It has been a while. It’s 4:44 AM and I’ve almost finished drinking my first early morning 7-Eleven coffee in more than two months. I’m not entirely sure why the wait. The summer was pretty hot, so maybe that evaporated some energy to blog and share thoughts and feelings on my days off.
Perhaps I was getting tired of my own voice. And I think I became a little concerned that even though I choose what to say, I’d been asking AI for writing style guidance, and that could be steering me away from my own voice, and what I like to think are genuine opinions to share with others who are less likely to admit they are on the same page.
Table of Contents
Recent Events
Work has been fine. The schedule has remained pretty much the same as usual. Now the summer is over, there is plenty of farming work to do and the cooler temperature makes it much easier, inviting and enjoyable.
A couple of weeks ago, we dug up this year’s sweet potatoes. That’s a welcome job for guys/people our age I think, because it’s all done by hand, and ultimately the crates of potatoes can get pretty heavy when you load them on the truck.
The daikon and broccoli seem to be growing happily with lush green leaves.
We had another successful grape harvest this year, which takes a fair bit of work and attention to detail.
There is always plenty of weeding to do in various locations, and as I’ve mentioned before, weeding can be quite therapeutic.
While the farm work keeps me moving, I realize I also need to focus on my own dedicated fitness…
Jogging
I had taken some time off from jogging and decided to get back into it. I’ve often felt through my life that jogging was the best way to blow away the cobwebs, and indeed maintain a little self-respect simply because it’s not lazy. Each jog always felt and feels like a potential small investment for the coming days.
I like to run the same route that I’ve always run. It’s about 45 minutes and feels pretty good after the first 15 minutes of settling into it.
Aging Sucks
Let’s be honest. No one likes aging or the physical changes we have to endure upon aging.
I try to look decent for my age. Not cool obviously, not stand out. Just neat and tidy. For work anyway – more so the teaching English. Presentable. An acceptable foreigner contributing and fitting into society.
My days off are another matter. Between my apartment and 7-Eleven or the launderette, I can look very casual, and shaving is always optional.
Early Nights
But recently, I noticed that I need to be careful. Although the jogging as it oftens does, helps to wake up the body and how it functions, my appearance seemed to decline as if there wasn’t enough something keeping me optimized. Not enough something replacing the hard work from running. I started to look and feel rather crappy. Noticeably older looking.
I hadn’t been having less sleep, per se. But, perhaps I’d entertained the odd late night more than usual with the hope that the same amount of hours sleeping would suffice.
It didn’t suffice, and I think my mental health was slipping too.
I found myself showering before work with a busy mind of YouTube videos and background music instead of clear thinking on the day ahead.
In fact, I was shocked to see myself in a convenience store bathroom mirror, after choosing to go for a long walk on a very wet canceled farming day, with how lousy my choice of clothing suited me. I looked pretty shabby. Jeans would have looked better. I welcomed the exercise and fresh air even in the pouring rain, yet had failed to consider a bit more attention to detail. It was probably time to check in with myself again.
I came to realize again that I’d neglected to follow the basic things that keep many of us steady, and one of those things is early nights – especially as we get older!
Consecutive Early Nights As We Age
I don’t know about you, but for me I need a few regular things to give me a sense of balance. Work schedule, work relationships and performance, exercise, healthy food, fresh air, enough time to myself, (a little online gaming to forget the adult stuff), and a jolly good night’s sleep.
So, after my third consecutive early night of being in bed around 8:30 PM, I’m finally up and encouraged to start an early morning day off with some direction.
The mind is noticeably less foggy after a good night’s sleep from an early night. Even clearer the more consecutive early nights you have.
Early Nights At This Age
At this age, now 58, sleep is obviously non-negotiable. And early nights are mostly a must for a productive mindset and hopefully good mental health.
A tired mind can be more vulnerable to negativity. Without a balanced and fresh perspective on life that an early and good night’s sleep offers, it’s easier to just want to quit or throw in the towel when you just need to take a step back and find your footing.
When I was young, I thought older people who went to bed early were boring. For a long time, especially since I was middle aged, I’ve realized that going to bed early is crucial for older people.
So, without beating ourselves up for forgetting, it’s good to remember the importance of not straying too long from this basic physical necessity.
Do You Value an Early Night?
What’s your opinion on sleep patterns as you age? Do you need early nights? Do they help you with your physical or mental wellbeing? Do you go to bed early for your work or lifestyle? Thanks for reading.
Related Reads on OldDogZeroTricks
- Why Not Eating Past 8 PM Changes How Your Body and Mind Work
- Finding Meaning in Everything: Maybe You’re Just Tired
- It’s Important To Get Out Of Your Own Head
Grant Barker here (aka OldDogZeroTricks). I’m a British expat living in Japan, teaching English, growing vegetables, and writing honestly about aging, purpose, and figuring things out – without the BS.
This blog is where I talk about the stuff most people keep to themselves – the embarrassing truths, the questions we don’t ask out loud, and what it feels like to keep going, one ordinary day at a time.
