Saturday, July 14, 2012

Odd week

This was an odd week for me. I had a terrific weekend as shown by previous post pics. I had a slight sore back from the driving, but nothing major. But at work on Tuesday a friend told me that he had cancer and literally my back clenched up in a painful spasm and I had to leave work, go get a massage and stay home the next day. I have never had such an obvious physical reaction to bad news. We don't know yet what type of cancer, or what the treatment is but I have my fingers crossed for him.

The whole episode got me thinking about how I feel physically and my habit of burning the candle at both ends and I vowed to change a few habits. Lately I've only been getting about 6 hours of sleep a night - if that. I seem to be trying to fit a full days fun into what should be an evening after work. I go to bed at midnight and wake up at 5 or 6 at the latest. I fall asleep at my desk at work. I think I'm hungry so I eat for energy and while that helps, it's not the answer. I also wake up feeling like shit every morning and couldn't figure out why.

Since I love the early morning it's obvious that I have to go to sleep earlier so last night I was in bed by 9:30. I tossed and turned for awhile - its going to take a while to get used to this, but I woke up at 5 this morning feeling better than I have in a long time. That was 7 full hours of sleep.

Can you believe my stupidity? Everyone says " 8 hours of sleep is necessary" and I have been so proud of my 5 - 6 hours - without even realizing that I'm killing myself. So this is my first new step to health.

More of the new health coming in a collaboration with a west coast buddy - more on that as we get organized.

11 comments:

sukipoet said...

everyone is different of course. some folks do well with less sleep. i myself like 9-10 hours, that's a lot. i often prepare for sleep by doing low key evening activities. I dont really sleep solidly 9 hours anymore though.

good luck with your new healthy regimen.

kj said...

Mim, I only get 6 hours and I asked my doctor for the reasons you mention. He said 6 was not a problem if I'm not tired when I'm awake. Our bodies tell us. Good that you are listening . I am often in awe of how much you accomplish

I'm worse in the summer: longer lovely days to stay up late. Xoxo

Love
kj

Lynn Cohen said...

I am so sorry for your friend's diagonsis. Your reaction was very dramatic. I too have been learning of close friends illnesses lately and it is daunting to say the least. Certainly is a slap in the face about my/our mortality.
And a huge reminder to do all I can to keep MY good health going.
I get 7-8 hrs of sleep depending on how long I read at night.
I know I need to exercise more than I do. I go in phases of being really good at it then I sluff off for a while. Not good. Good luck in your new leaf to do well for yourself.

PAK ART said...

I can't survive on less than about 7 or 8 hours of sleep. I get too grouchy. I hope you are able to find some balance with your sleep and still getting all the things done you truly want to do.

Robin said...

When I am stressed....I don't sleep... when I am happy and relaxed..I sleep 7 or 8 hours....I think that's just normal for most....
you have had your share of stress this year - in various areas of your life... and it leaves you feeling more vulnerable... when you heard the news about your friend...you overflowed with emotions...

I know that (at least) for me, exercising helps.....that physical activity does relax both brain and body...and I sleep better when I workout. Keep up those Morning walks when you can....I know it helps.

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

OK I want to know.. who and What? LOL
Good job on changing bad habits to good ones. I wake up early if light out and later if darker out.. so summer time I need to get to bed early or I wont get much sleep but here in summer it doesn't start getting dark till AFTER NINE at night. I do need more exercise, but my back has been making that hard from me lately. Look forward to your next segment. :)

Lori ann said...

oh mim thats hard. i sometimes have similar reactions to upsetting news.
i hope you get a good nights sleep and wake feeling great from now on.

marianne said...

Clever you got this insight before things really get bad!
Take care of your health dear!
I need my sleep and I sleep a bit strange lately waking up several times and get up tired, but I love to take naps in the afternoon, without them I could not survive.....
Take care Mim♥

~Babs said...

sleep is a funny thing. I always looked foward to sleeping as late as I wanted to upon retirement.But I don't. Six hours and I'm wide awake, but it seems to be enough.

I'm sorry about your back, and hope it's better sooner, and all the best for your friend!

studio lolo said...

Mim, the day you emailed me about your back I had just fallen off my chair at work with my legs kicking in the air like a bug! My back is horrible as it is, but man oh man that put me into "whiplash" and spasms, but it took a day to surface :(

I'm so sorry about your friend. We carry a lot of stress in our backs. I hope his cancer is easily treated and cured. Damn cancer.

Guess what?
Samson is finished!

I just need to varnish him and let it cure for a day. I bought matte varnish for you. Somehow I don't think you'd want it too glossy.

Stay well, and yay for you for working on health issues! Me, I get 4-5 hours sleep a night if I'm lucky, although I'm sound asleep on the couch sitting up every night. It's hard for Bri to rouse me. Oh well!


xo
Lo♥

soulbrush said...

I definitely need 8. We all get 'wake up calls' in different ways- and I don't mean when the alarm clock goes off in the morning!