Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I used to be one of those people who says things like, “Oh, I only get about five hours of sleep a night. That’s all I need.”
Or, “I just don’t have the luxury of going to the gym. I’m way too busy.”
Now I’m one of those people who hops on my bike for a morning ride, or takes a strenuous hike before heading into the office. And I no longer burn the midnight oil. What changed?
Over the last few years, I’ve come to the realization that optimum performance in life and work isn’t really possible if we don’t tend to our physical health, and that includes getting enough sleep and exercise. It’s been hard for me to accept the fact that our bodies were created with certain needs, and that we can’t function our best if those needs aren’t met.
Our spiritual, mental and emotional health are important too, and we can’t be at our best if we don’t pause and tend to them. This is why I enjoy outdoor exercise—I can nurture my whole self, physically, mentally, spiritually, all at once.
I wonder if these needs serve, in part, to keep us humble, to remind us that we’re human and limited. By thinking I could circumvent the natural requirements of my body and mind, I was being kind of arrogant, believing I’m somehow special, different, exempt from the physical limitations of this existence.
Certain religious traditions have a long history of denying the body’s needs as a way of life and a path to God. I’m not arguing with that, because I rarely hear anyone claiming not to need sleep or exercise because they’re trying to become more spiritually enlightened. It’s because they’re so busy, have so much work to do, have goals and dreams that simply can’t be fit into the normal day, families to take care of. They’re sacrificing for a higher purpose.
I get that—it’s what I used to say. And I think it’s okay for limited periods of time to allow yourself to go without some of the necessities.
But do we really think we’re above the natural limitations of our bodies? Are we kidding ourselves, thinking we’re functioning optimally, when we could be doing so much better if we were healthier?
And why does our culture seem to put so much pressure on us to accomplish so much in our days, our weeks, our years?
I’ve been pondering all of this as I’ve tried to take better care of myself—sort of an experiment in cultivating humility by sleeping more and exercising daily (as paradoxical as that sounds). It forces me to admit I can’t “do it all” – I am human, and limited, and I have to make choices. All of this is somehow helping me feel more peaceful and whole—even while lamenting that I don’t have enough hours in the day.
What about you? How are you taking care of yourself these days? Have you ever thought about the relationship between a humble attitude and recognizing the need to take care of yourself?
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I had a long-standing argument with God about time. I viewed it as an enemy. He sees it as a gift. In the end, God won (He always does), and I became a Sabbath-keeper. I used to see the Sabbath as a time to catch up on my to-do list. Now I set aside the time from Saturday evening to Sunday evening to nourish my soul. I don’t clean, I don’t shop. I do spend time with family and friends. I usually take a nap. I work on my lap quilt or do some light gardening. We always “did church” on Sunday morning (I am, after all, married to a pastor), but now church time is book-ended by rest instead of rush. My soul is restored weekly.
I kind of followed Tom Petty on time…you never slow down, you never grow old. And it seems, ironically, that I never will.
Your Sabbath sounds wonderful, Shirlee!
I once thought I was indestructible. Though recent events and changes in my physical profile have tried to imbue my consciousness with the opposite understanding, I now know…the essence, St.-Exupery’s ‘inner eye’, truly IS indestructible. And knowing this, I’m free. I push to the point of literal collapse (to Barbara’s dismay and resentment) because that trip, to the edge of pain’s abyss and back, is a part of me, of my legacy, and of my witness to the Via Dolorosa we all have to walk. Ourselves, or with the person with whom we share our life, and whom we choose and promise to love above all others.
(Also, for what it’s worth, before I got sick I maintained a very high level of fitness, and it’s part of the reason I am still here. Farther to fall, as it were.)
It seems you have had to learn these lessons as a matter of survival, Andrew. And thank heavens you were in such great shape before. Clearly it makes a difference.
Such a timely post in the thick of conference season. No pun intended!
I always bring my exercise clothes to conferences, even if it’s mostly wishful thinking!
