One thing more than anything that brings me instant relief for depression is cardio exercise. The relief is temporary and needs to be kept up with daily, but it is a relief that *really* feels good. The issue, when you feel like crap, is making yourself DO IT. And the only thing for that is to just keep doing it and develop self discipline. I mean, I function. I don't have debilitating, can't function, can't get out of bed depression. I get up at the same time every day because I HAVE to. I follow a structured routine with the children in the morning. We follow a fairly structured homework/dinner/evening routine. Day after day after day. It's what makes things run (somewhat) smoothly. Exercise should be no different.
One thing I REALLY want to change about myself is getting up really early. MAKING myself get up early and get the exercise done *before* anything else. But oh..when the morning comes, and it's so cold, and I still don't feel rested, it is hard. I'm not sure it will be any more difficult an hour or so earlier though, so why don't I do it?? Once the kids are out the door at 8:30am, I'm alone. I have the option of doing what I want, or doing what I ought. Right now, doing what I *want* is not the right choice and doing what I *ought* is the more rewarding one. I would like to see the day when the two become ONE. That what I *want* IS what I *ought*. Is there such a day? I'm guessing this battle will always be there.
I have one child home sick from school today (although I think she probably could have gone). After sending my son off to school, I forced myself to get on the eliptical machine and I feel *much* better. With a long list of important tasks to complete today, this is a good thing because I've set myself up for a much more productive day, despite the way I feel. The stuff will get done. The cardio is behind me. I started the day with my Amazing Meal first thing and food is planned and prepared for the day. I'm planning to get some more exercise in after lunch, before my son gets home.
I'm hoping that this phase passes quickly. I have learned to just ride the waves. Life is good..no matter what.
I desire to get up early enough to exercise before work too, but haven't found the discipline to get out of the warm bed as of yet. Something I do still want, and believe I will get there someday, but wow is it hard.
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I also force myself to get up by a certain time in the morning, because I no longer have kids at home and I am retired. I always feel better and have a better day when I don't sleep in. I also usually have some activity planned where I get out of the house (i.e., Bridge, gym, volunteering, taking care of grandkids, etc). It really helps stay on my food plan, because I am busy.
ReplyDeleteGood way of looking at it. Making that period of time a non-negotiable, must-do part of your schedule (just like any other daily activity) is how you make it happen. I definitely prefer working out as early as I can (usually as soon as last kid has left for school...if I know that can't work, I have to get up earlier and exercise at home while they kids are asleep/having breakfast/getting ready); every now & then it gets delayed until the evening (which I hate) but it's not negotiable...needs to happen before I can go to bed. :) It's called kicking your own ass and it does require some flexibility!
ReplyDeleteYeah somtimes the winter blues hit suddently. I agree about exercise being a great solution. It is the release endorphins that immediatly helps. This is a good thing as Martha would say. I hope you feel better soon.
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