Find Your Recharge and Focus on It.
Many of the conversations I have with my clients are typically based around making small lifestyle changes. I even provide handout guides that I email to them.
The truth is, I work predominantly with real people—professionals, parents, and older adults—all of whom need realistic changes to their lifestyle when it comes to achieving their goals. For example, I have clients who are out the house for 14 hours a day. I’ve got clients with three children under the age of five—sleep optimisation is not that simple. I’ve got clients who work in clinical environments—meal prep isn’t an option. So what’s the answer for these people? Basically, you have to hone in on the things that recharge you and stop trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. If you have young children at home and struggle with consistent sleeping habits—because parents know the only time you get to do anything is when the little darlings are asleep—then I’d ask: what recharges you? Is it the weekly date night with your partner? A walk in the local park on your lunch break? Maybe the weekly coffee catch-up with a friend?
Whatever it is that recharges you, that should be your focus—not a bunch of unrealistic bedtime rituals aimed at improving sleep. Alternatively, accept that for a few short years, sleep is going to be rough, and your efforts at building a healthier lifestyle might be better spent elsewhere—like making sure you get that park walk you so desperately crave after a hectic couple of days with the kids.
Similarly, you might be someone who’s out of the house for 14–15 hours a day, living the busy office life in a high-pressure job. These people have little time for sit-down, home-cooked meals and unwinding evenings on the sofa. Again, the focus shouldn’t be health-conscious recipes and complicated diets. These people need that one day of the week they get to themselves to feel amazing. A coffee shop meet-up with a friend followed by a yoga class and takeaway might be a weekly non-negotiable—so focus on that as your recharge. Different people need different things to recharge and maintain a balanced lifestyle—don’t try to do it all. It won’t work.
