“Remember to play after every storm.”—Mattie Stepanek
Recovery. In exercise and in life, our greatest growth comes not during the stress, but in the recovery time that follows. Adversity and challenge—overload in exercise science—is essential for growth Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially. We can’t keep pushing and pushing and expect to see continued success.
Rest and recovery can come in many forms. All are essential.
Sleep. Arnold Schwartzenegger famously said: “If you are sleeping more than 6 hours, sleep faster.” Ideally, one should sleep 7-8 hours a night, but 6 solid hours of quality sleep—emphasis on “quality”—allows one more time to be effective (“opportunity coats”). Poor quality sleep—no matter for how long—or too little sleep is detrimental to health and to productivity. Optimally, one needs regular sleeping habits. Go to be at about the same time each night and rise (preferably early) at the same time each morning. Have a routine. Avoid electronics, television, and other sleep-disruptive activities immediately prior to bed. Sleep well.
Reflection. Spend time each day in contemplation. Journaling and meditation are essential to growth. How? One’s growth routine is quite personal, but it is necessary that one spend time reflecting, considering, and projecting. There need not be much time spent on these activities each day, but minimally 15 minutes should be set aside at the start of the day and, ideally, at the end of the day (before bed). Time for reading should also be included in the day.
Vacation. Time off and vacation are essential. Even God took time to rest. The concept of a “Sabbath” need not be legalistic, but the habit of a weekly day of rest (from work and exercise) is a healthy idea. We need time to recover. Take time for yourself and the relationships in your life! Vacation is difficult for me. I like to work, but I need to consciously remove myself from my work. Being an academic and intellectually-focused, rest is challenging. I have always found it easier to rest from physical labor. Resting our mind requires the conscious setting aside of the things that occupy our thoughts. I have committed to posting daily to this blog, but I have been conscious of taking days—especially vacation time off. I have periods where I get ahead of my schedule so I can spend focused time with my family. I also consider my “15-minute check-in” with my wife as a daily “vacation”.
Nutrition. Diet is essential to recovery from physical exercise. Equally so, diet is essential to recovery from the daily stresses. Healthy eating need not be complicated. Indeed, complicating diet simply adds to the stress of life. Following the K.I.S.S. principle, eat less sugar, less processed food, limit calories, drink alcohol in moderation, limit caffeine, drink water. “Diet” is the habits of what we eat regularly. Make wise choices.
Remember, success requires effort, and effort requires rest. “Opportunity costs.”
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!