Oh, you slay me with your truths. I struggle to get enough sleep. And exercise? I can’t tell you how many plans I’ve made—and abandoned—in my pursuit of being a diligent exerciser.
I hadn’t considered the role humility plays in meeting our body’s needs. It makes sense. I’ve been focusing more the sleep end of things.When my hubby travels, it’s much harder to get enough sleep, because I’m the only one taking care of boys and house. “Me” time usually has to take a backseat. But, I’m working on it. The older I get, the more I realize I NEED sleep. And exercise. I find it difficult to prioritize into already busy schedules.
But you’re right. It needs to be a priority. And to make choices to care for my body is to choose to honor God. I never thought about this in that way before.
Thanks for the food for thought, Rachelle.
It’s always harder when you have young children, but you can do it! Better to leave the dirty dishes in the sink and go for a walk instead. 🙂
Food is the area of physical well-being that I have been humbled in the last few years. Truth is, I can not eat a ‘standard diet’ and function well. It’s a struggle (ice cream and bread are the two major food groups in our home) but I keep trying. Sleep and exercise are much more enjoyable when I’m careful with what I eat. And I find my brain focuses better during writing when it’s not fueled by dairy.
Ah, food. I didn’t even mention it, because it’s such a big topic! The secret is finding what works for each of us individually, and then sticking with it. Easier said than done!
I always get enough sleep – like 8- 9 hours. I realized long ago that feeling great in the morning outweighs almost any late-night activity.
Love the sounds of the morning!
Love your approach, Sheila! I’m the same way. I love the mornings, and I get mad at myself if I stay up too late so that I can’t enjoy the morning.
There seems to be some degree of validity to the old axiom, “The secret to good health is being borb in the right bed.” Genetic background does have much to do with health, but taking care of ones self is vital. Exercise, diet, and attitude are essential. It’s also been observed that the human body has three functions: digest food, exercise, and use our mini-brains. We are capable to doing two of them, but add the third and we “shut down,” get tired, and sleepy. After a big meal, it’s nap time.
This explains, in part, why writing or creativity immediately after rising in the morning is very common among many authors.
Exercising is part of taking care of ourselves, and the idea of drug-induced genius by derelicts is a myth. Ernest Hemingway could drink, yes, but he was noted for being very physically active in his life style. Good exercise may not be a cure-all for writing discipline, but it’s necessary, as Rachelle points out.
John, I never thought about the fact that I feel so energized in the morning, not just because I got some sleep, but because I haven’t eaten for 12 hours. Hmm. Something to think about!
I need sleep. I always have. And I’ve not fully regained my strength back from my appendectomy+ from this last year. It’s a bit humbling, but my girls have tucked me into bed each night over this last year. And Janet posted on exercise this last year, which really motivated me. About 3 times a day, I do arm resistance training with leg squats or leg lifts, just to the short length of one song each time. And I can tell a huge difference. I need smaller clothes. 🙂
Culture pressure … it’s sad that kids can’t simply be kids anymore.
That resistance training is terrific! I know it really does help to strengthen us. I keep some dumbbells in my office, as well as a card with a “six minute workout” on it, so I can stop for one or two songs and get my heart rate up. It’s so great that you’re doing that!
This is great. Thank you. I deal with low energy and depression on a pretty regular basis, and have since high school. Because of this, I’ve always felt somewhat “weak” or limited. But in some backward way, knowing that I’m a “jar of clay” helps me to stay focused on the Lord. I like to say that it keeps me joyfully desperate for Him to show up in my life. In the beginning I used to lament my situation. As I get older I see it for the strange blessing that it is.
Thank you for sharing that, Hannah. I think God knows the one thing that will keep us seeking after Him with our whole hearts. And yeah, that’s a good thing. 🙂
Hannah, it can be difficult-to-impossible to get motivated for exercise when you’re depressed and have low energy. It’s kind of a catch-22 because exercising, especially doing strength training and getting outside in nature, can be a key to mitigating that situation, as you know. Bless you in seeing the positive and seeking God ever more.
