Wellness Thread Feb 2020

[ESF]

I’ve been all over the place.

My last day at my soul sucking job was Friday the 31st. It was a rough few last weeks because my emotions were all over the place, and I was so busy that I wasn’t getting to the gym regularly enough and sleeping like shit.

That evening while enjoying martinis and beginning the process of detaching and preparing for my spa trip, my mom called to tell me my grandfather died. Second grandparent to die in two months, and the last one I had.

So I spent another week wound up and stressed, with travel on top of that, which fucked with my sleep and made it impossible to get to the gym or eat healthful foods.

I got back to my apartment on Thursday evening and can finally begin to mentally reset. I have two more weeks off and need to focus my energy on getting ready for my next chapter in life.

Anyway my goals are to continue to work on intuitive eating and enjoy the stress relieving properties of the gym. I’ve also been trying to devote some time each week in the gym to a lot of hip opening stretches, which I’ve noticed has had a big improvement in how my body feels generally - less aches and pains.

I do really need to work on my sleep habits and decreasing screen time in the evenings though.

[Deleted]

cville, I LOVE swimming laps. Don’t be discouraged by the speed. I wish I could still swim as my primary exercise, but my schedule just doesn’t allow for it. I have to stick to neighborhood walks or things I can do in my basement. Some day I really hope to get back to swimming even if it’s just two times per week.

[mrsukyankee]

ESF, sounds like a rough time. I'm so sorry. Definitely focus on yourself now.

[litebright]

I'm sorry, ESF. I hope the next two weeks are a welcome respite.

I just got back from the gym. I took a week and a half off due to being sick (probably flu, but I didn't go get tested), but I was back to going three times this week. No lollygagging about getting back to it, which I often do; and they are intense workouts. But I am also at the point, after two months of going regularly, that I didn't suffer too badly from the time off. Not like the first couple of weeks when every workout meant I was sore for at least two days afterwards.

It's definitely a huge change for me, both in intensity of the workouts and actually achieving some consistency. Coupled with the fact that I've basically cut out drinking entirely, I am feeling much healthier. I bounced back from being sick significantly faster than usual, I am noticing a difference in my sleep quality, and while I'm not losing weight at this point, I do feel like I'm already seeing changes in the amount of muscle I have.

I am also eating more fruit. I didn't have it very often for a long time, but since I started making a point awhile back to include it with my breakfast, it has become more of a go-to snack to have an apple or pear or clementine than something carby/junkier.

So yeah. I actually feel like I'm making some gains in overall wellness.

[cville]

Feb 8, 2020 9:35:22 GMT -5 @angryharpy said:

cville, I LOVE swimming laps. Don’t be discouraged by the speed. I wish I could still swim as my primary exercise, but my schedule just doesn’t allow for it. I have to stick to neighborhood walks or things I can do in my basement. Some day I really hope to get back to swimming even if it’s just two times per week.

Part of the issue for me is that I used to compete. I have one mindset about exercise (also, everything else, ha): training to win. So if I'm not doing that, and I'm not in peak form, my brain tells me I'm a failure. Which I know is not right, but it's looming there. I have to work very hard to see movement as being present in my body and productive of overall health. I loved barre classes, but kept trying to win at barre (plus they were so expensive), so when I wasn't the best I just...stopped.

[secretlyevil]

I fell off the intentional movement wagon hard. To the point that Garmin has my step goal to 2300. My body is angry and telling me to move my ass again. My stress levels are increasing again. I went for a short run this morning and it felt great. Now to do it again tomorrow as I have to get my groove back so I can finish my half in June and not die.

[rubytue]

I went pescatarian a few months ago. Really focusing on vegetarian, but we had some FL & Caribbean travel, and I’m a sucker for shell fish, so I went with it. But what’s interesting is I’m actually enjoying cooking now. H always did the cooking bc I just didn’t like it and he did. Partially bc he’s gone every weekend now, but I’ve been forced to cook more, and I’m like it. Trying new things and experimenting. And I’m trying new things, and mostly liking it (save the vegan cheese shit).

