This is a great topic and I hope to learn some pointers from others with this one..
For myself it all starts with that signal or sign that it's rest time.. To be straight forward, I'd love to say that when I blast I'm going balls deep 10,12 or 14 weeks, but that's not the case for me..I can go a hard 4-5 weeks and it hits that mark where I need more than just 1 day off, I'll toss in 2-3 or even do a split for that week, than rebound once I feel back on point..During this phase and ALL off days and down time I can 110% honestly say and be real that I focus on my macro's, to the point it's an obsession..I have to have food with me 24/7..Not so much sups but whole food..If the wife and I are out running errands, her mind is worrying about "do we have enough time to get this stuff done and grabs the kids too, blah blah blah" , me on the other hand I'm scooping out trying to remember all the food joints we passed just in case I need to dip off.. I literally have clued to my side a half gal (2 x 1 qts bottles) of water and Gatorade powder mixed (watered down basically half the servings), of course I refill it, but walking around with a gal is rather silly.. I take my down time set myself up for the days ahead, I have little Tupperware containers I'll pre mix my blended oats,protein powder,powered peanut butter and I make little serving cups that are ready to mix, I'll stack anywhere from 8-10 of them off to the side.. I recently joined back into BJJ but dropped out "again" due to timing and over training, my recovery time was just not there, it seemed I was always on the go and I dislike feeling that way..Im a OCD routine kinda dude..
When I'm getting a session on I'm in zone, its my Zen, like an alternate universe..Ear buds in,eyes closed and rocking back and forth to my music between sets looking very unapproachable and odd, just smashing demons in my head, preparing for the next demon to smash on that upcoming set..My lifts can be anywhere from 45mins, to 1:45, but when it's on, it's ON!
Sleep has always been a battle my whole life, been on sleep meds most my adult life.. Recently I had to employ some meds I'd rather not talk about because of their nature, but I can honestly say 110% I gauge and use them for sleep ONLY..I watch that clock, soon as it's around that time, meds are down, small snack/meal with gaba or other sups.. and its lights out..with the addition of some peptides, sleep aid, sleep sups, and a small protien/BCAA based meal, I'm out like a light and ready to go in the AM..
I'm feeling the best I ever have in a very long time.. for now, this is what works for me!
