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The First and Last 30
How you start and finish your days can have a big impact
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How you start and finish your days can have a big impact on how the proceeding day will go. Something that has paid dividends of late is having a 30 min pre and post sleep routine. I have been ‘practicing’ my routine for nearly 9 months now after over 2 years of trial and error to get it right.
The reason I am a fan of routine is your body and mind enter a state of comfort once you are in them which I think is of particular importance especially before sleep and getting a good start on a productive day. I developed my routine because for the past 2 years, not one week went by that I consistently slept in the same bed (work & study commitments, not the reason you’re thinking of… keep it clean please). I worked out that it largely didn’t matter on the environment I was in or woke up to it was how I felt going to sleep. And, as most people probably know… going to sleep in a comfortable mindset means waking up fresher and more productive.
You need to figure yours out for yourself but I think a good pre sleep routine should involve 4 things.
Limiting blue light, TV, computer phone screen etc… I stop watching any TV or looking at my phone/computer 30 min before I want to sleep, sometimes a full hour.
Emptying the mind. I write down what my following day involves and order it either by time or importance of tasks. This gives my brain one last chance to remember something I have forgotten and ‘switch itself off’ for the night. This also comes back into play for the morning.
Stretching. Personally I use ROM WOD as it varies which stretches you do for each day and has some good calming breath work which I like. Again, you may have a stretch routine you really like to do, just make sure it’s a relaxing one and doesn’t create heat in the muscles.
Reading. Usually the last thing I do before I sleep. I’ve worked out thanks to forgetting my book a fair few times it doesn’t matter what I read I just need to read something. Only thing that hasn’t worked is the room service menu… I now check if I have remembered a book or not and pick something up prior to my 30 min routine window.
Boom, 4 things I need to do and no matter the time or location i’m asleep. I always pack my bag or have things ready the night before which helps with emptying the mind too but I have that done long before bed time. Oh and clean your teeth!
As said earlier, going to sleep with a good mindset means waking up with a good mindset. People who get up on the wrong side of the bed normally get in on the wrong side of the bed. There are still a few things you can do in the first 30 min of a morning though to help set you up for the day.
Mine is ordered pretty much the same everyday but again you need to figure it out for yourself.
Always have an alarm to wake up to. Never, no matter how tempting, hit snooze. Unless you’re willing to have a ‘lazy morning’.
Sit up asap, get up and move. This stops you being tempted to hit snooze.
Drink water. I always have water by my bed and drink at least 500ml straight away.
Toilet. It’s like clockwork…
Measure HRV and fill in wellness scores. This helps you actually reflect on how you are feeling and makes you aware of where your head and body is at.
Review your mind emptying list from the night before.
Crack on with your day!
These 7 steps take me around 5 – 10 min each morning. From there I have 20 min to make coffee/breakfast, drink more water, shower or put my kit on and start my day without feeling rushed or in a state of unproductiveness.
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on handstands and handstand walks! We’ll start with strength work before moving on to balance and control while upside down, beginning from the box and progressing to the wall and beyond.
Thursday, we’re heading back to the bar for another round of Bar Muscle Ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. Let's go!
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's HYBRID Fitness session focuses on running intervals and then some compromised running, getting used to pushing into the run after some taxing work.
MOBILITY
Unlock better depth, posture, and comfort in your front squats with this focused mobility class. We’ll target key areas, such as the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders, to improve your squat mechanics and front rack position. Whether you’re new to squatting or looking to break through a plateau, this class will help you move more efficiently and squat with confidence. Suitable for all levels.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch. Working on the power snatch. Technique work, then a complex of snatch pull + 2 power snatch. Finishing with some heavy back squats.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 04:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Sunday - Long Run
A run where we start and finish together. Up to 2hrs long depending on people needs.
If you're interested to join, reach out to Dan Bagley, db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:29 am
Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Session: No in-person session
There is no in person LRC session today, Unlimited Clients, there is a session in your TrainingPeaks still. Enjoy!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running intervals in the park. 100m on/100m recovery.
Friday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run + LRC Training Camp
This week re will be cycling through the below seqeunce:
10X
2mins @ 7PRE
1min @ 8RPE
1min @ recovery
The evening session on the LRC Training Camp will be a chilled shake out run from the hotel.
Saturday
Time: 5:29am
Session: LRC Training Camp
We have an action packed day on the LRC Training Camp, all details will be shared in WA.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run + LRC Training Camp
Today we will host a community long run from Common Grounds for those who are still in Dubai.
Those on the training camp in KhorFakkan we will hike at 5:29am.