[wanderingback]

Feb 8, 2020 8:50:17 GMT -5 bears said:

Feb 7, 2020 16:07:22 GMT -5 Patsy Baloney said:

I am, like, crazy proud of everyone who can run and talk. That is some real, honest-to-goodness fitness. You're all amazing.

ETA - this is after going down stairs and kind of being like...* huff puff * miiight want to focus some of my goals on moving a little bit more, lol

Even at peak fitness, I'm out of breath doing stairs. Stairs are not necessarily an indicator of fitness.

Yes so true. I was a college athlete. When FB first came out someone made a FB group for us titled “I’m a D1 athlete and I get winded going up a flight of stairs” All the athlètes pretty much joined!

It is so so true. At my peak fitness in high school and college, still got winded on stairs very very easily.

[mrsukyankee]

Feb 8, 2020 13:42:22 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Feb 8, 2020 8:50:17 GMT -5 bears said:

Even at peak fitness, I'm out of breath doing stairs. Stairs are not necessarily an indicator of fitness.

Yes so true. I was a college athlete. When FB first came out someone made a FB group for us titled “I’m a D1 athlete and I get winded going up a flight of stairs” All the athlètes pretty much joined!

It is so so true. At my peak fitness in high school and college, still got winded on stairs very very easily.

Waves hands

[wawa]

Feb 8, 2020 13:42:22 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Feb 8, 2020 8:50:17 GMT -5 bears said:

Even at peak fitness, I'm out of breath doing stairs. Stairs are not necessarily an indicator of fitness.

Yes so true. I was a college athlete. When FB first came out someone made a FB group for us titled “I’m a D1 athlete and I get winded going up a flight of stairs” All the athlètes pretty much joined!

It is so so true. At my peak fitness in high school and college, still got winded on stairs very very easily.

Amen. I've never been a competitive athlete but I'm training for a half and go run 5+ miles multiple times a week. The times I have to park in the garage and walk 3 flights of stairs are ROUGH.

(I also can't chat up a hill. Gravity is a bitch man)

[somersault72]

Feb 7, 2020 14:27:09 GMT -5 1confused1 said:

wawa running friends make such a huge difference!!

I got a Peloton about a month ago and I love it! This is the most consistently I have exercised in years and my anxiety has almost completely disappeared. I was very hesitant to spend so much money on a piece of exercise equipment, but I can tell it is going to be worth it.

Also, somewhat related to the Peloton, I have been drinking less during the week because I exercise after dinner and don't have time to drink. So I call that a win!

If that isn't motivation for me to figure out how to fit exercise in my life I don't know what is! I'm very happy for you! I just started seeing a therapist for my anxiety which has gotten out of control.

[wawa]

Guys I love you all very much and I'm happy for your accomplishments, but this truly is not the place to discuss weight loss for its own sake or a benchmark for health.

[aspentosh]

Feb 7, 2020 21:39:33 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Feb 7, 2020 20:42:34 GMT -5 cville said:

I can't do any news like 3 hours before bed or I don't sleep and OBSESS. Like caffeine. Before bed I read novels or watch tv shows about frivolous stuff or listen to a podcast about anything but politics. That's my self care.

I've been watching a youtube channel of a guy who camps with his dog(s) before I go to bed. It's just so relentlessly happy and wholesome.

Joe Robinet?

[aspentosh]

Things overall have been ok for me.

My eating has probably been the best it's been in months. Not eating a ton of fast food or junk food. We have Girl Scout cookies in the house and I have been eating a couple cookies per day. That is huge. I feel better physically with things in check. I eat what I want but am really listening to what my body wants and needs and how much it wants and needs.

The other thing I really wanted to work on is my skin. I'm trying a new brand of serum and spot treatment and it's not breaking me out. TBD on if it's improving my skin. I am going to order the makeup eraser someone linked last time to see if I can replace my single use makeup removers.

