The Revenge of the Bedtime Procrastination

Mar 22 / Chris Wagner, M.A.

Gather around the campfire, as I tell the tale of “The Revenge of the Bedtime Procrastination”

How did it all begin?!

It began on a night, just like this. You’ve laid down for bed at the end of a long day of work.  Maybe you got up early for your daily workout.  Maybe your evening was filled with homework, or chauffeuring the kids to practice, or even the daily struggle of deciding what to cook and eat for dinner yet again. Whatever the case, your day was filled with the monotonous obligations of life, and as you lay in bed, you feel it… The irresistible tug of your cell phone, or Netflix, or even a good book. Before you know it, you’ve been doom-scrolling Twitter, mindlessly flipping through TikTok, or telling Netflix for the fourth time that Yes, You’re Still Watching, into the wee hours of the morning. “I just need to go to bed early… tomorrow night,” you tell yourself, as you do the terrible math in your head of how many hours of sleep you can get if you fall asleep right now.

So, why do we do it? Why do we mismanage our time poorly, when we know the effect that it has on us throughout the next day?

This term seems to have first been introduced to English speakers by Daphne K. Lee on Twitter, where she explains that Revenge Bedtime Procrastination is, “a phenomenon in which people who don’t have much control over their daytime life refuse to sleep early in order to regain some sense of freedom during late night hours.”  Among a lengthy list of physical harm, lack of sleep can impair critical thinking skills as well which can make us less effective leaders.

So, what’s a healthier way to reclaim some “me time” throughout the day?

I’d say to put your phone down or turn off the TV the next time you engage in Revenge Bedtime Procrastination, but if you’ve gotten that far, it may be too late to begin. Put these tips into practice and effectively manage your time throughout the day a little bit better, so that you can become the leader you were meant to be!

Schedule it in advance. 

This can seem like overkill, but it’s the best way to ensure that you’ll take some time out for yourself during the day. Whether it’s some peaceful meditation, a walk around the block, or a phone call with a loved one - make it a priority.

Doesn’t have to be long

Even taking 5 minutes at some point in your day can briefly recharge your batteries. A change in scenery, a new position to settle in for work – these are quick ways to reorient yourself and set yourself up for success. You’ll be surprised how much you look forward to these breaks.
And...
here are a couple more helpful tips!

Don’t be afraid to say “no” sometimes

Do you find it difficult to do this? Read this post by one of our Co-Founders, Emily, for tips!
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Bedtime routines?

Don’t underestimate the importance of establishing a bedtime routine. A simple bedtime routine could really help your mind and body relax before bed. 

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