I am well into Chapter 4 at this point, but I am still utilizing the lessons from Chapter two.
Chapter Two was the best experiment yet; proper sleep, outdoor exercise and relaxation. It's like a prescription to live my best life.
Sleep has never been a concern for me, I love it, it loves me, but this chapter is about getting proper sleep, uninterrupted - deep and restful. To do this I eliminated screen time in the bedroom (or before bed), I added a salt lamp for warm lighting (to battle the intrusive blue light put out by screens) and I moved my meditation to before bed, for the perfect mindset.
I also use a Sleep Well spray from Isagenix, this has nothing to do with the book, but is having a great affect on my sleep. It's a blend of herbs that are suppose to promote proper sleep, it might be a placebo, but I like the taste and finality it represents to my day. Once I spray, that's it --- the day is over.
Outdoor exercise is something I strive for daily, but doesn't always happen. This chapter talked about even the smallest addition can make a difference to your goals, 5 minutes with the boys, a walk around the block--- anything that brings you out of the cave and into the fresh air and natural light.
I now steal time at the end of each day to be outside with the boys, its typically throwing the Frisbee in the backyard or jumping in the pool (the added challenge is the size of the pool - its a kids pool). I still walk every lunch break with my podcasts, but the family time that's been created has the best affect on my mental health.
And relaxation. Nope. I haven't been able to do this, not in the context provided by The Willpower Instinct. They recommend you spend 5 minutes a day in relaxation mode (lying flat on your back and doing nothing, but relaxing). This lead to naps; random, ill placed naps. I found more benefit to the mediation -- so, most days I try and meditate twice.
Now here is the irony; all of these exercises (to strengthen my willpower and stick my goals) were no match for an early cycle. Every bit of strength went out the window when mother nature showed up a week early. I kept with my routines and my intermittent fasting, but my food choices weren't as good.
I am back on track (it's only ever a brief hiatus) and on to Chapter 4.
Health-i-esque yours,
Melp
Chapter Two was the best experiment yet; proper sleep, outdoor exercise and relaxation. It's like a prescription to live my best life.
Sleep has never been a concern for me, I love it, it loves me, but this chapter is about getting proper sleep, uninterrupted - deep and restful. To do this I eliminated screen time in the bedroom (or before bed), I added a salt lamp for warm lighting (to battle the intrusive blue light put out by screens) and I moved my meditation to before bed, for the perfect mindset.
I also use a Sleep Well spray from Isagenix, this has nothing to do with the book, but is having a great affect on my sleep. It's a blend of herbs that are suppose to promote proper sleep, it might be a placebo, but I like the taste and finality it represents to my day. Once I spray, that's it --- the day is over.
Outdoor exercise is something I strive for daily, but doesn't always happen. This chapter talked about even the smallest addition can make a difference to your goals, 5 minutes with the boys, a walk around the block--- anything that brings you out of the cave and into the fresh air and natural light.
I now steal time at the end of each day to be outside with the boys, its typically throwing the Frisbee in the backyard or jumping in the pool (the added challenge is the size of the pool - its a kids pool). I still walk every lunch break with my podcasts, but the family time that's been created has the best affect on my mental health.
And relaxation. Nope. I haven't been able to do this, not in the context provided by The Willpower Instinct. They recommend you spend 5 minutes a day in relaxation mode (lying flat on your back and doing nothing, but relaxing). This lead to naps; random, ill placed naps. I found more benefit to the mediation -- so, most days I try and meditate twice.
Now here is the irony; all of these exercises (to strengthen my willpower and stick my goals) were no match for an early cycle. Every bit of strength went out the window when mother nature showed up a week early. I kept with my routines and my intermittent fasting, but my food choices weren't as good.
I am back on track (it's only ever a brief hiatus) and on to Chapter 4.
Health-i-esque yours,
Melp
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