Man of Music -
You're absolutely right. I count my blessings every day that my company has been so willing to work with me through this. It's been about a year and half now since my anxiety has really affected my attendance. I've had many ups and downs during that time and while my general direction is up right now, I'm definitely experiencing a setback. I'm hoping it's just temporary setback and I'll be back to my recovery at work soon. I was getting close to my attendance goals before the most recent setback so I hope I can regain my momentum and take up where I left off.
Thanks for the positive words. I'm not too worried about my weight right now. I'll take your advice and head out for another run, suit and all! Good luck with WW and if you need to wait until the funds are available, just be conscious of what you're eating and how much physical activity you're getting. Those are key to maintaining a healthy weight. You've done great with your diet changes so I have no doubt you can lose the weight you would like.
I'm so glad you're not beating yourself up for slipping with the salt. It's not a big deal to lapse every now and then. It doesn't negate all the hard work you've done up until now and certainly doesn't stop you from returning to your plans tomorrow. Keep up the good work!
Jamie
One More Step
Helping Hands -
You're too kind! I'm glad that you've found my comments helpful. It's been very therapeutic for me just to log my thoughts and experiences as well as share my ideas with others. Everyone who's posted is making a huge difference in the StressCenter.com community, including you.
Also, thank you for your compliment regarding my work. I try to be an asset and barring this condition, I typically am. I know I'll get there again, I just have to get through this. So, I'll keep fighting. I hope you'll all keep fighting with me.
I sympathize with your driving issues. While the details are a little different, I also suffer from difficulty driving. As I've said all along, the best way to defeat these fears is to practice as often as possible. The more exposure to our fears we experience, the less they affect us.
Jamie
You're too kind! I'm glad that you've found my comments helpful. It's been very therapeutic for me just to log my thoughts and experiences as well as share my ideas with others. Everyone who's posted is making a huge difference in the StressCenter.com community, including you.
Also, thank you for your compliment regarding my work. I try to be an asset and barring this condition, I typically am. I know I'll get there again, I just have to get through this. So, I'll keep fighting. I hope you'll all keep fighting with me.
I sympathize with your driving issues. While the details are a little different, I also suffer from difficulty driving. As I've said all along, the best way to defeat these fears is to practice as often as possible. The more exposure to our fears we experience, the less they affect us.
Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters
Ninja (AKA shiatsu master masked one) -
I guess right now I don't do much in terms of enjoyment. I have a few hobbies but I've let them slide since I'm focusing so much on trying to recover while retaining my job at the same time. It doesn't leave much time for fun.
On top of that I'm battling sleeping trouble like you and depression, both of which have zapped my interest in a lot of the things I used to enjoy. I'll know that my interests will come back in time, but I'm not there yet. Soon though, I hope.
These days, when I finally get some free time, all I want to do is sleep. I'm absolutely exhausted! That's physically, mentally, and all the other ways I can think of using the word. Anxiety sucks up energy like a black hole.
Fortunately, I have a loving and supportive partner who I spend most of my free time with. I do enjoy the time we spend together even if we're just going out for coffee (decaf) and it does give me a break from all the other stuff going on in my life. But you're absolutely right. I do need to find a positive way to reward myself.
I'm glad you've focused on a goal and are making progress. Sleep is so important to our general well being and specifically with our ability to handle stress. I hope things continue to improve for you.
Jamie
I guess right now I don't do much in terms of enjoyment. I have a few hobbies but I've let them slide since I'm focusing so much on trying to recover while retaining my job at the same time. It doesn't leave much time for fun.
On top of that I'm battling sleeping trouble like you and depression, both of which have zapped my interest in a lot of the things I used to enjoy. I'll know that my interests will come back in time, but I'm not there yet. Soon though, I hope.
These days, when I finally get some free time, all I want to do is sleep. I'm absolutely exhausted! That's physically, mentally, and all the other ways I can think of using the word. Anxiety sucks up energy like a black hole.
Fortunately, I have a loving and supportive partner who I spend most of my free time with. I do enjoy the time we spend together even if we're just going out for coffee (decaf) and it does give me a break from all the other stuff going on in my life. But you're absolutely right. I do need to find a positive way to reward myself.
