Happy Monday friends,
It's good to be back. Haven't been with you for a little while as I've been (checks notes) settling into Dad life.
Early fatherhood is teaching me a lot about myself and how I view the world - and in a nutshell it is the ultimate test of putting others first.
And I'm loving every single minute of it.
But of course, I'm still also someone who is always shooting arrows at the pursuit of good personal health.
It's always stood near the top of my priority list – because I firmly believe a healthy life = a productive life.
Whether that be through colourful, nutrient-dense plant-rich meals, a regimented cardio and lifting routine, optimised sleep, keeping stress low...the usual foundational elements are always prioritised.
But right now? Not so much.
Of course it's still important, but the sense of planning and control I've had with my health habits has somewhat gone out of the window.
But I'm good with that...I literally have a human to keep alive.
(Sidenote, she is the cutest thing I have ever seen – her personality is coming through in an incredible way and I can't wait for her to find out how nice blueberries are!)
So, what am I doing then?
Healthy convenience foods play a large part in maintaining energy levels and nutrition, and I've recently been trying out the M40+ Adaptogenic Herbal Formula from Erbology.
It's a blend that contains maca, pumpkin seed, nettle root, fenugreek and cinnamon to support male wellbeing – I've been putting a teaspoon into my daily coffee to provide a bit more of a boost while Dad life has been kicking in.
I exchanged a few messages with the team at Erbology and as a bonus they've givem me a code to share with you - use "JEFFREY15" at checkout to get 15% off your first order (valid in all countries, and excludes bundles).
The reality is that there are more things now that need to get done in my life before I can think about heading out to the gym, going on a run, or trying to improve my sleep score.
This current season of life is demanding different things of me.
And it highlights this: that health in many ways is a seasonal and cyclical pursuit.
There will be moments of life where you can be full throttle with health, where you can optimise almost every single area and be totally dialled in.
And then there will be other seasons where it's just about getting it done. Where the minimum viable dose is enough. Where you aren't tracking and monitoring, but just going with the flow.
Right now it's very much the latter.
Meals are thrown together, workouts might be shorter and a little more sporadic (but still just as intense) and sleep.....well I've never been more tired in my life.
But the fact is I'm still trying to get it done – because it's still too important not to.
I invite you to do an audit of your life and perhaps think about moments where life has got busy, and health + wellbeing has gone completely to the back-burner.
It's easy to do, I know. There have been many times where I've felt very uninspired to go on a run or get in the gym.
But I know that by doing it, everything seems better. My head remains above water. My mind seems clear (and in the midst of the relative chaos of a newborn, that's important).
Has dumping health and wellbeing in favour of the busyness of life left you with better results?
I'd argue not – because even if one area improves, one as important as health and wellbeing becoming totally stagnant isn't a good thing.
As I've said, health is a cyclical pursuit.
Life is a juggling act, and it's almost impossible for each area to be firing on all cylinders 100%.
But that doesn't mean that some areas have to shrink to having no input at all.
I still go on my runs when I have time. I'll still get a quick lift in to try and stay sharp (even if it's a sub-optimal one due to sleep deprivation).
I obviously rest and recuperate where I need to, but I know that health and wellbeing has to still remain at the forefront in some capacity – even if it's a reduced version.
So can things be optimal during the early stages of fatherhood? Not really, no.
It's obvious what carries most importance in this season of my life.
But in order for me to still show up as a fairly productive version of myself for my wife and my daughter, I still need to engage in the habits that help promote good health.
Even if I can't show up how I normally do (for now).
The lesson? Life happens – you just have to find a way to adapt and adjust.
Stay healthy,
Jeff