Working Hard, Sleeping Hard, Playing Hard: Me and the Sox

A four and a half hour nap I took yesterday, yes. That 1:00-5:30 p.m. sleep was no Sleeping Beauty routine. It was both a blessing and a necessity after the busiest work week I've had all Fall. I consider myself fortunate to be as "in demand" professionally as I am right now, but a work-week like this past one makes me realize just how empowering it is to set my limits. I want to preserve my energy for everything and everybody NOT involved in work (especially my dear family). Just to review what I didn't do regarding exercising this week: Over the course of the week and up to the very minute I chose (or fell into?) rest over exercise yesterday, I had only gone to the gym once. Specifically, I didn't go Wednesday night after work; I didn't do the 90 minute balance ball (yoga and pilates) workout I had said I was going to do in my office on Thursday morning; and, instead of going to the gym from 1-3:30 p.m. after a morning full of daughters' soccer games spectating, I dragged my body upstairs to crash into sleep. (This, after being lovingly encouraged and reminded to "Take that nap!")

Taking the nap ended up giving me almost the right amount of energy to stay up late for Game # 2 of the American League Championship Series. Our favorite Red Sox battled the Tampa Bay Devil Rays into the wee hours of Sunday morning with the game tied 8-8 after 9 innings. But my body's need to rest took over again. I know that sometime during or after the 10th inning, with the game still tied 8-8, I fell asleep on the couch.

This morning I woke up at my usual week-day time. I felt terrific and happy in the cool morning breeze. Yes, the Sox had lost while I slept, but I can tell myself again how wonderful life is!

Have a great rest of October and always be sure to take care of yourself.

- ARC