As you may recall, I’m an avid runner. Sometimes, I like to share stories about my experiences and exercise tips with my loyal Doctors Health Press readers. Whether I’m training for a big event or battling back from injury, I like to offer a little bit of insight into how my passion affects my life in so many different ways.
The last week has been crazy around the Newman household. My kids went back to school after summer vacation and my job had a little bit of added intensity. The early mornings and late nights were a little tough to take. I’m not looking for any kind of sympathy, of course, because I’m sure you’ve been there before.
We’ve all had challenges in the past, but how we react to them is what’s important. They can either throw you well off course, or they can make you work a little harder for the things you truly value. Whether you want to spend more time with family, explore a hobby, or take some time for yourself, the daily hustle of things can always get in the way.
So what does all this have to do with you or my passion to run? During the summer, I became accustomed to my kids sleeping in so I could go for my run before work. Upon my return, I could get cleaned up, have some breakfast, say goodbye to my family, and head off to the office. Now that school is back in session, they’re up and my wife needs help getting them ready for school—and the only way I can squeeze in my run is if I get up at 4:30 a.m., run, eat, get the kids ready, and go. I’ve done it countless times in the past, but it’s the initial shock of the new schedule that made it increasingly difficult as the week went on—not to mention I had some pressing issues to deal with at work.
So midway through the week, I decided I would take a few days off from running and adjust my sleep cycle to get me back on track. When it comes to exercise, or even daily functioning, a good night’s sleep is extremely important. I decided to take one week (getting up 10 minutes earlier each day) to acclimate myself to the new wakeup time.
It’s been a week and I’m getting ready for my first run tomorrow. I feel great about it and am sure I won’t miss a beat!
Sometimes, things happen that can knock us off our fitness goals and that’s okay. Everyone can use a moment to rest and reset. In fact, doing so will usually lead to further benefits. If you’ve had some things come up recently that are causing you to get off track—with exercise, nutrition, or anything else—plan your way back and hold yourself accountable.
Read More : Lifestyle Changes: Tips for Living a Healthy Life