5: Refuel

Loss of sleep, for even one night, increases inflammation in the body. Getting a good nights sleep, even for one night, is a miracle these days. Inflammation is healing until it becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation can cause Neurological disorders, like Parkinson’s, cardiovascular, bone, muscular and skeletal diseases to name a few. An ‘early’ bedtime is under constant attack from un+necessary activity. When we’re in the deep realms of sleep, the alarm wakes us and says “You should have gone to bed earlier.” This order of events is routine. Should I attempt to change it OR begin an anti-inflammatory diet?

This episode advocates anti-progress supplements.  Yes, let’s adore the word progress; adorn it with fine robes and jewels…while valuing the other words, like self care and deep relaxation. Valuing can simply mean ‘conceptual appreciation’. Most of us value self care and deep relaxation and most of us are sleep deprived, stressed, commanding ourselves to give our best each day- falling into bed when Mr. Day has had enough of us. Yes, self care and deep relaxation are valued but when will they be met with commitment?

In reality, working full-time and having external commitments can put your health at risk- unless you make time to refuel. Especially when the night has much to offer, other than preparing a healthy lunch and preparing for bed. “Just one more YouTube documentary (3 more then 1 more, the last being so disturbing my thoughts smash into each other for an hour afterwards- I want to run to use the adrenaline but I dare not let the night last longer so I’ll lay in bed wishing I could turn the light, my body and brain, off.”

In Episode Five we view our wild, short-term oriented, progress obsessed self, as a wild horse. Behind the scenes, we’ll go to an Equestrian outlet and purchase black boots and cream pants. We will train our wild horse to be satisfied with a lifestyle that supports our divine aspirations. We may be far away from burnout and related health issues but hey, let’s guide our wild horse down a different path. Just tHINk of the chILDREn (customers, team-members and those around you)! The fast life is addictive. As I’m writing, I feel I could enjoy my way, wide awake, through the next 20 years at least. My body is showing mild signs of chronic inflammation. I hear you, body. I understand you, wild horse. Just 1 more YouTube documentary then I’ll settle with a book.

Nadine Thomas

Retail Demi-God