127Move Timebefore! Set out your workout clothes, music player, water
bottle, and keys (if you are leaving the house), and know what
workout you are going to do.”
According to research, getting up an hour earlier to work
out may not be very effective for some people. A recent study in
the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that getting less sleep
(5.5 hours versus 8.5 hours per night) decreases how much fat
our bodies use for energy and increases the use of fat- free body
mass, like carbohydrates and protein for energy.^6 Meaning, our
bodies burn less fat and, instead, burn nutrients we need for
strong, lean bodies. Sleep aids the effectiveness of our exercise.
For some of you, though, sufficient rest just isn’t a possibility
right now. I’m looking at you, new parents— or perhaps those
of you working multiple jobs. After a long day, all we want is
to relax; but in challenging seasons that threaten our sleep, it’s
worth it to choose sleep over a favorite TV show or scrolling
through social media. Ask yourself, What is one simple thing
I can do to improve my sleep?
Hydration
Did you know that the human body is 60 percent water?
We’ve all heard we should drink eight glasses a day, but few of us
consistently drink as much water as our bodies optimally require.
In fact, one study revealed that more than half of the children in
the United States are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration not
only influences our current mood but also can lead to increased
blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and decreased energy levels.^7