Thursday, March 27, 2025: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Coach Sherri’s Daily Life

My day began at 4:20 AM when I woke to take my T3 medication. While I attempted to lay back down, I found myself fully awake—likely because I had gone to bed early at 9:30 PM the night before. Following the necessary hour-long window after taking my medicine, I prepared a nourishing breakfast featuring eggs, bacon, sausage, jalapeños, and yogurt—a delicious and protein-packed start to the day.

With breakfast in hand, I headed outside wearing my blue-blocking glasses, which I promptly removed to soak in the sunrise. Standing in nature’s tranquility as the day began, I relished the beauty and peacefulness of the morning, grounding ritual that helps set the tone for my day.

After enjoying breakfast, I prepared for an outing with a dear friend while sipping on hydrogen water, made from solarized water that had been sitting outdoors for about 24 hours. This intentional hydration practice is a small yet effective way to enhance overall wellness. I also made a refreshing glass of cold brew coffee, adhering to my routine of waiting at least 90 minutes after waking to enjoy a mindful habit that supports balanced energy throughout the day.

We plan to explore a neighboring small town for a bit of shopping and enjoy a lunch together, a perfect way to balance my morning routine with some lighthearted social connection. Days like this remind me of the importance of mindful practices paired with moments of joy and community — beautifully balancing self-care with joyful connection. 

We visited a charming little restaurant where I chose the Chicken Caesar Salad. It featured grilled chicken, shaved parmesan, and hand-tossed lettuce. I opted to have the dressing on the side, which I left off entirely, and I also picked out the croutons. The soup of the day was a delightful surprise—French Onion, a personal favorite that I hadn’t had in 3 ½ years. I requested it without the usual bread, ensuring it fit my preferences. To complement my meal, I sipped on a refreshing glass of unsweetened iced tea, a true southern staple that needs no explanation for those who call the South home.

The meal was both satisfying and delicious. While you might be curious about its impact on my blood sugar, I didn’t test it—currently, I’m not wearing my CGM (continuous glucose monitor). Instead, I simply enjoyed the flavors and, more importantly, the company, embracing the moment and the joy of dining out.

After finishing my meal, I stopped by the little girl’s room, and as I washed my hands, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. To my surprise, the reflection staring back was wearing a top that seemed far too big, looking loose and sloppy. It’s funny how I didn’t notice the size when I put it on this morning.

Living in a travel trailer adds a unique twist to moments like these. The only mirror is in the small bathroom, and at just 5’2”, the view is mostly limited to my face. Sometimes, it takes stepping into a different setting to see yourself from another perspective—quite literally! 

We wandered across the street to a quaint little shop that carried Judy Blue jeans. One of my girlfriends has been raving for years that I needed to try a pair. Considering my current jeans can be pulled off without unbuttoning or unzipping—thank goodness for belts—I decided it was time to give them a shot. Unsure of what size to grab, I picked a 14W, though I was skeptical.

As I slipped into the dressing room and started putting the jeans on, I was convinced they wouldn’t make it past my hips, let alone zip up over my belly. But to my absolute surprise and delight, they buttoned and zipped without a single struggle! If you’ve ever wrestled with jeans in a dressing room, I know you’ll understand the relief of skipping the "fight." The second pair I tried on fit perfectly too. Even better, they were 40% off—so naturally, I had to take both home with me. A true win for my wardrobe.

We visited two additional vintage shops in search of an outdoor bench for our big pond on the property. Unfortunately, we didn’t find any benches this time, but the hunt isn’t over, it’ll be an adventure for another day.

Back at our travel trailer, I slipped into one of my new pairs of jeans to show my husband, who works remotely. He was genuinely happy for me, and I have a feeling he was quietly relieved that I finally treated myself to something that fits well and looks far better than the oversized clothes I’ve been drowning in. It’s the little moments like these that make the day feel complete.

For those eager to hear about my shopping haul, I hate to disappoint — living in a travel trailer means space is a precious commodity. About 97% of what we own is tucked away in storage, an hour’s drive from here. At the moment, I’ve got two garbage bags filled with oversized sweatshirts and sweatpants ready to be packed up for the summer season. Even in small living spaces, organization and practicality are key! 

Dinner time! I enjoyed leftovers from Monday’s meal prep, including clean-ingredient brats from a local source, sautéed mushrooms, and the last of the asparagus, a satisfying meal to end the day. Dinner time always comes with a purpose for me—I make sure to eat while it's still daylight and at least 4 hours before bed. This simple routine supports my circadian rhythm, promotes better digestion, and helps ensure a restful night’s sleep. It’s one of those small habits that makes a big difference! 

There’s something magical about watching the sun sink below the horizon—a moment of tranquility that feels both grounding and rejuvenating. But beyond its beauty, the sunset plays an essential role in supporting your circadian rhythm. As the warm, fading light signals the end of the day, it activates your body’s natural processes, including the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. This gentle cue prepares your body for rest, fostering better sleep and overall health. Incorporating sunset watching into your daily routine not only enhances mindfulness but also keeps your internal clock in harmony with nature.

Once the sun sets, I slip on my blue-blocking glasses and wear them until bedtime. These glasses filter out artificial blue light from screens and indoor lighting, which can suppress melatonin production and interfere with sleep quality. By wearing them, I protect my natural sleep cycle and give my body the best chance to wind down naturally. For me, this practice has become a cherished part of my evenings, offering clarity and connection in the midst of life’s busyness.

Sounds like a relaxing evening ahead! Attending the Aromatherapy Meeting in the BNC Community is a wonderful way to unwind and immerse yourself in self-care. Aromatherapy can be deeply grounding, helping to ease stress and promote overall wellness. Wrapping up the day with a bedtime around 9:30 PM which ensures a restorative end to my evening.

-Coach Sherri