Success requires rules and a plan. If you're struggling out there, you're probably breaking the rules and trying to wing it. Most of the information flying around today regarding how to get from here to there in life doesn't cover the basics because it's boring and not new. I believe that the self imposed pressures of the modern world steer us away from the basic rules of life. One of those rules is rest and hydration. I call this combination the 8 & 8. I've see people follow these simple laws of nature and get their lives back. I'm telling you that if you get eight hours of sleep at night and drink eight oz. of water eight times a day some of your problems will disappear and your life will improve.
Our bodies are 72% water give or take, and this water circulates nutrients and hormones, distributes heat and provides the medium in which chemical reactions take place. Most importantly, water flushes out the toxic substances and waist materials via the kidneys. It's how our basic balance of body chemistry is maintained. Proper hydration plays a huge role in the prevention of disease. Drinking eight glasses of water daily can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45%, bladder cancer by 50% and can potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Eight hours of sleep every night restores the powers of the mind, body and spirit. Proper rest combined with healthy food and supplementation is the best way to improve the immune system, restore cognitive and motor performance and replenish your energy and enthusiasm for the day ahead. Countless studies have shown that people suffering from irritability, sadness, depression and anxiety no longer needed medication for these aliments after discovering that proper sleep was the key ingredient to stabilize brain chemistry and improve cognitive performance.
Do yourself a big favor and try this experiment for one week. Hit the hay eight hours before the alarm goes off and drink water (nothing else) eight times in a day. Eight oz. is a small glass so spread them out throughout the day. Don't try to drink large amounts all at once because you'll lose out on the benefits and stress out the kidneys. Follow this simple 8 & 8 plan every day and you'll find that life will get a little easier, a little less stressful and a lot more productive. It also contributes to weight lose and better health.
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This is the official Blog for Tony Horton, creator of Power 90, Power Half Hour and P90X.
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6 comments:
Thanks for the reminder Tony!
Tony,
Wow! You really hit the nail on the head with this one! Way too many of us go around dehydrated all day long, every day. As you so rightfully state, this condition can lead to disease and inflammation, among so many other nasty things.
Last week I started the 8, 8 & 8, and I must admit that my workout intensity and strength has already increased, as well as my positive outlook on life. Thanks for these precious words of wisdom, bro!
Oh my gosh! Tony, you are speaking to me. I'm struggling after having my first baby 6 months ago. I had an emergency C-section and didn't plan on having to wait 2 months before I got back to working out. I'm 39 and I'm finding it harder to lose weight than I did even 4 years ago. I did P90 in 2003 (I am TX22step) and was a "hot mama" but I'm afraid that those days may be gone.
Also, I'm lucky if I get 6 hours of sleep a night. Between my son getting up early and my husband going to bed late (he's a police officer and he works crazy hours) I don't get 8 hours anymore. I'll work on that.
Next, I don't have any vices except Diet Coke, but I'm going to work on cutting that out too. I did it while I was pregnant, so I know it can be done.
Thanks Tony! You were speaking right to me!
I can proudly say that I have been drinking nothing but water for the last three weeks and the amazing thing is...I actually passed up a Diet Coke the other day for water because I wanted water. I was shocked at myself and pleased at the same time.
(yawn) Now about the sleeping. I must confess that sleep is very limited where I'm concerned. I get about 5 hours every night. I get up tired and feel sluggish on some days. Little things get to me throughout the day as irritability sets in. To be honest, I'm not sure where I get the energy to do my evening workouts. I know sleep is very important but for some reason I just have to stay up later than I should. I guess it's a lot like getting back into the workout routine. I had to learn how to set a workout time and make sure I was there when I said I would be so I guess I need to try doing that with my sleeping. DUH
Thanks again and again Tony!
I have question for you about sleep and that is me being a firefighter plays havoc with my sleeping routine, do I need more naps during the day? I have been getting by with sleepless nights for years. thanks
Can we add 8 servings of Fruits and Vegetables to the mantra as well?
Great work as usual Tony!
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