My baby boy, JJ, arrived 3 weeks early, a few days before Easter this year.
Parenting is challenging and joyous. So far, sporadic sleep is the worst part.
But the joy of holding a 5lb, 8oz “mini-me” is indescribable. And absolutely worth the sleep deprivation.
Stuck In The Weeds
Complexity is alluring, especially when it comes to our health. The next diet or “health hack” promises to transform our bodies and make us happy.
It’s easy to overlook the basics and get caught up in the minutiae. The tiny details like:
- Are there too many carbs in this banana?
- Should I do percussion therapy for 3 minutes or 6 minutes before training?
- How can I keep my body in ketosis during sleep?
There’s nothing wrong with a deep dive into these topics. But too often we get stuck in the weeds and fail to execute the basics in our quest for “optimal.”
Like Father, Like Son
Baby JJ cries when he’s hungry. Or tired. Or needs a diaper change. Otherwise, he’s a happy camper.
His needs aren’t complicated (yet). They’re universal needs…we don’t outgrow them. We can learn a thing or two from JJ’s priorities. Here are his top 3 (and why you need them too):
1) Food
Newborns eat every 2-3 hours. JJ’s metabolism is like a furnace because he’s growing so fast. His body weight tripled in his first 6 months!
I’m glad I don’t gain weight as fast as JJ, but eating ’round the clock sounds like fun.
Of course, food fuels us at any age. And high quality food keeps us healthy, strong and energized. Healthy nutrition is one of the 3 Pillars of Impeccable Health.
A quick aside: Carbs aren’t bad. They’re our body’s preferred energy source during exercise. That’s why athletes eat candy around training.
2) Sleep
Newborns sleep 14-17 hours a day. JJ sleeps and eats so much because his brain and body are developing rapidly. Sleep is the human body’s prime time to recover physically and mentally.
That’s why adults who sleep the recommended 7-9 hours recover faster from injury, perform better and think more clearly. Insufficient sleep leads to lethargy, overeating junk food and chronic pain.
To learn practical sleep strategies, check out my mega guide to better sleep: 28 Tips for the Best Sleep of Your Life.
3) Love
Babies need love. Without human touch, babies fail to thrive, don’t grow as fast, and experience worse health in adulthood.
As adults, our need for human connection is less obvious, but equally important. Being with a loved one – or simply looking at their picture – literally reduces pain (Younger 2010).
On the flip side, loneliness is linked to major health problems like depression, heart disease and even early death (Rico-Uribe 2018).
One reason the pandemic was so hard on so many – it hampered human connections.
Scrolling through Instagram and watching the latest TikTok might be easier, but there’s nothing more rewarding than connecting with friends and loved ones.
Bonus: Movement
Whether a week old or decades into life, we’re built to move.
Right now, JJ is learning to roll, scoot and sit up while controlling his (proportionally) massive head. These foundational skills will prepare him to crawl and walk in the coming months.
Movement makes us stronger and happier. And it makes us more resilient at every age.
Big Babies
We never outgrow our need for high quality food, consistent sleep, human connection, and regular movement. In many ways, we’re all big babies. Nailing these basics is guaranteed to enhance our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Take a lesson from JJ and prioritize food, sleep, love, and movement.
For more evidence-based content, check out these insightful posts:
Take a Bath to Recover Faster?
The Best Time to Eat Candy (According to Science)
Runner’s Knee Taping for Instant Pain Relief
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