I slept in this morning – until 8am, which is late for me. I’m usually up with the lark and start my day with a run and some juice. But in honour of my commitment to simple Sundays, I decided to switch my alarm off. I never realised the importance of sleep until I heard a series of interviews on Peter Attia’s ‘Drive’ podcast. The interviews were with Matthew Walker, author of ‘Why We Sleep‘ and they transformed my opinions on sleep.
If you want to listen to the podcasts (and I highly recommend that you do), then you can find the first interview here. Alternatively, a quick search should bring it up on your favourite podcast player. After listening to the interviews, I now see sleep as the body’s ultimate healing tool and have come to the conclusion that there is no point in working out and eating healthily if I’m going to neglect my sleep routine.
Creating a sleep routine
Now I’ve realised the importance of sleep I make it a priority. Although I’m still an early bird, I make sure that I go to bed earlier so that I get at least a good 8 hours and I try to create an evening routine that allows me to wind down. I generally read before bed and limit my ‘screen time’ and caffeine intake. I also try to keep the lighting fairly low to lull my body into sleep mode. I’m a ‘thinker’ by nature so allowing my brain time to wind down is really important. If it’s been a busy day then I find 10 minutes of mediation can help me to settle.
Father’s Day and family time
Anyway, I digress… Today’s simple Sunday started with a luxurious 8am start, there was no run today, just a steady breakfast which I savoured before getting ready and heading out to see my Dad for Father’s Day (socially distancing, of course). He loved the handmade gift I gave him (if you want to see a photo, check out my post on Twitter @MFbythesea) as well as the ginger cake I made (the recipe can be found here). We spent the morning drinking tea and watching the dogs curiously stalking the new fish in the pond. After a busy week, it was wonderful to sit and chill.
The rest of the day was spent cooking Sunday lunch, pottering in the garden and re-living my youth (hang on, I’m only in my 30s!) watching ‘Big Brother’s Best Bits’ on catch-up. It’s been a very ‘full’ day but a thoroughly enjoyable one too… and it’s almost time for bed. I have an early start tomorrow and want to make sure I get my full 8 hours.
Goodnight.
Pssst…If you missed last weeks Simple Sundays post featuring the delicious spinach and lentil soup recipe from Jack Monroe, then check it out here. Be warned, if you make it then you may never buy tinned soup again.
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