When we lack sleep our bodies cannot perform to the best of its abilities. I always went with, “No pain, no gain.” I thought pain was my friend and it would help me feel better about myself and that I would see faster progression. So what happened, you ask? I was working a 70 hour work week October of last year and all I did was reach for the cumin in the spice rack and I felt my shoulder fall out of its socket. That’s right, I dislocated my shoulder right there, at work with an hour before we opened for service. I simply popped it back in and finished my shift….ouch! After that, I learned there are certain things worth sacrificing but sleep and rest are not one of them. You do not need to exercise everyday in order to see results! Instead of doing intense sessions all the time now, I simply engage in active movement with friends instead of going out for dinner or cocktails. I go on walks, take the dogs out for off leash hours where I get to walk and they get to play or do hobbies that I love such as rock climbing! My sisters and I found a place in Brooklyn named Brooklyn Boulders where you can rock climb all day with a day pass and you don’t even feel like you’re working out until you get home, crawl into bed and pass out!
If you get to work early one day, try walking around the office a little. When you’re having lunch during your break make sure you get some stretches in. If you drive to work, park a little farther than usual and walk the rest of the way. Take the stairs some flights instead of taking the elevator the whole ride. Keep your body moving but don’t overexert yourself. Listen to your body when doing anything whether it be going for a run and you feel that pull in your ankle but you simply run it off or when doing yoga and you’re so desperate to accomplish that pose that you strain a muscle. These recoveries don’t take days. They take months! Love yourself and thank your body everyday for doing its best!
Health and Happiness,
Farrah Unger