Wellness Thread Feb 2020

[wanderingback]

Feb 10, 2020 22:10:24 GMT -5 just said:

I'm paralyzed with depression right now. I need to get some meds, that's first on my list. I know how to feel better, but my depression is like being in a full-body cast when it comes to moving and making the right decisions.

On a weird note. I love swimming, but grooming decisions are making it not an option for me. When I was younger it wasn't an issue (just lighter thinner hair) so I don't know how to deal with it now. I won't wax, and shaving is so much of an issue with razor burn. Chemical options seem like a bad choice. Do y'all just wax? Should I just try to desensitize my bikini area to shaving?

Are you talking about swimming laps at the pool?
No I don’t wax and rarely shave.
I really don’t care. When I go to the pool for laps I bring the towel with me to the pool deck so I don’t forget to grab one and hang it on the hook by the pool. Then, I get in the pool. When I get out the pool I wrap the towel around me to dry off then go to shower. I guess people could be staring at my bikini area, but I haven’t noticed. If swimming makes you happy, then go for it!

[sillygoosegirl]

rubytue ((hugs)) Do you have access to an EAP? I was able to get relatively speedy access to a therapist (well, only a few weeks wait) through mine. Even though she didn't know a thing about the disease I was diagnosed with, aside from what I told her, it was really helpful to talk through it with her. She had me read a book called, "On Death and Dying". I was surprised and somewhat skeptical of the recommendation because what I have is chronic and only has a relatively small chance of killing me, but she said the grief process can be emotionally similar, and it did help me process and understand some of my grief and fear and anger I was struggling with. (I realize the integrated therapist would be better, but there's a major shortage of those providers in most areas. Hopefully you can get on the panel of one, but don't hold your breath... or hold back from pursuing other therapy options you might have available.)

[wawa]

Feb 10, 2020 23:31:54 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Feb 10, 2020 22:10:24 GMT -5 just said:

I'm paralyzed with depression right now. I need to get some meds, that's first on my list. I know how to feel better, but my depression is like being in a full-body cast when it comes to moving and making the right decisions.

On a weird note. I love swimming, but grooming decisions are making it not an option for me. When I was younger it wasn't an issue (just lighter thinner hair) so I don't know how to deal with it now. I won't wax, and shaving is so much of an issue with razor burn. Chemical options seem like a bad choice. Do y'all just wax? Should I just try to desensitize my bikini area to shaving?

Are you talking about swimming laps at the pool?
No I don’t wax and rarely shave.
I really don’t care. When I go to the pool for laps I bring the towel with me to the pool deck so I don’t forget to grab one and hang it on the hook by the pool. Then, I get in the pool. When I get out the pool I wrap the towel around me to dry off then go to shower. I guess people could be staring at my bikini area, but I haven’t noticed. If swimming makes you happy, then go for it!

Same on the hair. I am not a massively hairy person so it's easy for me to ignore them, but I just keep things trimmed with scissors so it's not like CRAZY and figure if people are bothered by my neatly trimmed bush edges they need a new hobby. Can't see em under the water anyway.

So many hugs for those dealing with new and old crappy things. Fucking cancer man.

[penguingrrl]

Feb 10, 2020 22:10:24 GMT -5 just said:

I'm paralyzed with depression right now. I need to get some meds, that's first on my list. I know how to feel better, but my depression is like being in a full-body cast when it comes to moving and making the right decisions.

On a weird note. I love swimming, but grooming decisions are making it not an option for me. When I was younger it wasn't an issue (just lighter thinner hair) so I don't know how to deal with it now. I won't wax, and shaving is so much of an issue with razor burn. Chemical options seem like a bad choice. Do y'all just wax? Should I just try to desensitize my bikini area to shaving?

I wear boy short type swim bottoms for that reason. I find it freeing not to worry about it.

[heliocentric]

Feb 10, 2020 21:21:29 GMT -5 notsopicky said:

heliocentric , I am digging your yoga thing--maybe I could get H to join me. We could do it in the evenings. Do you use YouTube on your TV?

We use Down Dog yoga. There is an app, but we use the web version with an old laptop connected to our TV. There is a free trial then you have to pay. I think I paid $30 a year, but I might be grandfathered into an older price.

I like it because you can customize a lot, including class type, length, music, difficulty level, etc. There's also a "boost" option where you can pick a body area to target in that practice.

I believe they now have a free beginner yoga app, too.

