We have 96 intervals of 15 minutes every day, meaning you have many opportunities to make a difference.  Each day this month, I’m giving you a 15-minute project idea. Pick your favorites to improve your day, yourself or your world. I promise you have time for this.

At the end of the school year each year, we seem to go a mile a minute.  And when we finally have a chance to slow down, we realize something very important has been missing from our lives: Enough Sleep.  This article will seem simply important or obviously ridiculous.  But take a minute, I bet you need more sleep tonight.  Or now.  Do yourself a favor and make it happen.  Everyone will be happier when you get the sleep you need.

Set up your evening routine the right way.  I try to get in bet 15 minutes before I’d like to go to sleep.  I read a book or a magazine, something I look forward to each night. And it turns out, the more often I do this, the more my body gets used to this routine and after 15 minutes, I’m ready for bed.  Because I’ve given myself a standard routine to get myself ready for bed, it’s much easier for me to go to bed on time every night and get a restful sleep every night.  Find an evening routine that works for you.  I’d suggest reading, but it might be stretches, a bath or music.  Whatever works for you is what you should start or continue doing. You deserve this time.

Sleep in 15 extra minutes tomorrow, you deserve it.  Sometimes even just a little extra shut-eye can make a world of difference.  Take extra time today to allow yourself the extra sleep in the morning.  Can you pack your lunch in advance? Can you set out your clothes right now? Can you put all of your items for tomorrow by the door so you’re ready to go? The more you prep now, the less you have to think about in the morning and you have time for the extra sleep you need, even if it’s only 15 sweet minutes.

A nap is always a good idea.  I prefer 2 hour naps, but when I really need one, a 15-minute nap will do just fine.  If you’re tired and not thinking clearly, it’s much better to stop, walk away from what you’re doing and rest.  If you can sleep, great.  If it’s some other kind of rest, like a relaxing walk, that works too.  When you realize that no matter what you’re doing can wait until you’re at your best, you realize that it’s possible to take care of yourself so you can be at your best.  Figure out what your break is and make it a regular part of your day.