Nonsense, Hannah. You’re mistaking lack of power for weakness. The better we take care of ourselves health wise, as Rachelle writes, the better we feel about ourselves. Prayer seems essential to have a good relationship with God, and the better our relationship the less we feel depressed. We may not all be powerful, but we can be as healthy as our body lets us. The trick seems to be learning to live within our “jar of clay,” as you seem to have discovered. Lotsa luck, young lady.
I’ve been ruminating and acting on this very concept as well as the connection of material things to this health and humility. I remember Lauraine Snelling telling me years ago that when she was stuck on a plot problem, she would go deadhead the roses and lo, and behold, an answer would come. Grace brought the answer through self care.
I’m continually finding that stepping away from the drive to get things done and absorbing the flow of the Holy Spirit gets me living, moving and being. Thanks for the impetus to increase the action of my physical life of grace in addition to the spiritual and emotional.
Such an important concept, Kathleen. I like to “step away” to take a walk outside, or mop the floor, or simply dance to my favorite music for a few minutes. It’s tempting to say “I don’t have time for that.” But I’m learning that I don’t have time to NOT do that!
I used to be able to put on my Merrells and walk my dog 4 miles at a pop, 5 or 6 times a week. Now, I have such severe nerve damage in my feet, I can’t walk barefoot across my bedroom. Nor can I walk more than 30 minutes, 3 times a week.
I’m hoping to ride my bike a lot this summer, and cycling is much easier on the feet than walking.
And dancing? Umm, sure, ALONE in the house. 😉
Dear Jennifer, I always imagined your feet keeping pace with your thoughts. I’m sorry it isn’t so. On the plus side, we may see more of your delightful mental wanderings just because your feet cannot stray far from your keyboard.
Know this, we wouldn’t just watch you dance. We’d dance with you.
That was such a sweet thing to say.
You might try an exercycle. Of course you wouldn’t get to see any scenery, but you could use it at home all year.
The idea of self-care is definitely a useful one, even in those seasons of life when it’s not possible to exercise regularly or always get a good night’s sleep. Then it’s important to find the little things that refresh and restore you–I have a toddler and a baby at home and a husband who frequently travels for work, so I make a point of going out to water the garden and take care of the chickens every evening after the kids are in bed. They’re chores that have to be done, but that I enjoy, and doing them when I still have some energy left makes them feel like a mini-vacation!
And during the years with small ones in the home, a good ten minute shower is the equivalent of four hours’ sleep 😉
I’ve started walking 2-3 miles a day with my sister-in-law and it does feed the heart and soul as well as the body. Important stuff.
Great advice, Rachelle. I have learned over the years that I have to exercise regularly. If I don’t I just don’t feel right, meaning I am simply not up to snuff. I have also practiced tai chi for many years. It is good for the body and mind. It helps keep me calm and able to stay a step back from stressful situations.
I never thought of prioritizing commitments as a lesson in humility, but you’re so right. I have this struggle of feeling inferior in some sense, wondering what others think of me, when I say no. Like oh, I’m one of THOSE people, that doesn’t help because she “can’t overcommit” and needs sleep. But it’s so true, that it’s about humility, realizing we can’t do it all. New perspective for those moments when I feel obligated to say yes where I just can’t. Thank you!
Now if I can just start prioritizing exercise like I do sleep 😉
Okay, you’ve all inspired me to go out and take a nice walk in the woods this afternoon.
I have a few tactics of taking care of myself. Before kids it looked like a nice swim, a nap, a long Bible reading session after a hike, etc.
