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Kitchen Chat and more…
Today, I want to talk about the importance of sleep and how it impacts your brain.
Have you ever heard of circadian rhythm health? Circadian rhythm is your body’s natural internal clock. This intricate system influences sleep-wake patterns, hormone release, metabolism, and cognitive function. Since this month is all about mental exercise, I wanted to bring up circadian rhythm health because it’s the very foundation of health and wellness physically, emotionally, and mentally. I encouraged each of you to exercise at least three times a week because regular exercise will change the trajectory of your circadian rhythm. When you are physically active, you synchronize your internal clock. When your internal clock is in sync, your body is ready to get a restful night’s sleep.
It’s super important to be mindful when you’re exercising. I use something called the 321 rule. I don’t eat 3 hours before bed. I don’t exercise 2 hours before bed, and I do my best to stay off the computer or my phone 1 hour before bed. When my circadian rhythm is disrupted, I need to look at how disciplined I am with the 3 2 1 rule I set for myself. Try the 3 2 1 rule. Consider taking baby steps and starting with not eating 3 hours before bed. All of that was super difficult for me initially, but with time, I stacked habits supporting circadian rhythm health and wellness. In addition to eating at the right time before bed, exercising at least 2 hours before bed, and putting away all screens 1 hour before bed, I encourage each of you to get outside first thing in the morning. Morning sunlight helps reset your body’s internal clock. I keep a light at the restaurant that is available to each of you. It’s in the drawer and available for 5 minutes in the morning. Isn’t it incredible that our bodies do not need more than 5 minutes of purposeful light in the morning to make such a huge difference in our sleep at night? When I wasn’t disciplined with my circadian rhythm health, I found this tool helpful and wanted to make sure it was available to each team member.
I am so proud of you for making small steps towards a healthy brain and a healthy you. Your joy is your job. I know you hear me say it all the time. Continue moving that needle just 1%. Do the next thing. Take an inventory of what you’re prioritizing today. Today is a great day to start a new mindset.
As we continue setting up a mindful exercise regimen, I want you to seek ways to cultivate mindfulness throughout your day. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. Science has shown us that thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations are impacted by the day you had 72 hours ago. It is interesting how your current day was affected by a situation that happened three days ago. Mindfulness can help you manage stress, enhance focus, and increase self-awareness. Maintaining meaningful connections with others is crucial for your mental workout. Social support plays a vital role in mental health, so make an effort to spend time with loved ones, whether in person, by phone, by letter, or virtually.
This month, I encourage you to invest time in understanding the significance of mental exercise. By staying informed about strategies and well-being techniques, you equip yourself with diverse coping mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Remember, progress is about moving forward, even if it’s just by one percent.
Remember the value of self-assessment. Consider journaling and regularly reviewing your mental health journey. Celebrate your achievements, acknowledge your setbacks, and adapt your approach as necessary. Remember, progress is not always a straight line, and it’s perfectly fine to seek assistance when facing challenges.
My go-to solution when tackling a less-than-ideal situation is pouring gratitude into it. Focus on your life’s positive aspects to cultivate a gratitude mindset. Expressing gratitude regularly can enhance overall well-being and resilience. Be purposeful in looking at life through a different lens. It will be difficult, and sometimes it will feel impossible, but if you try each day to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, it will change the day for you and those around you.
Committing to these daily practices and being intentional about mental exercise can cultivate resilience, improve coping skills, and enhance overall quality of life. Remember that prioritizing mental health is not a one-time effort but a continuous journey that requires dedication and self-care.
Just like you would create a structured exercise program for your physical body, you must create a structured plan to help prioritize and maintain mental fitness:
Self-Assessment: Take time to reflect on your current mental state. Identify any areas of concern, stressors, or triggers affecting your well-being.
Goal Setting: Envision a future of growth and achievement for your mental health. Define clear and achievable goals, such as improving coping mechanisms, reducing stress levels, enhancing self-esteem, or fostering positive relationships. Each goal is a step towards a brighter, healthier you. Just as you would with physical health, create a daily routine prioritizing mental wellness. This might include mindfulness practices, meditation, journaling, exercise, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. This could involve talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. Building a support network can provide invaluable assistance during challenging times.
Cherish yourself by making self-care a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. This could involve setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, and engaging in relaxation and rejuvenation activities. Remember, you are worthy of this care. Taking these steps is a starting point towards living a life of freedom. I hope your weekend is full of ideas, rest, creativity, learning, serving, and relaxation.
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