Monday:
Strength:
A) 1 min max set strict pull-ups
B) EMOM x 8 Pull ups @ 30% of max set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6
2 rounds
6 Alt Single Arm Manmaker
300/250m row
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 9
1) 16 Alt goblet cossack squat
2) 40 sec alt single leg V-ups
3) 30 sec side plank E/S
B) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 front squat @20x1
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Assault Bike
Rest 2 minutes after each set
Wednesday:
Strength:
Deadlift Every 2:00 x 5 - 2 reps
Conditioning:
AMRAP 22
In a team of 4
2000m C2 Bike
40 Power cleans (70/45)
40 TTB
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 10 DB box step up
B) Every 2 mins x 5 - 8 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 - M1: 20 sec Nordic Hold / M2: 30 sec Ring rows
Conditioning:
500/450 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
400/350 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
300/250 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
200/150 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
100/50 ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 8 1 push press (1 sec pause in dip)
Conditioning:
0-16 mins
2500m/2000m row
Every 2 mins - 6 box jump overs
16-26 mins
1500m/1200m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB Front squat
26-32 mins
1000m/800m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB STOH
How you start and finish your days can have a big impact on how the proceeding day will go. Something that has paid dividends of late is having a 30 min pre and post sleep routine. I have been ‘practicing’ my routine for nearly 9 months now after over 2 years of trial and error to get it right.
The reason I am a fan of routine is your body and mind enter a state of comfort once you are in them which I think is of particular importance especially before sleep and getting a good start on a productive day. I developed my routine because for the past 2 years, not one week went by that I consistently slept in the same bed (work & study commitments, not the reason you’re thinking of… keep it clean please). I worked out that it largely didn’t matter on the environment I was in or woke up to it was how I felt going to sleep. And, as most people probably know… going to sleep in a comfortable mindset means waking up fresher and more productive.
You need to figure yours out for yourself but I think a good pre sleep routine should involve 4 things.
Limiting blue light, TV, computer phone screen etc… I stop watching any TV or looking at my phone/computer 30 min before I want to sleep, sometimes a full hour.
Emptying the mind. I write down what my following day involves and order it either by time or importance of tasks. This gives my brain one last chance to remember something I have forgotten and ‘switch itself off’ for the night. This also comes back into play for the morning.
Stretching. Personally I use ROM WOD as it varies which stretches you do for each day and has some good calming breath work which I like. Again, you may have a stretch routine you really like to do, just make sure it’s a relaxing one and doesn’t create heat in the muscles.
Reading. Usually the last thing I do before I sleep. I’ve worked out thanks to forgetting my book a fair few times it doesn’t matter what I read I just need to read something. Only thing that hasn’t worked is the room service menu… I now check if I have remembered a book or not and pick something up prior to my 30 min routine window.
Boom, 4 things I need to do and no matter the time or location i’m asleep. I always pack my bag or have things ready the night before which helps with emptying the mind too but I have that done long before bed time. Oh and clean your teeth!
As said earlier, going to sleep with a good mindset means waking up with a good mindset. People who get up on the wrong side of the bed normally get in on the wrong side of the bed. There are still a few things you can do in the first 30 min of a morning though to help set you up for the day.
Mine is ordered pretty much the same everyday but again you need to figure it out for yourself.
Always have an alarm to wake up to. Never, no matter how tempting, hit snooze. Unless you’re willing to have a ‘lazy morning’.
Sit up asap, get up and move. This stops you being tempted to hit snooze.
Drink water. I always have water by my bed and drink at least 500ml straight away.
Toilet. It’s like clockwork…
Measure HRV and fill in wellness scores. This helps you actually reflect on how you are feeling and makes you aware of where your head and body is at.
Review your mind emptying list from the night before.
Crack on with your day!
These 7 steps take me around 5 – 10 min each morning. From there I have 20 min to make coffee/breakfast, drink more water, shower or put my kit on and start my day without feeling rushed or in a state of unproductiveness.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 04:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Sunday - Long Run
A run where we start and finish together. Up to 2hrs long depending on people needs.
If you're interested to join, reach out to Dan Bagley, db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:29 am
Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Session: No in-person session
There is no in person LRC session today, Unlimited Clients, there is a session in your TrainingPeaks still. Enjoy!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running intervals in the park. 100m on/100m recovery.
Friday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run + LRC Training Camp
This week re will be cycling through the below seqeunce:
10X
2mins @ 7PRE
1min @ 8RPE
1min @ recovery
The evening session on the LRC Training Camp will be a chilled shake out run from the hotel.
