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Sleep Week 2024

Dwell in the House of the Lord

Cost and Admission

This event is free to attend.


In the whirlwind of college life, where assignments pile up, deadlines loom, and social pressures exist, finding a moment of rest can feel unattainable. Yet, amidst the chaos, there is comfort to be found in Psalm 23:6.

Psalm 23:6 says: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." For those wrestling with stress, uncertainty, and the pressure to succeed, this promise offers hope. Amidst the chaos of college life, it's easy for students to become overwhelmed and burnt out. But Psalm 23:6 encourages us to pause, to breathe, and to rest in the presence of the Lord. It reminds us that true rest is not found in achievement or accolades but in surrendering and trusting God's goodness and care.

Our hope for Sleep Week 2024 is that you recognize your need for rest and find comfort in God’s protection and goodness. Rest might look like going to bed early, going outside to get some fresh air, or spending time with a friend who encourages you. This week we want to help you take a moment to pause, relax, and feel comforted that you don’t always have to move at a fast pace.

“Sleep Week 2024: Dwell in the House of the Lord” is sponsored by the Student Health and Wellness Collaborative, a cross-campus group representing multiple Biola programs and services who are dedicated to positively impacting student well-being at Biola.



Questions?

Contact Melanie Daly at:
Ext. 5834
melanie.daly@biola.edu


Schedule

Note: Sleep Week events have been condensed into fewer days due to the heavy rain. We would still love to see you at our chapels dedicated to Sleep Week and our events on Wednesday and Thursday!

 

Date Time Event Location
Monday, Feb. 15 9:30-10:30 a.m. Morning Chapel with Daena Dooley on how Genesis invites us to rediscover relationships and rest. Calvary Chapel
Tuesday, Feb. 6 5 p.m. Fives Chapel with Lisa Igram on Holy Rest Calvary Chapel
Wednesday, Feb. 7 9:30-10:45 a.m. Morning Chapel with Mandy Catto on the Image of God Calvary Chapel
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy a Chair Massage
*limited slots available so sign up required.
Kim Dining Room
Thursday, Feb. 8 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Make your own Sleep Kits and body scrub (while supplies last) in Kim Dining Room Kim Dining Room
5 p.m. Fives Chapel with Lisa Igram on Holy Rest Calvary Chapel

 

Student Resources

Need ideas for rest this week? Check out these resources selected to encourage intentionality in resting and slowing down. Follow @biolapeerwellness or @biolauniversity on Instagram to engage more with Sleep Week.

 Begin resting... in the House of the Lord

For your body

  • Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
  • Make a morning routine to help start your day.
  • Make a night time routine to help unwind before bed.
  • Try to wake up and go to sleep around the same time every day (even on the weekends).
  • Try to avoid taking naps after 3:00pm.
  • Try to avoid drinking caffeine later in the day.
  • Make your bed and use your bed just for sleeping and not doing homework.
  • Pause and take three deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed.
  • Exercise during the day to get better rest at night.
  • Take a shower before going to bed to help you relax.

For your mind

  • Take a break from your phone. Set it aside 15 minutes before trying to fall asleep.
  • Read a book just for fun.
  • Journal about your day.
  • Keep a sleep diary and track the hours you are asleep and how you feel.
  • Make a to-do list for the following day to release it from your mind before trying to sleep.
  • Write down your anxieties. Cross out the worries that are not in your control and then make an action plan for the ones that are in your control.
  • Refrain from multitasking and try focusing on one thing at a time.

For your soul

  • Spend a few minutes praying.
  • Meditate on God’s Word.
  • Find a quiet place and sit in silence.
  • Take a walk in nature.
  • Write a gratitude list.
  • Listen to worship music.

 

Check Out These Talks and Blogs on the Value of Rest and Sleep

Supporting Students

Start class with a check-in question

  • What are you doing to “rest” this week?
  • What Sleep Week strategy can you try to improve your sleep?
  • How do you feel when you get 8 hours of sleep versus 5 or 6?

 

Encourage participation

  • Consider overriding Canvas’ default due time of midnight by scheduling homework assignments to be due by 10 p.m. (or earlier).
  • Encourage students to participate in a Sleep Week event or check out the ways departments around campus are sharing about Sleep Week.
  • Learn from this week’s chapels which will encourage rest (Monday morning chapel, Wednesday morning chapel and Fives chapels).

 

Point Students to resources on rest

  • Share the Sleep Week 2024: Dwell in the House of the Lord Student Resources page with your classes. www.biola.edu/sleep-week
  • Offer Biola’s Well-being Toolbox, which was developed by students, for students, with practical tips and tricks on caring for one’s own well-being, including developing healthy sleep habits.

 

Consider the ways you can also create rhythms of rest

  • Leave your work at work. Try to avoid checking emails at home.
  • Try to avoid screen time at least 15 minutes before bed.
  • Try pausing throughout your day and think of the things you are grateful for.
  • Take deep breaths throughout your day.
  • Stretch your body. 
  • Go for a walk and observe your surroundings.
  • Stand outside and enjoy the sun.
  • Read your favorite Bible verse.
  • Take your lunch break and avoid working during that time. 
  • Go to the chapels and enjoy prayer time.
  • Listen to worship music.
  • Do something restorative during your weekend.