I sincerely appreciate the incredible outpouring of support on the sleep issue. It was seriously about time. My schedule is still somewhat overloaded, especially for the next few days--but I'm not backing down on getting at minimum, seven hours sleep. And no caffeine after 3pm. I'm actually sipping some decaf right now as I write this post. It's not bad. It's good coffee.
This shift in importance level is a big deal to me. There are many positive things happening in my world and I could clearly see that the sleep issue was starting to have a profound negative effect.
My dinner last night was a favorite (see tweet below). It felt weird, after dinner and after a round of strength training exercises--to just.... go to bed. The habit of making the blog post the last thing I do each night is deeply embedded. I felt a touch lost, in a way. Might sound strange, but I haven't missed a night in over two years--so it's not as easy as I thought it might be, to just be, okay with a shift in routine.
In order to counter the turbulence of change, I'm choosing to focus on all the positives this new schedule and the good sleep, might create. This change is setting up a more solid foundation for me to build a schedule--one that's more productive; more efficient.
And I know it will shift some come the weekend. I have an event Saturday night that will likely keep me out until 11pm. Still, minimum seven hours sleep, will happen--and when I get home Saturday night, the blog will already be written and posted.
Being in a successful maintenance mode for nearly ten months has given me plenty of time to adjust to my smaller size. But occasionally, I'm still taken aback. I caught my reflection today and something about it struck me. I gave it pause long enough to realize how much I have to be thankful for along this road. I don't just see the physical changes. The physical is the least of the transformation, truly. Catching the reflection reminds me of the mental/emotional growth it represents. I'm full of gratitude for the chances I've been given. I've had more than my fair share! This overwhelming sense of gratitude automatically tightens my embrace of the fundamental elements I make important each day. And I'm so glad proper rest is on that list. It's a good thing it is--because seriously, I couldn't do too many days like the one I had the other day--If I tried, I'd come unraveled quickly.
I'm successfully maintaining the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I'm remaining abstinent from refined sugar. I'm consuming a minimum 64oz water and I'm getting exercise. I'm staying in solid contact with my support connections. And I'm open to changes along the way--like posting this blog late afternoon. It's still daylight outside. Strange!
The Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:
Dinner in MFP... pic.twitter.com/jEoqpBAXdr— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
2 cup water refill with dinner exceeds #watergoal pic.twitter.com/R2Ats5Td8O— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
The nest on my balcony wall is still vacant. It's been on the market for some time. Trying to not take it personal. pic.twitter.com/naM31vYChc— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
5.6oz salmon, 258g swt.potato-pan prepared w/.5 tbsp olive oil & 20g red onion, 120g asparagus w/2secOOSpray. 658cal pic.twitter.com/NU8OsTz6Dh— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
Staying in tonight w/a body weight strength training routine before bed: 30 push-ups, 30 squats, 2 sixty sec planks and one 60 sec wall sit.— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
That workout isn't as easy as it reads. Wow. Done- proved I can break a sweat in my living room without disturbing my apartment neighbors.— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
6.3oz apple & 4oz orange. #lastfoodofday 141 cal. pic.twitter.com/Nu7eqSWvFz— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
2 cups water✔️20 push-ups✔️20 squats✔️Still worked after last night's routine. That's the #morningdeal I get coffee. pic.twitter.com/rT5kCsRZ0N— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
Good morning! Three tablespoons half & half in my first cup of day. I'll take another to go, here in a bit. 120 cal. pic.twitter.com/QXHPxCoz00— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
Breakfast in MFP. Not shown in screen shot: 1 tbsp sugar free strawberry all-fruit & 110g golden delicious apple. pic.twitter.com/4UZpCoMjLs— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
2whl-2whts w/1 each-Asiago, muenster&provolone & 29g red peppr. 110g apple & Ezekiel toast w/18g SF strwbry. 551 cal pic.twitter.com/Pnk9heDabS— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
Lunch in MFP. Not shown in screen shot: 15g sour cream. pic.twitter.com/ozzypRwoWh— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
Two cup bottle of water with lunch. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/mSy1SP8cvn— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
Tostadas w/130g ff/sf beans, salsa, jalapeƱos, 33g red pepper, 2-provolone & 15g sr crm. 189g cantaloupe. 418 cal. pic.twitter.com/KAeellVbau— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
Dark roast with three tablespoons half & half. 60 cal. pic.twitter.com/iqKZyRYrmu— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
2 cups water with afternoon power snack. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/ZVJ9x7RbVE— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
6.4oz apple with 32g natural chunky peanut butter. 300 cal. pic.twitter.com/GEB0mwoFes— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
Blog writing sipper. Cup of decaffeinated Colombian coffee with two tablespoons half & half. 40 cal. pic.twitter.com/pgNY7WqSt6— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) June 2, 2016
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
I am so glad you are making sleep a priority. I am sure you will notice the difference it makes.
ReplyDeleteI cannot have caffeine after noon or it disturbs my sleep. I hope all of your great changes help you sleep. Best wishes
ReplyDelete