[cattledogkisses]

Feb 10, 2020 23:00:40 GMT -5 pugz said:

I just looked at the 10 day forecast and saw that a warming trend is coming and my mood just improved 300%.


fuck winter! Groundhog was right!

I will join you in a hearty "Fuck winter," except our 10 day forecast only has more snow and below zero temps.  We're going to Florida next month and I am literally counting the days.  I am so tired of snow, cold, ice, slush, and grey dreary-ness. 

[foundmylazybum]

For shaving, I also use my husbands small electric beard trimmer on my beard lol. It works awesome and I never have trouble with razor burn. We all have different skin sensitivities so it might not be an option, but going electric really helped me.

[Deleted]

Does anybody have any favorite yoga videos that don’t involve any pressure on the hands? I have a 1-pound restriction on my left hand for the next 3-4 weeks. But I like doing yoga for the mental benefits as much as the physical ones.

[winecat]

@angryharpy- I love yin yoga. I've only taken classes so the guided part helps me stay focused mentally. They are all supported postures; most of them supine.

Tomorrow is my shoulder MRI. I had to work Saturday and yesterday and it did not go well. I'm hoping whatever the MRI shows isn't uber serious and can be healed in the next 2 months.

[secretlyevil]

Feb 10, 2020 16:43:18 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

Feb 10, 2020 10:34:36 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

You can even set out with a certain goal or pace in mind, and if its happening then go with it in that breath, second, minute, mile...and if it's not, accept it in that breath, second minute, mile and realize that things can change in the next breath, second, minute, mile...
Not every run will be this way but allow some to be and see what happens 💙

This is actually the mindset I am trying to embrace. By good I mean, I have the endurance to enjoy the race, nothing hurts, and I am mentally happy. I’ve completed training cycles in my past where by the time the race rolled around I was completely over it and just wanted to be done. The last half I did before I had my injury was bad. I didn’t want to be there and yet somehow I ended up at the start line and was in such a negative headspace from go. So for me a good race will be one that I cross the finish line happy. Not happy to see the finish line (that’s a given) but happy that I did it.

Basically I want to enjoy running and not think of it as a chore. It is such a stress release for me when I just go out.

ETA: I broke this quote.

[secretlyevil]

I started Fuck It Diet this morning on my commute. Its good! I have Heath at Any Size in my wish list as well.

[ally]

Feb 10, 2020 18:07:26 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

I am struggling with balance and how to not let the annoying/bad parts of my life overshadow the good, if that makes any sense. I am having some career and work-oriented issues that aren't really likely to go away anytime soon, but I am feeling so good about other parts of my life. How do I not let the work stress leach into the rest of my stuff so that I can actually enjoy it? I've been working hard at appreciating the moments and being present, making sure I take time for the good stuff every day, but the work dread feels so all-encompassing sometimes that it's suffocating.

I could have written this.  I actually cried at work Monday & Tuesday this week - a mix of anger, being overwhelmed, specifically difficult situations, burnout.  It is not sustainable.  I work in higher ed and am trying to convince myself if I can get to May it will get better.  I have started daily meditation (I took at mindfulness class at my yoga studio in November which was a good start), yoga, get monthly massages, work out 5 or 6 days a week, pretty consistent with sleep hygiene. My self care is awesome - and yet I struggle everyday AT work.  My husband is worried and told me to quit on Monday, but that is not realistic.  I try so hard to be positive at home and keep up with social things, but there are weekends when the idea of spending time with friends is too much, to say nothing of leaving my house after work on a weeknight.  

I know I am eating (and drinking) my feelings, but I am trying to give myself a little grace on this right now, as this is one thing I just don't want to "manage" at the moment.  I was doing WW at work and I have been able to walk away pretty easily, but have found some long term colleagues/friends are struggling with my choice, which I wasn't expecting.

I have found a guided journal to be helpful. Writing what makes me happy, what I am grateful for, pushes me to be positive about something each day.  Plus, writing down  a work to do list helps to get it out of my head.  Also, my house is my safe place and a sanctuary helps so much!  I don't read or watch TV about my work and try to keep it compartmentalized so that I can keep a place where I do feel ok.

[pixy0stix]

I realized I should probably schedule an audiology appt if I was having a bit of anxiety thinking about going to a gtg and being able to hear. So, I have an audiology appt the day before my shoulder appt. Getting older is so fun.

[secretlyevil]

I have the Zen as Fuck journal. I should actually do it.