Saturday
Time: 5:29am
Session: LRC Training Camp
We have an action packed day on the LRC Training Camp, all details will be shared in WA.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run + LRC Training Camp
Today we will host a community long run from Common Grounds for those who are still in Dubai.
Those on the training camp in KhorFakkan we will hike at 5:29am.
Monday:
Strength:
A) 1 min max set strict pull-ups
B) EMOM x 8 Pull ups @ 30% of max set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6
2 rounds
6 Alt Single Arm Manmaker
300/250m row
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 9
1) 16 Alt goblet cossack squat
2) 40 sec alt single leg V-ups
3) 30 sec side plank E/S
B) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 front squat @20x1
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Assault Bike
Rest 2 minutes after each set
Wednesday:
Strength:
Deadlift Every 2:00 x 5 - 2 reps
Conditioning:
AMRAP 22
In a team of 4
2000m C2 Bike
40 Power cleans (70/45)
40 TTB
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 10 DB box step up
B) Every 2 mins x 5 - 8 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 - M1: 20 sec Nordic Hold / M2: 30 sec Ring rows
Conditioning:
500/450 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
400/350 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
300/250 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
200/150 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
100/50 ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 8 1 push press (1 sec pause in dip)
Conditioning:
0-16 mins
2500m/2000m row
Every 2 mins - 6 box jump overs
16-26 mins
1500m/1200m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB Front squat
26-32 mins
1000m/800m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB STOH
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on handstands and handstand walks! We’ll start with strength work before moving on to balance and control while upside down, beginning from the box and progressing to the wall and beyond.
Thursday, we’re heading back to the bar for another round of Bar Muscle Ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. Let's go!
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's HYBRID Fitness session focuses on running intervals and then some compromised running, getting used to pushing into the run after some taxing work.
MOBILITY
Unlock better depth, posture, and comfort in your front squats with this focused mobility class. We’ll target key areas, such as the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders, to improve your squat mechanics and front rack position. Whether you’re new to squatting or looking to break through a plateau, this class will help you move more efficiently and squat with confidence. Suitable for all levels.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch. Working on the power snatch. Technique work, then a complex of snatch pull + 2 power snatch. Finishing with some heavy back squats.
How you start and finish your days can have a big impact on how the proceeding day will go. Something that has paid dividends of late is having a 30 min pre and post sleep routine. I have been ‘practicing’ my routine for nearly 9 months now after over 2 years of trial and error to get it right.
The reason I am a fan of routine is your body and mind enter a state of comfort once you are in them which I think is of particular importance especially before sleep and getting a good start on a productive day. I developed my routine because for the past 2 years, not one week went by that I consistently slept in the same bed (work & study commitments, not the reason you’re thinking of… keep it clean please). I worked out that it largely didn’t matter on the environment I was in or woke up to it was how I felt going to sleep. And, as most people probably know… going to sleep in a comfortable mindset means waking up fresher and more productive.
You need to figure yours out for yourself but I think a good pre sleep routine should involve 4 things.
Limiting blue light, TV, computer phone screen etc… I stop watching any TV or looking at my phone/computer 30 min before I want to sleep, sometimes a full hour.
Emptying the mind. I write down what my following day involves and order it either by time or importance of tasks. This gives my brain one last chance to remember something I have forgotten and ‘switch itself off’ for the night. This also comes back into play for the morning.
Stretching. Personally I use ROM WOD as it varies which stretches you do for each day and has some good calming breath work which I like. Again, you may have a stretch routine you really like to do, just make sure it’s a relaxing one and doesn’t create heat in the muscles.
Reading. Usually the last thing I do before I sleep. I’ve worked out thanks to forgetting my book a fair few times it doesn’t matter what I read I just need to read something. Only thing that hasn’t worked is the room service menu… I now check if I have remembered a book or not and pick something up prior to my 30 min routine window.
Boom, 4 things I need to do and no matter the time or location i’m asleep. I always pack my bag or have things ready the night before which helps with emptying the mind too but I have that done long before bed time. Oh and clean your teeth!
As said earlier, going to sleep with a good mindset means waking up with a good mindset. People who get up on the wrong side of the bed normally get in on the wrong side of the bed. There are still a few things you can do in the first 30 min of a morning though to help set you up for the day.
Mine is ordered pretty much the same everyday but again you need to figure it out for yourself.
Always have an alarm to wake up to. Never, no matter how tempting, hit snooze. Unless you’re willing to have a ‘lazy morning’.
Sit up asap, get up and move. This stops you being tempted to hit snooze.
