Though I have never strived to have abundance of it, I have always needed it. When I get it, it’s quality. These days it’s a priority on a very long list and vital to my progress on a daily basis. Without it, there’s limited focus, productivity or efficiency in my life. It usually is a good indication of how my day will follow.

What is it?

Sleep.

In my younger years, I had the choice of just not wanting it (remember the days when you were FORCED to nap?) and then not needing it (yes mom, I can do all of my homework, go out until whenever and not be tired or unfocused) and then feeling powerful in just not utilizing it (climbing that corporate ladder and trying to play catch up between events and work, “Pshh, I’ll sleep when I die”).

And then came kids. Becoming a mom of two under two and striving raise amazing humans took a toll on how much, when and if I could ever get enough sleep. I needed to be more efficient and organized with much less time and even less sleep.

So how did I attain quality sleep and constantly hear “how do you look so rested”? Hint: It’s not an enormous amount of sleep or super charged coffee.

I made a few big impact changes to my environment. Check out 8 small changes that you can make which will improve your quality of sleep and lead to a more productive and focused life. Hint: Decluttering and organization are huge here.

1. If you declutter one thing in your bedroom, it must be…

The nightstand. This the last thing you see at night and the first thing upon waking. What you have on it can really affect your overall mood and productivity. Consider this piece of furniture a direct reflection of your ideal life.

If your bedside table is cluttered, you will not find clarity within yourself. Think carefully about what you want to have on here – a lamp for light and clarity, a glass of water for purity, something that makes you happy and refreshed, but not overly stimulated (for me it’s a lemon plant).

You might think sleep sprays, essential oils, eye masks, and other sleep aids might be great to enhance sleep – they are, but you don’t need to see them. If you have a drawer, this is what you keep in there. If not, get an attractive piece of contained storage. I’m a huge fan of pretty storage boxes as well as solid colors, white being my favorite. (This one was $5!)

Be intentional about what you allow on this piece of furniture.

2. Invest and Organize Your Pajamas

Sleep is something that makes you feel good – if you don’t look and feel the part then you will never become what you aspire to be. This is especially important with sleepwear.

Purge, sort and fold your sleepwear. Give it a home and look forward to “getting dressed for success” each night.

3. Dear Diary – Adult Style: Brain Dumps and Intentional To-Do Lists

There is one paper item that I will allow on a bedside table – a notepad and paper. The purpose? To empty out your thoughts, to do list, and anything that’s literally keeping you awake at night.

Write down

· whatever is etching at the corner of your mind

· what needs to be done and

· at least one line of gratitude from that day

By training yourself to unload your mind at the end of each day, you will

· allow yourself to sleep freely and with a clear mind

· wake up with an intention for the next day – split your list into daily, weekly, monthly and long term

· Open the channels for the unresolved items to be answered through your dreams

Set the date to revise daily as part of your nightly ritual. Set a specific amount of time 10-20 minutes is ideal.

I will attest to the fact that once I started doing this, I had more energy than ever and saw an instant boost in productivity.

PRO TIP – put your pad and paper away when you are done. If you must write in bed, give the set a home and contain it, otherwise write somewhere else and then come to bed. Our favorites are from Rifle Paper Co. or this Designworks Ink. They can easily be stored in our favorite: IKEA KUGGIS Storage Box with Lid.

4. Cut out the tech stuff.

I will preface by saying, I guess I was always aware of better ways to rest. For example, I have always had a solid rule against screens in my bedroom. There was never a TV (this was a huge deal when I got married – I won), laptops don’t come in and cell phones are curbed, the most screen time in my bedroom these days is my e-reader. Reducing screens is a natural way to promote sleep and avoid the blue lighting that subconsciously keeps you up at night.

If you must keep your tech items near you, corral your chargers and hide them away. Use cable management systems, multiple device charging stations which come in black, white or bamboo, ambient light systems, towers, minimalist versions those with storage like this charging station with drawer.

5. Blank Slates: Staring at the wall.

I can’t tell you what inspires you or promotes relaxation for you as an individual, but I can tell you that personal pictures, especially of family members can really offset the vibe of your bedroom. Remember, the bedroom is a sanctuary and you want a clear mind before bed. Don’t be afraid of blank walls or really subdued artwork, even mimimalist uncluttered shelves are fine. Let your mind wander.

Remember, this is also the area in which you dream. When you sleep at the night, the universe if charging you with what’s to come whether or not you remember it.

Allow yourself clarity to open the channels and not be distracted by anyone in this one place in your home. This is the one room in which you do not want too much stimulation – let your true self out!

6. Storage: The monster under the bed.

Feng shui teachings advise that the area under the bed must be kept clear in order to allow for the energy to flow freely in the room.

Remember, you are being charged when you sleep.

PRO TIP: Though I appreciate open spaces, if you cannot afford the luxury of not storing something under your bed then only allow sleep related items such as clean linens, blankets and bedsheets. Clothing, shoes, clutter, items that are being hidden should be stored elsewhere.

7. Add a pretty (big) basket.

If you haven’t hired an organizer yet, then you most likely don’t have a home for clothes that are in between being hung up/clean laundry and tossing in the wash. Get a basket and leave it in the closet so that you can revisit but don’t have to see it. This one is perfect or this one will motivate you. You don’t want piles of clothes anywhere in your room and they are definitely what you want to see upon waking.

8. Make a date with your bedsheets.

Schedule a weekly date to change your bedsheets. I change mine on Sunday night as a symbol of a fresh new week to come. This is a non-negotiable time in your calendar every week and should be given a 15 minute time slot. This will change the face of your whole week. Trust me.

BONUS: Make your bed every day to get something like this feeling every night before bed. The magic of walking into a bedroom with a made bed every day has direct links to your success. It’s the one thing that you can control first thing in the morning sets you in the right direction.

PRO TIP: Not that great at folding fitted sheets? Fold them the best way you can and store them in the matching pillowcase along with the flat sheet and other case(s).

We hope this blog will prompt you to make subtle changes to your lifestyle and maintain yourself at your best level of productivity and focus.