It’s time to make some changes. Not too many, not too fast.
I live a pretty busy life with a full-time job, and an AuDHD kid. I’m probably not managing the stress as well as I could be due to lifestyle choices. I have extra challenges due to ADHD myself.
I’ve been working with my fitness trainer since October. She’s helping me manage my Achilles tendonitis through resistance training. But I was only doing that once a week. This week I told her I can commit to 15 minute walks every day and a resistance training session at home on Thursdays. (I then work out with her Saturdays.)
At this time I can’t really walk more than 15 minutes without foot pain and limping. I’ve been on my feet A LOT cleaning, organizing and cooking lately.
I’ve committed to donating $5 to a charity of my choice every time I want to order food delivery, and don’t. $5 is a pittance compared to the cost of ordering food. I figure this way I save money, do something values-oriented and consume fewer calories, all in one swoop.
I’m showering first thing in the morning, meditating, and wearing tennis shoes in the house. I’m regularly using a massage gun on my calves to help with the tendonitis.
I’m starting therapy Wednesday night.
I’m not really sure what else to do. Which is to say, the number of things I could do is overwhelming to me, because there is so much I am doing wrong.
But this is where I’m starting.
Feel free to talk about where you are.
You didn’t mention much about your diet or weight. I found that switching to a plant-forward, whole-food, low- to medium-carb diet helped me lose weight, made me feel better, and gave me energy to increase physical activity. Time-restricted eating also keeps me from snacking, but it is a profound lifestyle change that isn’t for everybody. I assume you don’t smoke or drink heavily, but if you do, you should think about cutting back on alcohol and stopping smoking. If you’re not getting eight good hours of sleep at night, that’s something else you can also work on. Finally, if there is a lot of stress in your life, do whatever you can to reduce it by avoiding activities or people that are particularly stressful for you.
My diet is abysmal. Step one is cutting food delivery.
My sleep has been pretty good especially since I got a CPAP for sleep apnea.
I’m not particularly worried about losing weight.
My main motivation is to manage my stress better and have more energy to tackle the challenges on my plate. That’s why therapy is a part of this plan. My kid is going through hell at school and we’re trying to figure out how to help him, and at work I’m under a ton of pressure to fill the gaps felt by massive funding cuts to our organization. Everywhere I look is something to be stressed out about.
What I’m currently doing to get through stress in the present moment is not sustainable.
That’s why therapy is a part of this plan. I need to adjust my cognitive schema.
Physically I’ve got a lot of work to do, too. I want to get to a point where I can walk and hike without worry when I travel. That means continued strengthening of the muscles that support my feet. But I also want a strong core for balance and functional mobility around the house. I also appear to have long COVID which hits me every afternoon and I’m trying to mitigate the effects.
I started keeping a journal last night to review progress and make plans.
It sounds like you are working through your issues as best as you can. Bravo on reaching out to a therapist. After my first divorce, I was a total mess emotionally, and working with a therapist for six months really helped me. I was even able to resolve issues from my childhood. Keep it up and stay focused on getting healthy, whatever that means to you, and if you find things aren’t improving, try using a different approach, but whatever you do, don’t give up.
I’ve never really eaten a lot of sugar but a couple years ago decided to give up my beloved Pop Tarts and peanut butter M & Ms.
And ice cream.
My back has finally deteriorated to the point where walking is excruciating most of the time and there’s nothing that can be done except possibly some epidural shots following an MRI.
I try to get to the grocery store once or twice a week where I can use the carts for leverage.
I am just trying to keep my last years comfortable and enjoyable.