I am one of those people who needs sleep. In that I don’t function well. I get crabby…

And we know that sleep is vital to our health. But why is it that I know so many people who are seemingly fit or healthy that seem to pride themselves on functioning on little sleep?

I used to be that person.

I recently read an article that teenagers should get about 10 hours of sleep per night. I most certainly didn’t get that as a teenager. I worked the maximum hours possible, allowed by law, for a kid in high school. I had something going pretty much every night of the week, whether if be working or academics. I often didn’t start my homework until late at night and usually went to bed about 11:30pm. But then I’d get up at 5:30am to start it all over again.

I had a social life, too, often staying out late because I didn’t really have a curfew. Then I’d get up early again on the weekends to attend a Forensics Tournament miles and miles away. I thought I needed to do all of these things to get into and afford college.

This wasn’t a good habit to have formed.

College was a little better. Because I knew I liked my sleep, I didn’t schedule any classes before 9:30am and I didn’t work as much the first year.

But in the summer, I often had two jobs and somehow this continued… even after college. Then it just became life for me as I mentioned here.

As part of my self-care theme this year, I’m not only trying to slow down, but also focus on getting more sleep.

And while I’m not a parent myself, I know there are plenty out there (especially those of newborns) who only wish they could get more sleep! I especially liked this couple’s attempt to do so!

But other than that, when did it become a thing of pride to thrive on little sleep?

In American society, we are all familiar with busy schedules. We go, go, go… And most of us don’t make sleep a priority. We think that because we are busy, we are being productive. But that isn’t always the case. Especially not when it comes to health.

I once read on a magazine cover, “Sitting is the New Smoking.” I didn’t read the article, but that title has stuck with me. And I think as a society, we are becoming much more aware of the importance of activity in our lifestyles.

I’m only hoping that we can one day put the same importance on sleep.

Because you can’t make up that missed sleep.

~

Food

Dinners:

There aren’t many days available to cook this week, so here is what I’m thinking…

• Rob has requested Pasta Carbonara.
• I didn’t make the Shrimp Scampi last week, so I’m putting it on this week’s menu.
• Leftovers

Lunches:

• Last week, I didn’t make any of the Snack Lunches I had intended. I was enjoying my to-die-for leftovers of Spaghetti Squash Pizza Pie. Racheal was right. It’s a must-make dish! I added baby portabella mushrooms and shredded cheese to mine. Go. Make. It. Now.
• So we’ll do those  Snack Lunches {aka Bento Boxes} this week – Any combination of: tuna salad made with homemade olive oil mayo, a new version of my Poorman’s Caprese {with salsa!}, soup, applesauce, piece of dark chocolate and nuts.

Breakfasts:

• I have a couple of options available and will make them depending on what I am in the mood/have time for each day:
  • PB Toast
  • Granola with milk

Fitness

• I didn’t do my post-back surgery PT exercises every day last week, but I did feel great on the days I did! I’m planning to continue them until I get stronger and then move right into more yoga.
• I tried the recumbent bike last week. My doc said it was okay as long as it’s not putting any pressure on nor whacking my toe. The bike has caused my back to hurt in the past. So I started with an easy 5 minutes – barefoot. When that felt okay, I went to 10. I’m going to continue on the bike slowly increasing speed and increments of time.

Something is better than nothing!

How much sleep do you get?

How do you make sure you get enough?

Cheers~
Carrie