This morning, my sleep score was so high I thought I should throw a mini party! 86. High 5’s all around! I’ve been wearing my apple watch to bed for about 2 months, and the picture was not pretty. But, I’ve known my sleep has not been good. I did not need to wear a device to tell me that. I have trouble going to sleep and then I wake up a lot during the night. Confirmed. The one habit I get the most reward for from my watch nanny is to go to bed on time or early. I got a high score earlier this week for going to bed early even though I was awake for a total of an hour and 23 minutes. I did not feel very rested.
Going to bed at the same time each night was something my Mother told me to do. It is sorta like my mantra that will probably be repeated at my funeral: early to bed, wear sunscreen and drink lots of water. Stacking little habits may be the key to longevity so here are a few more:
Have a full glass of water within hour of getting up. Some like it hot with a squeeze of lemon. You do you. I like it cold with a tiny scoop of electrolytes (no sugar added).
Have protein to break your fast. A tablespoon of yogurt any one?
Stretch before you throw your clothes on. A pilates warmup or something you liked on Instagram will do. (5 minutes)
Try saying something positive to 3 people during your day that you would not have otherwise spoken to positively.
Take breathing breaks between meetings. Get up and stretch. Keep a pair of weights by your screen and use them for 3 minutes regularly.
Prepare some healthy snacks for your afternoon low point. Yogurt with a few berries? Humus and cucumbers/peppers.
Give someone you love a hug. Or send them a text.
Play. With your pet, your kid, your spouse.
Appreciate all the healthy little habits you have in place already.
You’ve read all the studies. It is not about the knowing, it is about the doing. Share back one habit you employ and I’ll share it next week.
If you don’t think Vistage peer groups get value at every meeting-from the speakers, the conversations, a wise Chair, and the input from your peers, don’t click here.