I’m back with my second article for Meer, and I thought I would share some invaluable advice from a long-standing, successful client of mine. When I was younger, in my professional career, I was fascinated by how some people made life seem so easy, thriving professionally with apparent ease. As I have grown older and transitioned from professional to coach, I now know more than ever that this isn’t merely luck or coincidence. Successful professionals have common ground and similarities in their schedules and routines. I like to call these life hacks, just little gems to make things a little easier and, who knows, maybe even more productive.

Think of your body as a finely tuned engine. Every component, from the gears to the circuits, must be maintained for peak performance. If one part is neglected, the whole system suffers. And your mind and body are no different. Always remember—your health is your wealth. Make sure you work just as hard to take care of it.

Let’s get started, and I'll share what made one of my clients successful, hoping you can implement these tips in your daily life. Here are five powerful tips from a multi-millionaire CEO I work with, designed to help you switch off from work and maintain your well-being.

Digital sunset

"Ever heard the saying, 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?' It's time to give Jack a break."

The first step to disconnecting from work is setting a "digital sunset." This means establishing a specific time in the evening when all your devices are shut off and left alone. By doing this, you signal to your brain that it's time to unwind and relax. Constantly checking emails and notifications can keep your mind in a state of alertness, preventing you from fully switching off.

I even ask my clients to highlight this time in their Google calendars. If something comes to mind, like a note or something important, I recommend keeping a journal. I keep mine next to my bed for all those gems and last-minute brainwaves.

While working with the CEO, we set a strict rule for his evenings. At 7 p.m. sharp, his office lights would dim, and he would place his phone in a drawer, not to be touched until the next morning. This practice allowed him to mentally detach from work and focus on his personal life. As he often said, "Your evening should be a sanctuary away from the hustle of the day. Set boundaries and respect them."

Life hack: set an alarm on your phone for your digital sunset. When it goes off, power down your devices and engage in an offline activity like reading or spending time with family. This simple act can significantly reduce stress and improve your ability to be present in the moment.

Blue light filtering

"Ever feel like your screen is keeping you up at night? It probably is."

Our devices emit blue light, which can interfere with our natural sleep cycles. To combat this, use blue-light filters on your devices. Many smartphones and computers have built-in options for this, or you can use special screen protectors or apps designed to reduce blue light.

The CEO I work with replaced all his device screens with blue light filters and scheduled his devices to switch to night mode automatically at 6 p.m. This simple change helped him fall asleep faster and wake up more refreshed. He often emphasized, "Protect your sleep like it's your greatest asset because, in reality, it is."

Practical tip: download a blue light filter app or enable night mode on your devices. Set it to turn on at least two hours before you plan to go to bed to give your body time to adjust. By filtering out blue light, you allow your body to produce melatonin more effectively, helping you to wind down and prepare for a restful night's sleep.

Create a sleep sanctuary

"Why count sheep when you can create a haven?"

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary dedicated to rest and relaxation. Start by ensuring your sleep environment is conducive to quality rest. This means a comfortable mattress, blackout curtains, a cool room temperature, and minimal noise.

The CEO transformed his bedroom into a true sleep haven. He invested in a high-quality mattress, installed blackout curtains, and used a white noise machine to block out any disturbances. This environment helped him achieve deeper, uninterrupted sleep. "Invest in your sleep environment," he advised. "It's the foundation of your productivity and well-being."

Wellness Tip: Conduct a sleep audit of your bedroom. Identify any factors that could be disrupting your sleep and make the necessary changes, whether it’s upgrading your mattress or using earplugs to eliminate noise. Consider products like a lavender pillow spray or chamomile tea to enhance your sleep environment further. I personally take a sleepy tea 30 minutes before bed.

Replace tech with calming activities

"Why not swap screen time for some 'me' time?"

Instead of spending your evening glued to screens, replace that time with calming activities. Reading a book, practicing meditation, or engaging in a hobby can be excellent alternatives. These activities not only help you unwind but also stimulate your mind in different, healthier ways.

The CEO found solace in evening walks. Each night, he would take a 30-minute walk around his neighborhood, using this time to reflect on his day and plan for tomorrow. This habit not only helped him relax but also kept him physically active. He believed firmly in the power of these moments, saying, "Find joy in the simple, tech-free moments of life. They are more rejuvenating than you think."

Evening Ritual: Set aside 30 minutes to an hour each evening for a tech-free activity. Whether it's walking, knitting, or painting, choose something that calms you and allows you to disconnect from the digital world. By consciously choosing activities that relax you, you can better manage stress and enhance your overall well-being.

Focus on quality sleep

"Isn't it time you treated sleep like the VIP it is?"

Finally, focus on the quality of your sleep. It's not just about the number of hours you sleep, but how well you sleep. Practice good sleep hygiene by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime, and try to create a pre-sleep routine that helps signal to your body that it's time to rest.

The CEO adhered to a strict sleep schedule. He would go to bed at 10 p.m. and wake up at 6 a.m. without fail. His pre-sleep routine included reading a physical book and drinking a cup of herbal tea, which signaled to his body that it was time to wind down. "Consistency is key," he would say. "Treat your sleep schedule with the same respect as a business meeting."

Sleep Strategy: Establish a pre-sleep routine that works for you. It could include reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath. Stick to this routine every night to train your body to recognize when it's time to sleep. I recommend using rain sounds; I ask my Amazon Alexa to play them. Other options include white noise or nature sounds. Quality sleep is the foundation of good health. When you sleep well, you wake up refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle the challenges of the day.

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By implementing these five tips, you can switch off from work more effectively, ensuring that your body and mind are well-rested and ready for peak performance. Remember, your health is your wealth—invest in it wisely.