I'm glad you've focused on a goal and are making progress. Sleep is so important to our general well being and specifically with our ability to handle stress. I hope things continue to improve for you.
Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters
Today I finally got some hours in at work (yay!). My supervisor was glad to see me and was ready to jump right into stuff. My anxiety was reasonably under control and it felt good to be there and be productive. I hope to continue this into a trend of increasing hours.
I also got my motorcycle out this evening. It's been about two and half weeks since I last rode it so it needed the ride. I look forward to when it becomes a joy again instead of a chore. I just need to keep working on the rides and get comfortable being out on it again. I'm definitely better than before but I've still got a long way to go.
My exercise is suffering a bit right now. I seem to running out of time and energy. Oh well. I've got tomorrow to start out again. This is not a failure, just a pause. No sense in getting worked up about it.
Thanks for everyone's support. I hope you're all doing well and striving to meet your goals.
Jamie
I also got my motorcycle out this evening. It's been about two and half weeks since I last rode it so it needed the ride. I look forward to when it becomes a joy again instead of a chore. I just need to keep working on the rides and get comfortable being out on it again. I'm definitely better than before but I've still got a long way to go.
My exercise is suffering a bit right now. I seem to running out of time and energy. Oh well. I've got tomorrow to start out again. This is not a failure, just a pause. No sense in getting worked up about it.
Thanks for everyone's support. I hope you're all doing well and striving to meet your goals.
Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters
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NinjaFrodo
- Posts: 1263
- Joined: Wed Aug 18, 2004 3:00 am
i don't know if you ever read any of my threads about digestion and energy/lack of motivation. What kinda things do you eat?
Mike
Mike
Here is the link to the Letting Go thread which is designated for venting
http://forum.stresscenter.com/viewtopic ... 52&t=25087
You can follow me on Twitter, same username or check out my blog
http://ninjafrodo.blogspot.com/
http://forum.stresscenter.com/viewtopic ... 52&t=25087
You can follow me on Twitter, same username or check out my blog
http://ninjafrodo.blogspot.com/
Mike -
I don't think that I've seen any of your posts about nutrition.
I don't eat terribly, but I don't eat great either. I definitely like my carbs. I always start out my day with a bowl of cereal (usually regular Life or shredded wheat) and soy milk. During the week I often grab lunch at work which is usually either a sandwich or teriyaki. I try to keep dinners generally small. Typically I'll have some fruit, yogurt, and some crackers and cheese.
My biggest weakness is sweets, so I'll often have a pastry with my coffee now and then. A cookie may slip in on occasion too. I don't eat veggies that often unless eating out or having V8 at home.
Snacks are often a Clif Bar or something else with a good mix of protein, fat, and carbs. I do take vitamins and supplements to help out, but I know they're not the same as the real thing.
Any advice?
Jamie
I don't think that I've seen any of your posts about nutrition.
I don't eat terribly, but I don't eat great either. I definitely like my carbs. I always start out my day with a bowl of cereal (usually regular Life or shredded wheat) and soy milk. During the week I often grab lunch at work which is usually either a sandwich or teriyaki. I try to keep dinners generally small. Typically I'll have some fruit, yogurt, and some crackers and cheese.
My biggest weakness is sweets, so I'll often have a pastry with my coffee now and then. A cookie may slip in on occasion too. I don't eat veggies that often unless eating out or having V8 at home.
Snacks are often a Clif Bar or something else with a good mix of protein, fat, and carbs. I do take vitamins and supplements to help out, but I know they're not the same as the real thing.
Any advice?
Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters
Hi everyone,
Jamie, you mentionned having low energy, physically and mentally. When my anxiety and depression were at it's worst, I was convinced that I had something else majorly wrong with me. I was tested for just about everything and like so many of us, everything came back "normal" except for a little high on the blood sugar level which has since lowered.
I couldn't believe how much time it took before I started to feel more energy, especially physically. Like you said, the anxiety can suck everything from you!! Noone understands this exhaustion unless you've been through it. And I'm sure we all have. It has taken a lot of hard work, determination and prayer for me to improve one baby step at a time. Writing in my journal everyday really helps because now I can look back at my worst days and know that I got out of those dreadful feelings and I know now that I can do it again. We all can.
