Something is NOT always better than nothing

Can I get a ‘Hell yeah‘ that it’s Friday?  Although this week actually flew by, I’ve spent the whole day feeling exhausted.  I’m starting this post in my car (I’m not driving) on the way to a meeting and my eyes slowly keep shutting…oh boy!

Fortunately I generally sleep like a log baby but last night was an exception: from 4 – 5:30 am, I was wide awake to the point that I replied e-mails and played a few rounds of WWF (Words With Friends, not World Wrestling Federation ;)). I blame it on the iced coffee I “cleverly” drank 4 hours before getting into bed…at least it tasted great!

When my alarm went off a few hours later, I should have snoozed.  Instead I hit the gym with the “Something is better than nothing” mindset, and ended up having  one of the most demoralizing workouts in a long time: dumbbell weights which I crushed on Tuesday felt 10 times heavier.  I was over the workout before I even started.

Lesson learned: Something is NOT always better than nothing. If we’re talking time, I’ll always advocate that even 20 minutes of exercise beats nothing at all.  But if you’re sleep-deprived, spare yourself the half-assed workout!  Sleep is probably one of the most underrated basic necessities.  Where exercise is concerned, chances are little sleep will result in a workout which is approached with less awareness or intensity…or both. Exercise should make you feel energized and if that’s not the case, give your body the rest & recuperation it deserves.  Another day, another workout!

On a separate note, it’s now evening and I’m about to hit “Publish” while I’m sipping on another iced coffee. Am I worried its gonna keep me up tonight? Who cares…it’s Friday, baby :)!

What do you consider as “little” sleep?

34 thoughts on “Something is NOT always better than nothing”

  1. I actually sleep an amount most people consider too little–6 hours in one night is a lot for me–but I wake up naturally and don’t feel tired, so I figure that’s just what my body needs. I do nap like a baby all weekend long though! But that’s just plain relaxing.

  2. Hhahaha ahhh that “haiku” is great, and one I am tempted to use every so often! I need to sleep at least 8 hours per night, otherwise I turn into a useless blob that is hungry and cranky… kind of like a baby lol

  3. So true, I cherish my sleep and turn into a demon if I don’t get it. I need AT LEAST 6-7 hours and that is pushing the limits of not enough. Anything less than 6 and you better watch out.

  4. Agreed – I learned this the hard way too and it was not fun. For me, anything where I wake up with my eyes feeling like sandpaper is insufficient, usually anything sub 5 hours (and even 5 is pushing it!)

  5. I totally agree with this – to me its not worth going to gym/working out if you know it won’t improve your mood/you are seriously sleep deprived.

  6. onehealthymunchkin

    I usually get about 7 hours, so anything less than that is too little. Like lately I’ve only been getting 6 or so, which has definitely taken a toll on me. I’ve been exhausted these past few days!

    Also I completely agree that something isn’t always better than nothing. If you’re tired, sore, or just not feeling a workout, then there’s no point in pushing yourself to do it because it is probably going to be a crappy workout! I’d much rather rest up and have an awesome workout the next day. 😀

  7. I sleep less and less the older I get…lately it’s been about 6 hours and I actually seem to do okay on it!

    Hope you have a great Sunday so far!

  8. Missed reading your blogs!!
    Sleep is so important! It makes me get frustrated, stressed out, cranky, negative, so much faster & easier! I’ve been very cranky since I hadn’t been getting much sleep lately. I wish I could get 8 hours every night, but I usually end up getting 6-7, and take short naps if I have the time during the day..

  9. Agreed, sleep is good! I can’t nap, so a solid 7 (I can’t remember the last time I had 8) hours of sleep a night is my goal. 6 has been happening often though, and I consider 6 and under as too little for this girl!

    xoxo,
    LLE

  10. I love the idea of something is not always better than nothing! Too often I feel guilty for not working because I’m tired, listless and sleep deprived and then yes exactly end up doing a half assed workout…which let’s be honest is it really doing anything good for my body except maybe hepling you to build the habit of working out ? I concur, give yourself a break take that down time and get back at it straight away once you’re re-energized and rejuvenated! 🙂

  11. I don’t think I have ever indulged in “a little sleep” it’s always 8 hours or nothing. Pathetic, I know!

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