, one of my friends keeps trying to encourage me to try conjugate method, but it does seem pretty intimidating.

I'd suggest Alex Leonidas, Alec Enkiri, and/or coachmarkestrebillo on IG for conjugate tips/setups. Each has a slightly different take on the method, but imo all three takes are better than the elitefts / pure westside conjugate system.

Injuries, aches and pains, weird sleep schedule, all sorts of stuff in the way of lifting at 100%.

Yea it's rough, especially as you get older T_T