What happens when we try to put a newborn to sleep in a new environment? It’s often very challenging, right? Similarly, we sometimes find it hard to sleep well in unfamiliar places. Our subconscious mind links each place with specific activities,  where we sleep, study, eat, or relax. When these routines are disrupted, our mind struggles to adjust.

Think about how you feel when you enter certain places, some might bring happiness, others sadness, based on your past experiences there. Our emotions and mental state are closely linked to what we have experienced in those spaces. For example, lying in bed signals our brain it’s time to sleep, sitting at a study table helps us stay alert, and sitting at the dining table prepares our body to digest food. At home, we usually have a designated spot for every activity.

But what do we do nowadays? We sleep, scroll through our phones, read, and snack—all on the same bed. What message are we sending to our brain? Should it relax and sleep, stay alert, or prepare to digest food? No wonder our mind gets confused! This confusion causes us to feel sleepy while studying, yet restless at bedtime. Digestive issues can also arise.

Assign a dedicated place for each activity. Eat where you eat, and sleep where you sleep. Let your mind and body know what to expect, so they can work in harmony. Let’s not confuse our minds.

Have you noticed how your mind reacts differently in various places at home?