I mentioned in my Digital Minimalism Final Update blog post that I was a little under the weather. Today, you’ll learn what happened and why I made some lifestyle changes.
Things are Changing
As a woman who has turned the big 50 this year, I’ve noticed my body changing. I’ll spare you the details of hormones, change in the menstrual cycle, and other things. I haven’t had many things happen, but I have had enough to know that I need to make some changes.
A lot of my issues stem from my eating habits and lack of quality sleep. However, I’ve learned that by making simple changes with diet and lifestyle, things get better.
A Concerned Friend
I have a good friend that I speak to every week via the telephone. She’s the only person I talk to on the phone other than my mother.
In one particular conversation I had with her, I told her a few things I was doing. And my friend said, “Evelyn, you need to stop staying up so late. If you don’t stop it, then your body will stop you.”
I responded with, “Yes, I know I need to do better, and I will.” But I continued the unhealthy practice.
Staying Up Late Became an Unhealthy Habit
I wasn’t going to sleep until 3-4 in the morning, and sometimes daylight would be peering through my curtains, but I would still be working.
Most times, I was editing videos for YouTube. Just imagine doing this routine for a good majority of the year. Yeah, that’s what I was doing. It finally caught up with me.
Low Energy Stopped Me in My Tracks
I’ve always been an energetic person, but I noticed that my energy was the lowest it’s ever been in my life.
One day, I went for a walk, and I noticed that my energy was low. I was walking slow and taking my time, not the type of walks I’m used to having. So, I quickly ended this walk.
And the final straw was when I got a package from Amazon (a cabinet), and it was heavy. So, I moved it from off the porch to the inside of the house. I was tired and out of breath doing that. That was unusual for me.
What is Going on with me?
I’m not one to go to the doctor for every little thing, but if certain things keep happening, I am heading there in a flash.
I prayed about it, and I knew why my energy was low. It had a lot to do with my menstrual cycle.
I charged my Garmin watch (Affiliate link) and Oura ring and began wearing these devices.
I noticed the elevation of my resting heart rate. I even took my blood pressure, and it was fine. So, I knew I needed to take it easy and get some rest.
Ultimately, I took a few supplements, Iron in particular, and after a few days, I noticed my energy returning to normal. A week went by, and I was back to my old self.
Changes I’ve Made
These days, I don’t edit videos in the wee morning hours, nor do I try to do everything in one day. Instead, I wait until the next day to work on a task.
I turn off my computer and phone at a specific time, usually around 8:30 PM. (a work in progress)
And I unwind by doing my skincare routine, reading, and spending time with my family. Instead of being glued to the computer and smartphone, I take time for myself. I try to be in bed by 11:30 PM too.
Final Words
Make taking care of yourself your number one priority. The nights, weeks, and even months I spent making poor choices caught up with me.
Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today. When you know what to do and how to do it, then do it.
Unfortunately, I kept saying, “I know what I need to do; I’ll do better. I’ll do it tomorrow.” But tomorrow never came.
Please don’t do what I did, be better than me, and take good care of yourself.
Remember to be a good steward of your body.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you received something from this blog post!
Until next time.
Keep shining.🌻
Recommended Book – Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams (Affiliate Link)
Maybe I should talk you into buying a Passion Planner like I did. No affiliate link; it’s just that when I use it I do really well with things. It probably won’t help you go to bed earlier, but by planning things in advance, you’ll notice that you have free time to do other things. Heck, check out Ink + Volt, which I liked but wasn’t crazy about it having a hard cover. If you’ve already got a planner, use it to your advantage; you got this!
I’ve also been tired lately, so I’m walking fewer steps than I was doing months ago. I’m still walking 6 or 7 miles daily, but I had one day this week where I finished barely under 6… and didn’t care. I’m not counting yesterday because I went to see the new Spider Man movie; there’s 3 hours I missed out on (I had to get there way earlier than normal) and barely missed 6, but I’m good with that because I enjoyed the movie.
Hopefully both of us will get a bit more rest and be better in taking care of ourselves.
Hey Mitch, thanks for mentioning the Passion Planner. I use Amplify Planner, and I’m doing much better with planning. I also have an Undated Passion Planner, and I will use it. I decided to post YT videos once a week, and I already have them scheduled and ready to go. I need to write and schedule blog posts and stick to the plan. I see that it’s not enough to have a planner; I have to utilize it. I refuse to go into 2022 without a plan. Planning does help with time management.
At least you are still walking. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Sometimes, we need to slow down and take a break when we are tired. Something tells me that you’ve already started implementing your plan. I hope you got some time in to practice your video editing.
Here’s to a productive year filled with proper rest, activity, and peace.
Thanks for commenting; I appreciate it!!
Have a great year in 2022, and take care!!