I was recently forced to take 5 days off from training due to an accidental, self-inflicted injury. Now that I’m back to my regular training routine, I wanted to share some observations and lessons learned from taking time off.

Even though I couldn’t workout, I was still hesitant to break the momentum that I had built over the course of many months. But things happen for a reason – I really believe this. I also believe that we are each responsible to make things happen. And this is validated by the choices and decisions we make every day. Whether that means deciding to eat right, workout; or having to make a decision to rest for our own good. So what did I learn from my brief hiatus?

1. My body needs a break, periodically.

Lesson: Daily rest is one thing, but sometimes an injury or illness can create the temporary space we need to pause and improve.

2. My mind is sharper when I exercise.

Lesson: I need to remember this when I don’t feel like working out.

3. I gain weight when I’m not exercising, despite eating clean.

Lesson: Being sedentary for too long is not good in so many ways. You’ve gotta move.

4. I tried to get an extra hour of sleep every night during my 5-day R&R. And although it felt nice to “sleep in”, it feels so much better to get up and hit the gym. Even though the endorphins don’t kick in until I’m done. It’s like delayed gratification!

Lesson: Burning calories and pushing yourself gives you a much better high than those few extra ZZZ’s. It lasts throughout the day and builds momentum. But sleep is important, and 7 to 8 hours seems to be the right amount for me.

5. Sleeping too long makes me lazy. And that doesn’t help toward making me feel great or wanting to burn calories.

Lesson: Being sedentary SUCKS!

6. There are so many side benefits to exercise – like a sense of accomplishment, increased stamina to work longer, better focus, the mind & body transformation that compounds over time, and the endorphin release.

Lesson: I need exercise.

7. I need to embrace the times when I workout by feeling more gratitude. Like feeling grateful for the ability to be able to exercise with intensity. To stay in great physical and mental shape. And to continue improving my health & wellness. Especially on the days that I just don’t feel like working out.

Lesson: Be grateful for the opportunity to exercise.

8. The biggest surprise of all, I actually got stronger by taking 5 days off. I thought the time off was going to affect my strength negatively. But it didn’t.

Lesson: Build a “break” into every quarter.

Your health & wellness becomes a lifestyle that compounds over time. I define health & wellness as an ongoing quest that includes regular exercise, great nutrition, and mindfulness practice. It’s a choice you make and one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

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