When I sit down with a client for the first time, my #1 goal is to get to know them as a human being. I don’t dive directly into their eating habits, but ask questions that let them show their personality, daily habits, and origins of stress. As a Nutritionist –– for me to fully help my clients –– it's necessary that I put myself in their shoes to understand them better. Some people are difficult to read at first, but I pride myself on figuring *everyone* out.
This week I sat down with one of my clients and the conversations shifted to the covid-19 and the unsure times ahead. We then examined his overall health since our last meeting and he confessed that he’s been feeling more anxious lately and experiencing sleepless nights. Without prying too hard, he admitted the obvious –– he'd been reading the news on his iPad prior to bedtime every night.
Restful nights of sleep have massive effects on hormones, mood, and behavior and it's a topic discussed in my counseling often. For this reason, I have a suggestion for everyone! Before bed....read a book.
Now why is your nutritionist shilling literature to you –– because sleep is the easiest way to reduce anxiety and increase energy. If you are waking up frequently, awaking with a panic, and generally dragging your feet through the day, making a positive choice at lunch becomes exponentially more difficult.
If you're struggling with sleep –– or just want to ensure that you are optimizing that part of your day –– it's time to review your nighttime habits. You never know, they might be the actions that are holding you back.
