Episode Summary:

On today’s episode of Cultivate Contentment, I’m talking about a topic that’s close to my heart—the power of sleep. For many of us as rural mums and farm wives, sleep feels like a luxury. Between the early mornings on the farm, caring for kids, and managing everything else that comes our way, we often put our own needs on the backburner. I’ve been there—those nights where you toss and turn, thinking about everything you have to do, only to be woken up by a child who needs you. It feels like a never-ending cycle, right?

I know I’ve struggled with sleep ever since becoming a mum, and farm life only makes it trickier. There’s always something to be done, whether it’s late-night calf feedings or worrying about the next day’s workload. And as we get older, sleep seems to change—our bodies don’t bounce back the way they used to. In this episode, I’m sharing not just why sleep is so crucial to our well-being but also some of the hard truths I’ve learned along the way about how we, as mums, often don’t give ourselves permission to rest.

Most importantly, I’m offering five actionable tips you can use to start improving your sleep tonight. These are simple changes you can make, even when life is busy and unpredictable. I’ve found them to be really helpful, especially during those hectic farm seasons when you’re running on empty. So, let’s dive into how we can get better sleep and start feeling more like ourselves again.

This episode is part of my 2 month Spring Reset series. This series is all focused on helping rural women reset their lives and shift their focus to the things that bring more peace, balance, and joy. Each week, we’ll dive into a new topic that will help you slow down, find moments of contentment, and feel more grounded—despite the chaos around you.

In this episode about The Power of Sleep, we cover:

• The challenges of sleep after motherhood – I talk about how sleep changes once you become a mum, especially when you add the demands of farm life into the mix. It’s not just about getting less sleep, but the quality of sleep changes too. Between waking up for the kids and managing the farm, we’re constantly on edge, and that mental load can keep us awake long after the lights go out.

• Why sleep is so critical for our well-being – I explore how lack of sleep affects us as rural mums and farm wives. It’s not just about being tired; sleep impacts everything from our mood to our decision-making. When we’re sleep-deprived, we’re more likely to feel overwhelmed, make mistakes, or lose patience with those around us. I share my own experiences of how sleep (or the lack of it) has affected me on the farm and in my role as a mum.

• Five actionable tips for better sleep – These tips are designed to help you get better sleep, even when life is busy or unpredictable:

1. Create a wind-down routine – Establish a short bedtime routine that signals to your body it’s time to rest. This can be something simple like reading, a warm shower, or stretching before bed.

1. Limit screen time before bed – Turn off your phone or any screens at least 30 minutes before bed. The blue light emitted from devices can trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, making it harder to fall asleep.

1. Adjust your sleep environment – Make your bedroom a restful place by adjusting the temperature, dimming the lights, and investing in comfortable bedding. Even small changes can make a big difference.

1. Set consistent sleep and wake times – Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even during busy farming seasons. Your body will thank you for the consistency, and you’ll find it easier to fall asleep.

1. Prioritize naps or rest when you can – Don’t feel guilty for napping! When life gets crazy, sometimes a short nap during the day can be just what you need to recharge and keep going.

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/the-power-of-sleep