I wrote the above epigram (quote) two years ago. But I must confess that “the preacher did not practice what he preached” on this particular issue. I fell short of my ideals especially in the areas of food, drinks and rest. There must be a game plan in order to put this principle into good use. And so to redeem myself from this blunder, I came up with a strategy that will guide me in implementing my wellness principle. I call it: ”myRule of 8 for Wellness and Health”
Sleep Deprived: Anyone?
I’d been sleep-deprived for a long time due to demands of work. In addition to my regular workload, I have many things I wanted to do and I sacrifice sleep in order to do the other things. However, I found out that the quality and quantity of work done by someone who is lacking sleep sometimes become mediocre and substandard. And for a perfectionist that I am, I beat myself for a lousy performance. As a result, I’m doubly stressed and that’s not good for my health.
Frustrated with my inability to focus, I decided one night to go to bed earlier than usual. I slept at 9 PM, to my wife’s surprise! She couldn’t believe I was heading to bed early. “Are you okay?” She thought I was sick. “Im good, I just want to sleep early tonight.” I responded with a yawn. ”Very good! I’d rather see you go to bed early than stay late tinkering with those stuff.” She quipped with a grin.
For an exhausted body like mine, I didn’t have to count sheep in order to sleep. Before long, I was in deep, sound slumber. For the first time in many moons, I had multiple dreams. I’ve probably had REM (rapid eye movement) all through my sleep. I woke up few minutes before the alarm sounded at 5 AM, which meant that I wasn’t forced to wake up. I got out of bed feeling refreshed, invigorated, and restored. I never had this feeling in a long while.
What a difference an eight hour of sleep made!
Unlike the usual mornings, that day I felt very good;
happy rather grumpy;
invigorated rather than weary;
motivated rather than disheartened.
That beautiful morning, I did not drag my feet to work. On the contrary, I had a very positive outlook. I was very willing and ready to roll my sleeves and go to work.
Consequently, my day was very fulfilling with a lot of things done with excellence.
Eight hour of sleep is essential to good health. This fact is supported by scientific research.
Duhh!!!
Isn’t that a common wisdom, but we always foolishly ignore?
I therefore resolve as it is hereby resolved that I will go to bed early and sleep for eight hours every night.
Rule #1: Get 8 hours of sleep everyday!
I hereby challenge you, my reader to consider this to be your wellness habit. If you’re not sleeping 8 hours, it’s about time to be kind to yourself. Resolve to sleep for 8 hours tonight!!! And every night thereafter. You deserve it. See for yourself the benefits of this good practice.
Well, as much as I wanted to share my other Rule of 8 for Wellness and Health, I checked my watch and it says ”time to go to bed.”
Watch for the continuation of this series. Night, night!!! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
myJOURNEY 