[pixy0stix]

Feb 8, 2020 15:43:52 GMT -5 wawa said:

Guys I love you all very much and I'm happy for your accomplishments, but this truly is not the place to discuss weight loss for its own sake or a benchmark for health.

Aka read the very first post.

[pugz]

Feb 8, 2020 15:43:52 GMT -5 wawa said:

Guys I love you all very much and I'm happy for your accomplishments, but this truly is not the place to discuss weight loss for its own sake or a benchmark for health.

thanks wawa!

there's been a lot more diet/weight loss talk sneaking in since the start of the year.  If people want to talk about that there is a regular thread on ML about weight watchers and other diet talk.  It doesn't go in this thread!  

[wanderingback]

I've pretty much stuck to drinking 1 day a week, which was my goal, so I'm very happy about that. I think 1 or 2 weeks I drank 2 days during the week, but that's much much better than my pretty much daily wine. I've been drinking a lot of tea, which I've enjoyed trying new things.

Earlier in the month I went to a book club for Black women, it was my 2nd month going. So good for my mental health! Being in a space with those women is definitely good for my soul, I'm looking forward to going every month and my schedule should work out that I won't miss to many months. I also made a potential friend out at a bar the other night, she's a Black woman that lives in the neighborhood, so again connecting with people has been really wonderful for my mood.

Lastly, my working out is going as planned. I'm just really enjoying things right now without feeling pressure to train for anything. I'm trying to be in that space for awhile until I'm "forced" to start marathon training in May.

Overall I'm feeling good about wellness the beginning of the year after 2 family deaths and a few stressful sessions at work. Glad to be back on track.

[wanderingback]

Feb 8, 2020 18:13:38 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Feb 8, 2020 15:43:52 GMT -5 wawa said:

Guys I love you all very much and I'm happy for your accomplishments, but this truly is not the place to discuss weight loss for its own sake or a benchmark for health.

Aka read the very first post.

Maybe it should go in the title from now on...

"Wellness - Don't Post about Weight Loss"
Then, bolded again in the first post. 
People don't always seem to read posts, clearly....

[foundmylazybum]

Well, I'm having a health crisis 😒.
I guess without going into tons of details, at the beginning of the year I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a big surprise (I'm sure it is for everyone but I think my doctor was even pretty shocked).

Obviously cancer creates a lot of upheaval in health and wellness and it has made me just think about and question a lot of things from the future of my health and exercise to body image. It also takes away a lot of your body autonomy and I'm trying to adjust to what looks and feels like as I move forward.

I'm also trying to see good changes and opportunities as well as manage other areas of wellness like stress, happiness, sleep and work/life balance.

Anyways. That's that.

[wanderingback]

foundmylazybum ugh I'm sorry.
If you need to vent or talk we're here.

[cattledogkisses]

Feb 8, 2020 6:30:05 GMT -5 seeyalater52 said:

Feb 7, 2020 20:16:59 GMT -5 cattledogkisses said:

(If this isn't the right place for this let me know and I'll make a separate thread.)

What do you guys do to feel better when you're just having a bad self-esteem day?

I've been dealing with chronic hives for the last several years (the underlying cause is probably autoimmune), and had a particularly bad flare up last week that made me want to cringe every time I caught sight of myself in a mirror and made me feel pretty down about myself. I ended up painting my nails a vampy red (the rest of me might be a hot mess, but at least my nails can look fierce, right?), played with my pup, and took for her for a hike with H last weekend (there aren't any mirrors in the woods). I wish it didn't get to me so much.

