous things for us while we dream. In a world where we might opt to invest in a better understanding around this area of living, we would in turn opt to amplify the magnitude and speed at which our lives would be transformed.

Today's environment, however, has us bound in ways which don't always allow us to see past the digital distractions and the never-ending fear of not doing enough. Education and familiarity around the subject of sleep is also something not commonly endorsed or explored.

However, as I observe patterns and routines of some of the most successful entrepreneurs, elite athletes and spiritually esteemed beings on the planet, I notice a recurring theme. If you look closely enough, you'll likely notice it too. Every well to do person is usually also extremely well rested. What this means is that they truly prioritize a healthy sleep routine. They encompass rituals around sleep and foster daily practices that quite literally set them up for far better outcomes other than a mere golden slumber. And they do this to a degree where after a certain amount of time, it becomes second nature. As I began to flick through the pages of Robin Sharma's best-selling novel 'The 5am Club', I was met with surprising optimism which provoked a spike of hopefulness and inspiration within me. One of the main principles Robin teaches us is the '20/20/20 rule', which means that as soon as we rise, we give one full and undisturbed hour to ourselves, using the following format:

1.) 20 minutes dedicated to movement - this could be in the form of yoga, exercise or an alternative activity to get our blood pumping and heart rate up.

2.) 20 minutes dedicated to reflection - this could be in the form of meditation, journaling or quiet contemplation.

3.) 20 minutes dedicated to growth - this could be in the form of reading, studying our interests or reviewing our goals.

The overall ideology behind this 'rule' is to optimize daily productivity, prevention from scurrying into everyday stress so readily and gaining complete clarity on what it is that we really want out of our numbered days. Yes, the topic fascinated me. It all sounded very wise, yet like any good reader and discerning mother, I also began to ponder on the adaptability of it all and how I could realistically adopt these teachings into my own life.

So, for those of us who perhaps may not have the luxury of getting to bed at an ideal time, those of us who are having to wake throughout the night to tend to our motherly duties and the ones who are simply not allocated the time each morning to salute the sun with a gracious pose - how do we action the practice of prioritizing our sleep? Que- Megan Knight.

In parallel to experiencing her own sleep related journey, Megan took it upon herself to conduct the research she needed to overcome the obstacles she and her family faced in this area. She is now a qualified sleep consultant, based in Northland, NZ and is revered as one of the best in her field. Her overall goal in her work is to tailor an individual plan for each family she walks alongside to help strengthen the bond between mother and child. This bond can sometimes become tarnished by the popular belief that constantly struggling your way through motherhood is simply the "norm". Irrespective to this common response, it is important to highlight that there are a range of options available to alleviate the stress and anxiety that we feel are standard practices as mothers.

Her innate adjustability gives way to a sacred space where mothers can feel empowered in knowing that sleep advocacy does not ever need to mean leaving the child or baby to cry themselves to sleep. Or for you to feel as though you are abandoning them. Just like any muscle, sleep advice, strategies and techniques must be exercised on a consistent basis to see the best results. Megan offers ongoing support with this as you venture forward with your brand-new outlook on Mamahood. Perspective also comes into play here as she notes that in cases where issues such as cognitive development, immune health, anxiety and strained relationships between parents are concerned, she has seen significant improvements. In some instances, with completely reversed outcomes.

Her gentle and understanding approach towards each unique circumstance is noteworthy. The passion and drive she embodies in her work coincides perfectly with woman empowerment and development, which to me is her most outstanding quality. She is feminine power in its finest form. You can find and chat to Megan at chasingdreamsbabysleep.nz for more info and insight on all things sleep

Glowing skin, clarity of the mind and optimal productivity are among the multitude of positive side effects of a healthy outlook on sleep and rest times, especially as a woman and mother. As far as natural and medicinal remedies and aids are concerned, we would do well to incorporate foods that naturally promote and support sleep. However, Dani from Daily Habituals also has an amazing range of sleep support products available, which are vital components to the methodology and routine behind sleep wellness. You can shop them here at www.dailyhabituals.co.nz

It feels only fitting to end with a quote from the previously mentioned author Robin Sharma by saying "own your morning, elevate your life". I hope this has been helpful and thought provoking for you as you venture forward on your journey of leading an extraordinary life lived outside the bounds of ordinary expectations. And most importantly, sleep well!