[secretlyevil]

Further into Fuck It Diet and I have to say, it is resonating with me more than the Intuitive Eating book. Maybe it is literally the f-bomb being dropped regularly? The writing exercises sound good. Probably along the same lines as the IE workbook.

[wawa]

Feb 12, 2020 20:15:01 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

Further into Fuck It Diet and I have to say, it is resonating with me more than the Intuitive Eating book. Maybe it is literally the f-bomb being dropped regularly? The writing exercises sound good. Probably along the same lines as the IE workbook.

The IE book was a bit too earnest for me. Fbombs sound up my alley.

[pugz]

IE is more clinical, Fuck it Diet is less clinical and the author is much younger than the authors of IE, so I think that's part of what makes it more relatable, especially if you like F bombs, lol.

[rubytue]

So on the mental wellness front, I have an appointment with my PCP next week. For reason, I said “it’s about time to do something about my mental health.” This is a backup, but I hope to discuss it tomorrow with my intake nurse for my new onc. It’s a full new patient appointment, so I expect a workup similar to a brand new oncology patient. H is coming, too. And he will be more likely to say something about it than me.

Side note,even ignoring how hard it can be to admit you need help, when you do it after 11 months of hearing “your so strong” or “brave” or “fight fight fight” - it’s just.... like that’s the only acceptable thing. Being strong and fighting. It’s a mind fuck

[mrsukyankee]

rubytue, finding help is being strong and fighting, but it's also taking care of yourself and being compassionate to yourself (and possibly others). So, I'll add, well done for being kind and compassionate to yourself.

[gault]

Next Tuesday i am having bariatric surgery. Traditional gastric bypass.

This isn't my home board so you most likely don't know my story, but I've struggled with self image and weight my whole life. I lost 130 pounds in the early 2010's and slowly gained it ALL back, plus more. In that time i have learned to respect myself and have a decent self image, but the genetics and family circumstances that got me there and long term habits never really healed.

This summer it all came to a head. I was tired all the time, had grotesquely swollen feet and ankles, couldn't walk long distances. So started the process for this surgery. Since then ive lost 25 pounds and am ready to make the changes necessary to use this as a tool for long term success, not as a cure. Lol. It's up to me, ultimately.

Up until a few days ago i was very zen and focused and not anxious. Now i am not nervous for the surgery but for the side effects. It can change relationships, family dynamics, personality. Hopefully because ive lost a drastic amount of weight before, i know what to expect. Medically, though, it will be very different.

Sorry for the novel. It'll be a huge change and i am ready for it, but the unknown is a little scary.

[Deleted]

I had my hand surgery a week ago. I still have abnormal sensation in my hand, and I’m starting to panic that it’s never going to go back to normal.

[carmenere]

gault, I hope all goes well with your surgery and recovery.

I tried going to the free Pilates class offered at my office and it was way too intense for me, so I want to take a beginner level class at a studio to build up and get back in shape. I booked an intro class at a studio near my house and someone from the studio just called and asked me a whole bunch of questions about my experience with Pilates, so even though it's labeled as a beginner class I'm nervous.

[penguingrrl]

gault good luck!!!! Wishing you all the very best!

[rubytue]

Well, I have an appointment with the survivorship nurse on Tuesday. And referrals to a social worker and psychiatrist. Baby steps

[lexus]

In January I called my healthcare network and got a screening appointment to see if I actually qualify for eating disorder therapy. It was a phone appointment but the therapist said I definitely am a binge eater but since it’s only moderate I don’t qualify to work with him. He told me that if I started seeing a traditional therapist he would consult with them. I had two appointments with the traditional therapist and was getting conflicting readings on her about diet/intentional weight loss but she did help me realize I advocate for everyone else in my life but myself. I had previously reached out to my PCP about seeing a nutritionist, they gave me the number for the weight loss program. 🙄 She had me send another message in front of her and made me promise I would call from the car.

I was finally able to get a referral and saw the nutritionist yesterday. She’s amazing! She (and every nutritionist in my network) work from a HAES prospective and she gave me some great book, instagram, and podcast recommendations. She showed me the teen and regular intuitive eating workbooks and said the teen one is more approachable so that’s what I ordered. I’ve also got Body Kindness coming too. I’d be happy to share the Instagram accounts and podcasts she recommended if anyone is interested. I also saw the therapist yesterday and we agreed that really what I was looking for was help the nutritionist can provide so I won’t be going back to see the therapist for a while. Feeling good about my self care day yesterday.