Stardate 02.22.2026
I’m doing my best to manage stress these days — especially at night.
Most of us focus on what happens after we wake up. But what about the hours before we close our eyes?
For years, the old version of me started losing the day before my feet ever hit the floor. The first thing I reached for was the news and social media. Two things completely outside my control… yet somehow controlling me.
Then I would go to bed replaying what I hadn’t done well.
That’s a vicious cycle.
So I changed my mornings.
I guard the first hour of my day — my golden hour. It’s non-negotiable. When that first hour is intentional, the rest of the day tends to follow.
But lately I’ve been asking a new question:
What if the real battle isn’t just the first hour… but the last one?
Experimenting Toward Better
Some of you know I enjoy experimenting with health routines. I don’t claim to be a doctor. I simply pay attention. I test. I adjust. I try to become one percent better instead of chasing perfection.
Over time, I’ve learned that we cannot simply accept the status quo when it comes to our health. We have to become good stewards of our own bodies.
Scripture reminds us:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…? Therefore honor God with your bodies.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
Honor doesn’t mean obsession. It means attention. It means stewardship.
So this next chapter is about sleep.
I’ve tracked years of sleep data through my watch. I know my patterns. I know my weak spots. And thanks to a recent gift from my sponsor, I’m beginning a new evening routine experiment to see how it impacts recovery and rest.
I won’t share conclusions yet. I want real data before drawing real insights.
But here’s what I already know:
When I protect my nights, my mornings get stronger.
When my mornings get stronger, my days feel steadier.
And when my days feel steadier, stress loses its grip.
That’s not biohacking. That’s wisdom.
A Gentle Word of Caution
If you experiment with supplements or new health routines, do your homework. Quality matters. Not everything marketed is equal. Stewardship requires discernment.
For me, this is about long-term vitality — the kind that allows me to play tennis for hours, serve my family well, and keep writing stories that encourage others to live long and prosper in purpose.
If you’d like to explore the company I partner with, you can do so on your own terms. Use discernment. Move slowly. Listen to your body. I will do my best to post health updates monthly so you can follow my journey.
Join me here: https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong
I’ll share more once the data speaks.
Captain’s Addendum
Bones: “Spock, you’re telling me the Captain’s experimenting on his sleep now?”
Spock: “Doctor, improved rest increases cognitive precision. The logic is sound.”
Bones: “Well, as long as he’s not turning into a lab rat.”
Michael’s reflection:
I’ve learned that growth isn’t about dramatic reinvention. It’s about small adjustments made consistently. Managing my stress — especially at night — is one more quiet step toward becoming who I’m meant to be. Not perfect. Just one percent better.
If tonight offers you an opportunity to reset, take it. Close your eyes with gratitude instead of replaying your mistakes.
Thank you for walking this journey with me. May your rest be peaceful and your mornings steady.
Disclosure: I partner with DoNotAge. Use code LLAP if you explore their products.
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