Join Investing in Women Founder Elizabeth Willetts for an enlightening conversation with nutritionist Wilma Macdonald about the pillars of health: sleep and nutrition. Wilma opens up about her personal battle with chronic insomnia and how motherhood reshaped her sleep habits. She passionately explains why putting your health first isn’t just a choice but a necessity, offering actionable tips for navigating sleep disruptions and boosting your vitality through the right balance of nutrition and exercise. Instead of counting sheep or hours, Wilma encourages a shift toward valuing sleep quality and tuning in to what your body truly needs. Discover how to seamlessly weave exercise into your hectic life and why embracing the great outdoors can be your secret weapon for wellness. Wilma’s insights are a reminder that to thrive in life’s various roles, making health your number one concern is essential.
Did you find this conversation with Wilma helpful? Then check out this LinkedIn Live replay with Wilma, where she gives us the lowdown on how to eat your way to success.
Timestamps
Wilma’s experience with disrupted sleep (00:00:45)
Wilma shares her personal experience with chronic insomnia and disrupted sleep due to motherhood and work.
The impact of disrupted sleep on health (00:00:58)
Wilma emphasises the importance of focusing on sleep quality despite interruptions and its impact on overall energy levels and health.
Managing disrupted sleep and prioritising health (00:02:03)
Wilma encourages managing disrupted sleep within the current circumstances, prioritising health, and not waiting for a perfect situation.
Setting boundaries and winding down for better sleep (00:06:20)
Wilma discusses the importance of setting boundaries and winding down before bedtime to improve sleep quality.
Coping with interrupted sleep (00:08:41)
Wilma shares her strategy for coping with interrupted sleep and not tracking sleep to avoid added stress.
Preparing for bedtime and sleep routine (00:10:05)
Wilma discusses her bedtime routine, including reading, herbal tea, and deep sleep music, and the importance of eating patterns before bedtime.
Managing energy after a rough night’s sleep (00:11:36)
Wilma advises nourishing oneself with a balanced breakfast and staying hydrated instead of relying on caffeine for energy.
Boosting energy throughout the day (00:13:24)
Wilma suggests consuming protein and fibre-rich foods and having a small pre-gaming breakfast to manage cortisol levels and boost energy.
Snack Choices (00:15:17)
Discussion on the importance of balanced snacks for stable energy levels and managing cortisol release throughout the day.
Physical Activity (00:18:09)
Emphasising the significance of going outside and engaging in short bursts of exercise, even when you’re feeling tired.
Quality of Sleep (00:20:58)
Highlighting the importance of tuning in to one’s body and assessing how one feels to determine sleep quality rather than relying solely on tracking devices.
Prioritising Health (00:24:14)
Encouraging individuals to prioritise their own health and well-being, emphasising that it has a positive ripple effect on their family and life.
Connect with Wilma (00:24:46)
Information on connecting with Wilma for further guidance and support, including offering 20-minute calls to assess individual needs and goals.
Show Links
Connect with Wilma Macdonald on LinkedIn
Connect with Elizabeth Willetts on LinkedIn
Go from exhausted to energised with Wilma Macdonald at Maverick Motherhood
Investing in Women Flexible Working Job Board and Recruitment Site