Drink water. I always have water by my bed and drink at least 500ml straight away.
Toilet. It’s like clockwork…
Measure HRV and fill in wellness scores. This helps you actually reflect on how you are feeling and makes you aware of where your head and body is at.
Review your mind emptying list from the night before.
Crack on with your day!
These 7 steps take me around 5 – 10 min each morning. From there I have 20 min to make coffee/breakfast, drink more water, shower or put my kit on and start my day without feeling rushed or in a state of unproductiveness.
Monday
Session: No in-person session
There is no in person LRC session today, Unlimited Clients, there is a session in your TrainingPeaks still. Enjoy!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running intervals in the park. 100m on/100m recovery.
Friday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run + LRC Training Camp
This week re will be cycling through the below seqeunce:
10X
2mins @ 7PRE
1min @ 8RPE
1min @ recovery
The evening session on the LRC Training Camp will be a chilled shake out run from the hotel.
Saturday
Time: 5:29am
Session: LRC Training Camp
We have an action packed day on the LRC Training Camp, all details will be shared in WA.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run + LRC Training Camp
Today we will host a community long run from Common Grounds for those who are still in Dubai.
Those on the training camp in KhorFakkan we will hike at 5:29am.
Monday:
Strength:
A) 1 min max set strict pull-ups
B) EMOM x 8 Pull ups @ 30% of max set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6
2 rounds
6 Alt Single Arm Manmaker
300/250m row
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 9
1) 16 Alt goblet cossack squat
2) 40 sec alt single leg V-ups
3) 30 sec side plank E/S
B) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 front squat @20x1
Conditioning:
30-20-10
Assault Bike
Rest 2 minutes after each set
Wednesday:
Strength:
Deadlift Every 2:00 x 5 - 2 reps
Conditioning:
AMRAP 22
In a team of 4
2000m C2 Bike
40 Power cleans (70/45)
40 TTB
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 10 DB box step up
B) Every 2 mins x 5 - 8 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 - M1: 20 sec Nordic Hold / M2: 30 sec Ring rows
Conditioning:
500/450 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
400/350 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
300/250 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
200/150 ski
5 burpee pull-ups
100/50 ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 8 1 push press (1 sec pause in dip)
Conditioning:
0-16 mins
2500m/2000m row
Every 2 mins - 6 box jump overs
16-26 mins
1500m/1200m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB Front squat
26-32 mins
1000m/800m row
Every 2 mins - 6 Dual KB STOH
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on handstands and handstand walks! We’ll start with strength work before moving on to balance and control while upside down, beginning from the box and progressing to the wall and beyond.
Thursday, we’re heading back to the bar for another round of Bar Muscle Ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. Let's go!
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's HYBRID Fitness session focuses on running intervals and then some compromised running, getting used to pushing into the run after some taxing work.
MOBILITY
Unlock better depth, posture, and comfort in your front squats with this focused mobility class. We’ll target key areas, such as the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders, to improve your squat mechanics and front rack position. Whether you’re new to squatting or looking to break through a plateau, this class will help you move more efficiently and squat with confidence. Suitable for all levels.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch. Working on the power snatch. Technique work, then a complex of snatch pull + 2 power snatch. Finishing with some heavy back squats.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 04:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Sunday - Long Run
A run where we start and finish together. Up to 2hrs long depending on people needs.
If you're interested to join, reach out to Dan Bagley, db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:29 am
Location: Common Grounds
How you start and finish your days can have a big impact on how the proceeding day will go. Something that has paid dividends of late is having a 30 min pre and post sleep routine. I have been ‘practicing’ my routine for nearly 9 months now after over 2 years of trial and error to get it right.
The reason I am a fan of routine is your body and mind enter a state of comfort once you are in them which I think is of particular importance especially before sleep and getting a good start on a productive day. I developed my routine because for the past 2 years, not one week went by that I consistently slept in the same bed (work & study commitments, not the reason you’re thinking of… keep it clean please). I worked out that it largely didn’t matter on the environment I was in or woke up to it was how I felt going to sleep. And, as most people probably know… going to sleep in a comfortable mindset means waking up fresher and more productive.
You need to figure yours out for yourself but I think a good pre sleep routine should involve 4 things.
Limiting blue light, TV, computer phone screen etc… I stop watching any TV or looking at my phone/computer 30 min before I want to sleep, sometimes a full hour.
Emptying the mind. I write down what my following day involves and order it either by time or importance of tasks. This gives my brain one last chance to remember something I have forgotten and ‘switch itself off’ for the night. This also comes back into play for the morning.
