New Mom Tried “The 10-3-2-1-0 Formula” For A Week And This is What Happened

Author and Business Consultant Bedros Keuilian created a system to help you sleep better, wake up earlier, get more done, and feel great doing it. It’s called the 10-3-2-1-0 formula!

We all want to “wake up early and get stuff done!” But with busy schedules, classes, kids, and showering, all you want to do is squeeze every last minute out of your sleep. Hello, snooze button! This method promises better sleep and improved focus.

What Is The 10-3-2-1-0 Formula?

The 10-3-2-1-0 formula breaks down like this:

10 hours before bed – No more caffeine.
3 hours before bed – No more food or alcohol.
2 hours before bed – No more work.
1 hour before bed – No more screen time (turn off all phones, TVs and computers).
0 – The number of times you will hit the snooze button in the morning.

Keuilian uses science to back up his claims. Caffeine takes longer than you might expect to leave your system (about 10 hours.) That residual caffeine lives in your system and can make it hard to unwind. Eating large meals, spicy foods, and drinking alcohol can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep all night—even though having a glass of wine in the evening may seem to make it easy. Plus, working, thinking about work, and staring at screens can keep your brain active when it’s time to turn the lights out.

This method is designed to help power down your brain so you can wake up refreshed.

Sounds interesting, right? We wanted to put this formula to the test, so we enlisted a real mom to try it out for 7 days. Would it live up to the hype?

A New Mom’s Experience with 10-3-2-1-0

New Mom Briana Scott is a Wife, Full-Time Employee, Part-Time Online Student, and Mama to 1-year-old baby girl. With so many roles and responsibilities, she was excited to try a simple method designed to help her feel better and get more done!

Briana tried the 10-3-2-1-0 formula for 7 days and reported back on her experience.

What was the first day like?

Rough! It was definitely an adjustment. Usually with the caffeine side of things, I drink a Grande size drink from Starbucks around 7 AM! To go without it, on most days, was difficult and made it hard to stay awake for homework after work. Because I have a couple classes and a full-time job to prepare for every night, I never got to bed at a decent time throughout this experiment.

How was the last day in comparison (easier, harder, did you want to quit?)

It was easier than the first day for sure, but it was something I had to keep remembering to do. So, it was almost like adding to the list of things in my day to be aware of. It was a great experiment, though, and would do it again when I’m off track.

What were some challenges you faced in doing the method each day?

Staying on top of it. There was a day or two that I forgot what I was doing with this. Again, that’s only because I had a few other things going on.

Did you notice any benefits in your work, school, or personal life?

I did! Whoop, whoop! The nights that I made myself follow the sleep part of this routine, I woke up the next day on time, refreshed and alert! I loved this result!

Does this method fit your lifestyle? Would you keep it up?

It does and it doesn’t! It holds me accountable for making sure I get the rest/relaxation I need as a parent, student, wife and full-time employee. If I can stick to something like this, I would be well-balanced all the time.

Will you try the 10-3-2-1-0 formula? Have your discovered a “secret recipe” for better sleep? Let us know in the comments!

How To Go Back To School As A New Mom

It’s true what they say: it is NEVER too late to return to school as a new mom. Between feedings, changings and excitement over your little one, being a mom going back to school may be the last thing in your mind. But whether you’re in the middle of pursuing your degree or you want to take the time to elevate your new family’s future. Getting started is the first step.

Focus On What Matters Most

Becoming a mom has a powerful effect on your mindset. You want to do everything you can to improve your life and your child’s, and going back to school is a great way to do that! It will be more important now than ever to allow yourself to take a break by allowing others to help in caring for your new baby.

To get started on the right foot, be sure to:

Outline Your Goals: Keep them realistic, attainable and pertinent to your future career. Articulate your goals to friends and family who support you. Find a study partner who is on a similar track.

Evaluate Your Lifestyle: Choose the college environment that’s best for you and suits your learning needs and style.

Find Help: Locate an advisor to help you devise your course of study and to keep you on track.

Create A New School-Friendly Lifestyle

Once you’ve decided exactly how you want to go back to school as a new mom, experiment and discover a new way of life that allows all your needs to be met.

Set yourself up for back-to-school success by:

Choosing course times and styles that are convenient for you

Build a support system by enlisting your partner, an older child, trusted friend, or a babysitter to watch and care for your newborn while you study

Create a reasonable timeline for completing school (3 years, 4 years, any breaks) and share with your loved ones! Not only can they better understand why and how things are changing around the house, they can serve as your accountability partners.

Remember to make yourself a priority in the household as well. Schedule time away from everything to do an activity you love, care for your body by going to the gym, or relaxing in any way you like.

When you’re going through a big life change, finding a community of like-minded women who share your challenges is crucial! Sharing your jouenry as a new mother going back to school and knowing there are others going through a similar challenge can keep us on track and hold us accountable to completing what we set out to do.

The Back to School Divas Facebook group is a great place to explore! There are hundreds of women like you sharing inspiration, challenges, and friendship there.