In this episode, Andrew and Catherine dive into the science and habits of better sleep. They share their personal journeys of transforming from night owls to sleep enthusiasts and offer practical tips to improve your sleep quality. From resetting your circadian rhythm to creating a sleep sanctuary, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day.

• The Sleep Struggle: Catherine shares her battle with poor sleep and how she turned it around.
• Circadian Rhythm: Why morning sunlight and evening dimness are crucial for quality rest.
• Sleep Sanctuary: How to design your bedroom for optimal sleep.
• Tech and Tools: The benefits of blue-light blocking glasses, grounding mats, and more.
• Creating a Sleep Routine: How small, consistent habits lead to lasting sleep improvements.

1. Reset Your Circadian Rhythm: Get 15 minutes of sunlight in the morning and dim lights in the evening.
2. Create a Sleep Sanctuary: Use blackout curtains, keep your room cool, and remove devices that emit blue light.
3. Implement Wind-Down Habits: Read a paper book, wear blue-light-blocking glasses, and limit screen time an hour before bed.
4. Try Grounding Mats: Connect with the earth’s energy using grounding sheets or mats for deeper sleep.
5. Stick to a Sleep Schedule: Aim for consistent bed and wake times to train your body for better rest.

• "Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary, not a second office."
• "Sleep isn’t just a health choice; it’s self-care at its core."
• "Limiting nighttime food and screens taught me how much my habits were sabotaging my rest."
• "A good night’s sleep changes everything—it’s the foundation for better mental health."
• "Progress, not perfection. Start small, and better sleep will follow."

• "Your circadian rhythm knows what to do—sunlight in the morning, dim light at night."
• "You don’t need perfection to sleep better—just pick one habit and start."
• "A cooler room is a happier sleep zone—your body will thank you."
• "Blue light tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime, even at midnight."
• "Master sleep, and you’ll master your day."

• Andrew: Loving his Neurovisor, a light and sound therapy device that resets his circadian rhythm and improves his mood.
• Catherine: Thrilled with her heated blanket, a cozy gift from her kids that makes her bedtime routine even more delightful.

• Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson – A comprehensive guide to improving sleep quality.
• Blue-Light Blocking Glasses – Protect your sleep by reducing screen exposure.
• BedJet – Temperature-controlled comfort for the ultimate sleep experience.

• Visit Five Year You to explore more...

• The Five S’s Framework: Soul, Self, Social, Substance, and Significance as the foundation for a meaningful plan.
• Future Self Visualization: A guided exercise to meet and learn from your five-year future self.
• The Power of Small Shifts: How micro habits and intentional steps can compound to create big changes.
• Living from the Inside Out: Why aligning your decisions with your authentic self leads to fulfillment.
• Breaking Free from External Expectations: Letting go of societal pressures to focus on what truly matters.

1. Write a Letter from Your Future Self: Visualize your life five years from now. What advice would future you give?
2. Explore the Five S’s:

• Soul: Identify what lights you up and gives you purpose.
• Self: Define your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual goals.
• Social: Envision the relationships and community you want to cultivate.
• Substance: Reflect on how you want to spend your time, money, and energy.
• Significance: Determine the legacy you want to leave behind.

1. Set Micro Habits: Focus on small, manageable changes that align with your five-year vision.
2. Review Quarterly: Regularly revisit your plan and adjust based on your growth and evolving priorities.
3. Seek Support: Find accountability partners or a coach to help guide and encourage your progress.

• "Living from the inside out is where true fulfillment begins."
• "Your five-year self already knows the way—start listening."
• "Social media isolates us, but building real relationships requires time and energy."
• "Your legacy isn’t about things; it’s about how you make others feel."
• "Dreams matter, and so does setting boundaries to protect them."

• "Clarity is the first step to creating a life you love."
• "Your future self is already rooting for you—just start walking the path."
• "Small, intentional steps compound into massive change over time."
• "You don’t have to play the game society signed you up for—you can create your own."
• "Growth begins when you stop living life by accident and start living on purpose."

• Andrew: Reflecting on a year of prioritizing health with daily meditation and better habits, inspired by his five-year vision.
• Catherine: Revisiting her own five-year letter and feeling gratitude for how much progress she’s made toward her goals.

• Five Year You Guided Meditation – Visualize your future self and gain clarity.

In this enlightening episode of 5 Year You, Andrew and Catherine dive deep into the relationship between thoughts and feelings. They explore how thoughts create feelings, why not all feelings are rooted in truth, and how to challenge negative narratives that don’t serve us. Sharing personal experiences and actionable strategies, they empower listeners to step back, observe their thoughts, and choose a mindset that promotes growth and well-being.

Key Topics Covered:

• Thoughts Create Feelings: How thoughts shape emotional responses and why awareness is crucial.
• Intrusive Thoughts: Catherine’s personal experience with postpartum intrusive thoughts and how she learned to manage them.
• Self-Awareness as a Tool: Observing thoughts instead of reacting automatically.
• Challenging Negative Narratives: Tips for identifying and reframing unhelpful thought patterns.
• Practical Shifts: Simple strategies like exercise, hydration, and laughter to quickly change emotional states.

Actionable Steps for Listeners:

1. Notice the Thought: Take a moment to observe what you’re thinking when emotions arise.
2. Ask Questions: Is this thought true? Does it serve me? What evidence do I have?
3. Practice Reframing: Turn negative assumptions into neutral or positive possibilities.
4. Take Care of Your Body: Use movement, proper hydration, and nutrition to stabilize your emotional baseline.
5. Build Your Toolkit: Identify small, reliable actions like breathing exercises or connecting with friends to shift your mood.

Quotes:

Catherine’s Aha Moments:

• "Not every thought is true. Recognizing this is the first step to emotional freedom."
• "Your feelings aren’t facts—they’re often just a reaction to an incomplete story in your mind."
• "Intrusive thoughts are common, but they don’t define you."
• "We all scan for threats, but most of the time, the threat isn’t real—it’s imagined."
• "By understanding your thoughts, you can decide which ones to keep and which to let go."

Andrew’s Aha Moments:

• "Feelings are real, but they aren’t always right—they’re shaped by the stories we tell ourselves."
• "Humor disarms negativity. When you can laugh at a thought, it loses its power."
• "You’re not your thoughts. You’re the observer of your thoughts, and that gives you choice."
• "Repetition creates patterns—start practicing better thoughts today for a brighter tomorrow."
• "Intentionality turns your mindset from reactive to proactive—it’s a game changer."

Glimmers of the Week:

• Andrew: Enjoying his new rebounder (inspired by Catherine!) and finding joy in simple movement for mental and physical health.
• Catherine: Selling an old pair of sunglasses on eBay for $67, perfectly covering the cost of her twins’ final Christmas gifts, which felt like a serendipitous win.

Resources Mentioned:

• How to Train Your Mind by Chris Bailey – A quick guide to improving focus and managing thoughts.
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – Exploring how unresolved emotions impact physical health.

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