Zzzzzz's

Approximately 6 weeks ago, plus or minus 2, I decided to utilize some of the testing that Lifetime Fitness has to offer. Based on my trainers recommendations I started with the "Stress and Resilience" test, which involves a 4 point cortisol test. S&R test assesses cortisol levels (stress hormone) throughout the day, as well as DHEA-S; this information helps determine stress' effects on our metabolic functioning. Stress is reported to be the evil behind 75-90% of all health dysfunction. (one of the main reasons why I've always been interested in alternative therapies like massage therapy and zeroing in on stress management as health care).

It was with these results that I decided to start making some changes in my life; first of which was to call it quits with my employment at Dunn Bros. Although I was only working approximately 10 hours a week at the coffee shop, having 3 jobs over the last year plus was just too taxing. I'm still not sure how I managed 3 jobs, bodybuilding training, and any sort of family/relationship. Yikes. Needless to say, my S&R results weren't horrendous, but they were bad enough to take significant action. I m

iss my coworkers, and all the regulars at DBros, just being in the coffee shop environment on a regular basis, as well as the extra monies - but I know it has been worth it.

REST. Rest was one of the pillars of the recommendations for repairing my taxed adrenal system. I've been ordered to get 7-8 hours a night. I thought this would be one of the easier adjustments. Which it was, at first. The first week off from Dbros, I slept like it was my new third job. Week 2 I started to get myself in to a better pattern, getting myself up in the morning at a reasonable time and to bed earlier. Now in the last week, I think my body doesn't know what to do with itself and all this rest. For the second time this week I'm "Bright Eye'd and Bushy Tailed" at 4am. Granted I was in bed snoozing by 9:30 last night, I would like to sleep at least til 5 or 5:30. *Note to self: Increase Melatonin to 9mg/night.

Which brings me to another adjustment/implementation with my S&R results. Supplements. Thanks to Splinter (nickname for my perso

nal trainer - deemed Splinter because he was the TMNJ ubber wise trainer) - I have consistently been on supplements for the last 2.5 years. Most regularly AM/PM multi-vitamin and Fish Oil. Now a days I take a whole slew of 'em.

Morning: 2 Fish Oil, 3 AM multi, Cal/Mag, Vitamin D, AdrenoMend, and Cortrex. One more Cortrex at 6 pm (Cortrex balances out Cortisol levels - whether they are high or low - within 30 min.). Night: 2 Fish Oil, 3 PM multi, Cal/Mag, *9mg Melatonin (helps with sleep cycles, etc), and HTP-5 (helps with Serotonin levels).

I can't tell you how much of a difference sleep and supplements alone make. *Soap Box* - If you aren't ta

king Fish Oil, start right meow. The list of benefits is so long, that you wouldn't believe it if you saw it. Do it. Meow.

Yoga, and meditation have also been suggested supplements to my life. I have to admit, I have been slacking on the yoga the last 2 weeks, but when I do, do yoga - I absolutely love it. Its like I open my eyes and see the world so clearly. Its as though I can see each little blade of grass swaying in the wind - sounds corny but its the truth. Life just slows down and is beautiful. Meditation on the other hand, is awesome. Only because there is no concrete definition of meditation (to me at least). For me it doesn't look like someone sitting Indian style in a dark room chanting. Meditation is simply reflection. Which is somethin

g I have been granting myself a lot of lately. Meditation is this blog. Meditation is my lifting sessions. Meditation is my Philosophers Notes emails every morning. Meditation is Progressive Relaxation on my lunch hour. Meditation is a quite trail hike.

Meditation is finally feeling like I could go back to bed. :) Have a great weekend everyone, its supposed to be simply GORGEOUS.

"A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow. -Charlotte Bronte