Sleep, eating well and body well being

 

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything - Irish Proverb 

 

Sleep - 

A lack of sleep can be a major contributor to depression. When you are sleep deprived you are less able to think clearly and make good decisions. I find it hard to be positive and optimistic and I struggle to deal with hard situations when I am tired. 

 

In the trenches of World War one, the opposing Armies would keep up a constant programme of sending artillery shells to burst in or around the enemy trenches. This was not just because they were trying to kill each other but to keep them awake for the purpose of sleep depravation. (If you are a parent with a new born, just exchange the word shells with dirty nappies and nighttime feeding). 

 

Figure out how much sleep you need to have to be refreshed and guard this time. (Also exercise helps for you to get to sleep easier). Most people need 7-9 hours per night. I love the saying ‘tomorrow starts tonight’, the smart time that you choose to go to bed will set you up well for tomorrow.

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Check out this helpful article on sleep:

https://missionnutrition.co.nz/blog/posts/harnessing-sleep-so-you-can-feel-your-best/

 

Eating - 

Eating well is like putting good petrol in your car. You want clean-burning fuel that doesn’t leave nasty residues that can seize your engine. What you put into your body will determine your energy and healthiness. Good food is generally the food that is non-appealing, takes ages to cook and costs more than you want to spend. Whole foods, full of fibre, protien and goodness. 

The amount of food you need to consume is balanced by the amount of energy you use. Like food trains coming into the station and dropping passengers off (calories), there needs to be energy trains picking up those passengers and taking them out of your body through exercise and exertion. If there are more trains coming in than trains going out the result will be unnecessary weight gain. 

 

Lastly, be mindful of your posture. Are you sitting upright? Are you changing position often? Do you get up regularly to walk and have a stretch?