Now? Well, to take care of my brain and my body I’ll hide from my kids and eat Oreos for five minutes straight. I will make sure to spend time with them doing a fun craft after work or something silly before bed so that I feel rest from the “mom guilt.” I find rest in the little things (THIS load of laundry is done, I walked around the block, look, it’s a beautiful breeze today, etc.). I put “my blinders on” after about 7/8:00: I pretend I can’t see the dishes or laundry or the dog licking syrup off of the kitchen table and snuggle with my husband on the couch and watch Netflix. Keeps me sane! It will never be “all done!” But my kids will someday be “all gone!”
Such sound wisdom here. I usually think I don’t have time to walk every morning, that I’m some how indulging myself by getting away from my desk, out in the fresh air where I can hear calves calling and meadowlarks singing. But my body/health can’t afford for me not to do this. Great pondering points, Rachelle.
I asked for a FitBit for my birthday this year and have exercised nearly every day since. Walking my 10K steps a day makes me feel good, and helps me sleep better at night. I use my walks for prayer time or talking with friends. (I bring my cell phone with me and chat while I’m doing something good for my body!) Everything will get done that needs to get done. 🙂 Thank you for the confirmation that I’m doing something worthwhile without the guilt.
Oh my goodness! This is very related to the two hours of journaling I did with the Lord TODAY. He kept reassuring me that if I learned HIS rhythms (which include the things you are talking about here) that I would accomplish MORE, not less. That the width of my influence would not decrease, but the DEPTH would INCREASE.
Related also to everything you’re talking about here is my struggle with not only physical weight, but extra emotional baggage that comes when I don’t sleep, exercise, and spend time with HIM. A friend once told me that the most spiritual thing a person can do is get 8 hours of sleep. I laughed at the time, but I don’t anymore . . .
The best thing that happened for my fitness regimen was my husband adding a laptop tray to our exercise bike. Now I can write and ride for an hour or more each day – the ultimate multitasking! Working on my novel was as addictive as chocolate, and I was choosing writing over exercise before he did that. I put on five pounds in as many months. Eating dark chocolate M&Ms or chocolate chips while I sat like a slug and wrote may have contributed to that. With the tray, I’ve dropped back where I should be.
I read a research report about 30 years ago that “normal” human sleep needs range from 5 to 10 hours a night and that the need decreases when you get older. I run optimally with about 6-6.5 hours; staying in bed for 8 hours makes me drag. You can find your personal optimum by not setting your alarm clock for a while. Being genetically on the short end is so helpful for post-midnight writing sessions when my creative juices seem to maximize. I don’t know how I’d get everything done if I needed 9! My husband says insomnia for me is going to sleep 3 minutes after my head hits the pillow instead of 30 seconds. It’s a very good thing God made me a deep, quick sleeper.
Rachelle,
Thanks for such a good post.
I feel much better all the way around if I can get outside for at least 20 minutes a day, preferably more. When I’m around people a lot sometimes I start to feel anxious, and nervous. The world of people seems so noisy and fast. The world of nature has an entirely different rhythm– slower, calmer and no pressure.
Recently I started saying a verse of Scripture to myself at work when things start getting to me. If I can say it aloud, I do so. This takes just a minute or so, but it restores perspective to me. It reminds me that my job is not the “end all, be all”. I’m making a habit of this and it really works.
I love the connection you’ve made between being humble and taking care of ourselves. We all function so much better when we’re well-rested, get enough sleep, eat well, and keep ourselves spiritually nurtured. It’s easy to push that all aside, thinking we can do and do and do, and forgetting we are but mere mortals dependent on the Lord for our very breath. Self-care (and looking after others!) reminds us that we’ve got limitations and need to slow down occasionally. Thanks for a good reminder to do just that.
I am the queen of making excuses for putting off things related to self-care. I’m a mom (daughter needs me), I’m a wife (husband needs me), I’m a communications director (work needs me), etc. As I grow in age and experience, however, I’m coming to understand the old adage that self-care leads to maximum ability to care for others. I agree with you-I function better in ALL my roles when I take care of myself first. I often go to the gym first thing in the morning. I am going to bed earlier, too, though I never burned any midnight oils. Thanks for this challenging reminder!