Stretching. Personally I use ROM WOD as it varies which stretches you do for each day and has some good calming breath work which I like. Again, you may have a stretch routine you really like to do, just make sure it’s a relaxing one and doesn’t create heat in the muscles.
Reading. Usually the last thing I do before I sleep. I’ve worked out thanks to forgetting my book a fair few times it doesn’t matter what I read I just need to read something. Only thing that hasn’t worked is the room service menu… I now check if I have remembered a book or not and pick something up prior to my 30 min routine window.
Boom, 4 things I need to do and no matter the time or location i’m asleep. I always pack my bag or have things ready the night before which helps with emptying the mind too but I have that done long before bed time. Oh and clean your teeth!
As said earlier, going to sleep with a good mindset means waking up with a good mindset. People who get up on the wrong side of the bed normally get in on the wrong side of the bed. There are still a few things you can do in the first 30 min of a morning though to help set you up for the day.
Mine is ordered pretty much the same everyday but again you need to figure it out for yourself.
Always have an alarm to wake up to. Never, no matter how tempting, hit snooze. Unless you’re willing to have a ‘lazy morning’.
Sit up asap, get up and move. This stops you being tempted to hit snooze.
Drink water. I always have water by my bed and drink at least 500ml straight away.
Toilet. It’s like clockwork…
Measure HRV and fill in wellness scores. This helps you actually reflect on how you are feeling and makes you aware of where your head and body is at.
Review your mind emptying list from the night before.
Crack on with your day!
These 7 steps take me around 5 – 10 min each morning. From there I have 20 min to make coffee/breakfast, drink more water, shower or put my kit on and start my day without feeling rushed or in a state of unproductiveness.
How you start and finish your days can have a big impact on how the proceeding day will go. Something that has paid dividends of late is having a 30 min pre and post sleep routine. I have been ‘practicing’ my routine for nearly 9 months now after over 2 years of trial and error to get it right.
The reason I am a fan of routine is your body and mind enter a state of comfort once you are in them which I think is of particular importance especially before sleep and getting a good start on a productive day. I developed my routine because for the past 2 years, not one week went by that I consistently slept in the same bed (work & study commitments, not the reason you’re thinking of… keep it clean please). I worked out that it largely didn’t matter on the environment I was in or woke up to it was how I felt going to sleep. And, as most people probably know… going to sleep in a comfortable mindset means waking up fresher and more productive.
You need to figure yours out for yourself but I think a good pre sleep routine should involve 4 things.
Limiting blue light, TV, computer phone screen etc… I stop watching any TV or looking at my phone/computer 30 min before I want to sleep, sometimes a full hour.
Emptying the mind. I write down what my following day involves and order it either by time or importance of tasks. This gives my brain one last chance to remember something I have forgotten and ‘switch itself off’ for the night. This also comes back into play for the morning.
Stretching. Personally I use ROM WOD as it varies which stretches you do for each day and has some good calming breath work which I like. Again, you may have a stretch routine you really like to do, just make sure it’s a relaxing one and doesn’t create heat in the muscles.
Reading. Usually the last thing I do before I sleep. I’ve worked out thanks to forgetting my book a fair few times it doesn’t matter what I read I just need to read something. Only thing that hasn’t worked is the room service menu… I now check if I have remembered a book or not and pick something up prior to my 30 min routine window.
Boom, 4 things I need to do and no matter the time or location i’m asleep. I always pack my bag or have things ready the night before which helps with emptying the mind too but I have that done long before bed time. Oh and clean your teeth!
As said earlier, going to sleep with a good mindset means waking up with a good mindset. People who get up on the wrong side of the bed normally get in on the wrong side of the bed. There are still a few things you can do in the first 30 min of a morning though to help set you up for the day.
Mine is ordered pretty much the same everyday but again you need to figure it out for yourself.
Always have an alarm to wake up to. Never, no matter how tempting, hit snooze. Unless you’re willing to have a ‘lazy morning’.
Sit up asap, get up and move. This stops you being tempted to hit snooze.
Drink water. I always have water by my bed and drink at least 500ml straight away.
Toilet. It’s like clockwork…
Measure HRV and fill in wellness scores. This helps you actually reflect on how you are feeling and makes you aware of where your head and body is at.
Review your mind emptying list from the night before.
Crack on with your day!
These 7 steps take me around 5 – 10 min each morning. From there I have 20 min to make coffee/breakfast, drink more water, shower or put my kit on and start my day without feeling rushed or in a state of unproductiveness.
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