Three weeks into the framework of The Four Pillar Plan, I’m taking some time to look back on the progress gained, and lost, as well as the next pillar in my sights, movement. The week went well overall, with definite gains in relaxation, but some loss in sleep. Movement, however, took center stage as both a practice in itself, and a way to relax.
Prior Pillars
My previous posts centered around two pillars in the Four Pillar Plan, sleep and relaxation. The latter of which I’ve been incorporating more effectively. By taking the time to properly relax through walks or intended activity, I feel like I’m getting better quality relaxation time. In doing so, I feel better recharged to actually get things done, reducing my to do list and ultimately stress.
Sleep on the other hand is still on shaky ground. Whenever I start to get a handle on my sleep schedule, I spend a night or two up late, sleeping in, and screwing my sleep cycle up. While it’s sometimes something foolish like going out drinking, but it’s also as simple as wanting to read just a bit longer or having coffee too late in the day causing trouble falling asleep.
Minor decisions in my day make end up biting me later on. Attempting to close out my daily habits, I’ll sometimes stay up a little too long trying to button up the remaining habits. My hope is to make better practices that help to get them done sooner than later, especially if I can shift my mornings to allow some more personal time.
Move Along
One of the most critical habits I formed in the last few years was a long nightly walk I took back when I lived in Dubuque. I’ve tried a few times to reform the habit, but I find the Chicago suburbs to be a bit too noisy to have the same relaxing feeling the walks of Dubuque had.
Instead, I’ve found midday walks to be a bit more useful. Using a short walk as a form of relaxation has been a great way to tackle two pillars with one activity. Taking a break and disconnecting from work and technology through a walk around the neighborhood has been a nice way to unwind. Similar to my nightly walks, letting my mind wander helps to get idle thoughts off my mind.
I’ve been trying to work a few shorter walks in throughout the day as compared to the long walk of the past. With short walks in the morning, during lunch, and after work, I can get more in while spreading out my time spent being active. Something I’m trying to use to build the habit is having some kind of sweet treat if I complete all of these walks as intended. A nice little reward to build the habit up.
Walking isn’t the only method of movement I’ve been working into my routines. Biking is still my primary mode of transportation when traveling alone. Be it for the grocery store, the gym, or an odd errand to run, my bike has been a useful way to get around with some free activity. I’m extremely grateful for how easy it is to bike around here thanks to nearby trails connecting a string of suburbs.
Yoga is another practice that’s being reintroduced into my routine. Since the pandemic started a few years ago, I hadn’t been to a yoga class. Even when the opportunity arose to start, I held off. Getting back into a class this week was great. I’m far from as flexible and loose as I once was, but taking the time to move, flow, and breathe was a reminder of how helpful yoga is for me. It’s another practice that I feel reinvigorated after. Making a routine of going regularly will be extremely helpful both physically and mentally.
Trying Out Before Buying In 