I’m so sorry. I’ve dealt with chronic hives on and off since I was a teenager and it is truly awful. When I’m feeling bad about my body (which is constant the past few years) I tend to try to do other things to make me feel put together. I started investing in getting my nails done every 2 weeks, keeping my hair looking nice, my brows waxed (difficult with hives I know - it totally flares me up), and while I don’t typically wear makeup I’ve started doing some lip color almost daily and I’m getting eyelash extensions this weekend. Maybe it’s vain, but I’ve been trying to reframe it as an effort to care for my physical body in ways that make me feel good about myself rather than bad and honestly it has helped me feel a lot less self conscious.

At one point last year I was feeling down about myself so I got my nails and lashes done, had my hair trimmed, and got a spray tan, and damn, I felt a million times better afterward.  It sucks that society makes us feel like it's vain and frivolous to do stuff like that for ourselves. 

I like your bolded statement.  I booked myself a haircut and a massage for next week.

[rubytue]

foundmylazybum , it sucks, but it really does kinda teach you that how ever much you plan and deal with, life will just throw you a curveball sometime. And what shit really matters (hint boss, not you! Though thanks for making me feel like shit bc I didn’t have the mental capacity to micromanage like you this past year). Feel free to reach out if you want to chat. Lymphoma twice here. Cancer blog link in my sig.

While I’m on the subject... if anyone remembers my post back in June about what the hell to do, my essay on that was published. [removed link for privacy]

eta: I sent that to my oncologist and he said he teared up at the end...

[cuadrado]

foundmylazybum, I’m so sorry. Thinking of you.

ESF, I hope you are able to get some rest and I’m sorry for your loss.

I just got Christy Harrison’s “Anti Diet” book. I’m excited to read it. Although I also just got Jessica Simpson’s book so I’ll have to pick which one to start with We had a super crazy 2019 and ate out a lot, and one of my goals for 2020 was to cook at home more. I’ve really enjoyed planning meals on the weekend, ordering groceries and cooking simple meals throughout the week. It has saved a ton of money and we eat earlier. I also have more time in the evenings. I made a giant list of all of our favorite meals, and I always pull it out when I’m making my meal plan for the week. So much less mental energy than trying to plan things from scratch!

Something I want to work on in February is getting into a better evening routine so that I can go to sleep earlier. I have the best intentions to take the dogs out for a final walk and get to bed early, but time always slips away from me.

[pixy0stix]

Feb 8, 2020 17:01:27 GMT -5 aspentosh said:

Feb 7, 2020 21:39:33 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

I've been watching a youtube channel of a guy who camps with his dog(s) before I go to bed. It's just so relentlessly happy and wholesome.

Joe Robinet?

No, this guy - www.youtube.com/channel/UCF8HpP-lEx8W9OlMSOW6kGA

[pixy0stix]

foundmylazybum, that's a lot. ((hugs))

[secretlyevil]

foundmylazybum ((hugs))

[namasteak]

I can not lose weight on Zoloft despite working with a nutritionist, my psychiatrist and exercising. At my last session, I complained to my therapist that I live in workout clothes bc I don’t have anything else that fits and she challenged me to buy clothes that fit the body I have now. I had gone to the mall twice with no luck, ordered a bunch online with no luck and said “fuck it I’m booking an appointment at Nordstrom with a shopper”. I spent more than I would have elsewear but I now I have 2 pairs of jeans, a blazer, 2 date night tops, 5 everyday tops & 2 nicer casual tops.

I decided I would rather be mentally healthy and 45 lbs over my ideal weight than sick and skinny.

[namasteak]

Feb 8, 2020 3:29:13 GMT -5 atexan said:

Feb 7, 2020 23:08:31 GMT -5 krystee said:

atexan If I tried working out in the morning, I would never do it. Ever. That time to sleep is priceless! I do two 8 pm classes per week and one 8 am on weekends, and it is so much easier than getting up at an inhumane hour.

I can't work out at night because @.

Are you working out at home? I’m happy to be work out buddies on weeks DH is home!

[namasteak]

((( @seeyalater ))) anxiety is such a bitch

[namasteak]

cville have you thought about joining a masters swim team? I’m a former college swimmer and loved my masters team in Houston.