This post was written by Landon Mcclish, human performance assistant, Parkview Sports Medicine.
Recovery, whether mentally from work or physically from exercise, is essential for an individual to feel their best. While hard work is absolutely something we ought to be doing both in life and in the gym, we need to make sure that we are recovering properly so that we are ready to attack the next day feeling good. Below, we will break down two significant signs of under-recovery: fatigue and insomnia.
Fatigue
Perhaps the biggest indicator of improper recovery is fatigue. Fatigue can show up in the form of tiredness and even loss of energy. It leaves us feeling in a worse mental and physical state than we were meant to feel on a consistent basis. Fatigue also surfaces when our body doesn’t fully recover after a workout. Too much of this can lead to burnout, which is ultimately the feeling of exhaustion.
Insomnia
Insomnia is another big indicator of improper recovery. If we are pushing ourselves too hard, our body goes into a catabolic state of stress, in which it is tired, but our brain wide awake. Nobody can feel at their best on minimal sleep, and that is why recovery is so important.
Getting enough recovery
So, what is the best fix for improper recovery? The answer is simple: nutrition, proper sleep and steady exercise!
- Make sure you are fueling your body with nourishing, whole foods. Chips taste good, but so do blueberries.
- Try to go to bed at the same time each night. Make sure the room is dark and cold and try experimenting with magnesium 30 minutes before bed.
- Perform some physical activity each day, even if it is as simple as a walk! You would be amazed what a walk could do for you both mentally and physically.
Remember, as important as movement is, rest is just as critical. Give yourself the gift of proper recovery and enjoy the benefits.