You are very very helpful to us all by sharing your personal experiences and inspiring us to not give up. You are trying so hard and doing so much progress, one baby step at a time. Wait a go!
By the way, you asked a while back if the "Driving CD" was worth the 10 bucks? Absolutely! Caroline from the program is the one who put this CD together. In the past, she had a terrible time with driving and she shares some great advice and gives an honest, kind and fresh new approach on how to conquer your fears, especially driving. I really like listening to her, just like I find it very helpful and hopeful reading everyone's postings.
To our stamina and recovery! All the best everyone! Claudette
Jamie, you mentionned having low energy, physically and mentally. When my anxiety and depression were at it's worst, I was convinced that I had something else majorly wrong with me. I was tested for just about everything and like so many of us, everything came back "normal" except for a little high on the blood sugar level which has since lowered.
I couldn't believe how much time it took before I started to feel more energy, especially physically. Like you said, the anxiety can suck everything from you!! Noone understands this exhaustion unless you've been through it. And I'm sure we all have. It has taken a lot of hard work, determination and prayer for me to improve one baby step at a time. Writing in my journal everyday really helps because now I can look back at my worst days and know that I got out of those dreadful feelings and I know now that I can do it again. We all can.
You are very very helpful to us all by sharing your personal experiences and inspiring us to not give up. You are trying so hard and doing so much progress, one baby step at a time. Wait a go!
By the way, you asked a while back if the "Driving CD" was worth the 10 bucks? Absolutely! Caroline from the program is the one who put this CD together. In the past, she had a terrible time with driving and she shares some great advice and gives an honest, kind and fresh new approach on how to conquer your fears, especially driving. I really like listening to her, just like I find it very helpful and hopeful reading everyone's postings.
To our stamina and recovery! All the best everyone! Claudette
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manofmusic
- Posts: 711
- Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2009 12:07 am
- Location: Canada
SeaRunner - I found a trick that helps me thru the cravings. It's quite simple too. I have a "desk job". So it makes it real easy for me. I keep a mug of ice water with me all day long. I've found that if I get an urge to eat or munch all day long, I find that sometimes it's actually thirst. Before I know it, I've gotten in the equivalent of 10 to 12 glasses of water in.
With that being said.........I find out that I'm a stress eater. Stress at the job this week was the reason I went off the "salt detox" and I really paid the price after. I felt like garbage after I ate the stuff too. With all of the water I've been getting in, I found that the salt just held on to the water. My hands feel very tight and I have a big headache. I wish that when the cravings come, I could remember what this feels like. It also increases the panicky feelings too.
I'm sitting behing the computer with a mug of ice water. I know not to drink past 7:30-8:00 or I'll spend my sleep time in the bathroom.
Work is getting stressful. The stress will be back to a normal level towards the middle of next week, but for now, it's rough.
Time to refill the mug.
Hope everyone is doing their best to keep the promises. If not, today is the fresh start.
With that being said.........I find out that I'm a stress eater. Stress at the job this week was the reason I went off the "salt detox" and I really paid the price after. I felt like garbage after I ate the stuff too. With all of the water I've been getting in, I found that the salt just held on to the water. My hands feel very tight and I have a big headache. I wish that when the cravings come, I could remember what this feels like. It also increases the panicky feelings too.
I'm sitting behing the computer with a mug of ice water. I know not to drink past 7:30-8:00 or I'll spend my sleep time in the bathroom.
Work is getting stressful. The stress will be back to a normal level towards the middle of next week, but for now, it's rough.
Time to refill the mug.
Hope everyone is doing their best to keep the promises. If not, today is the fresh start.
Claudette -
You're so right about looking back at where we've been. We get so caught up in the moment thinking that this is the worst or that this "is it", but we've all been through it before. In fact, we're often much better off than in the past as you said. It's hard to get our heads above the trees to see that we've made quite some progress. Sometimes it takes input from someone else to give us fresh perspective. Thanks for the ladder to see the whole view! :p
I really appreciate your encouragement and I'll check out the driving CD. Is it offered on the site? I am going through a rough time right now but I've promised myself to keep my thoughts on the positive side. I've been through worse. I've come through this before. I can do it again. I have lots of support (that means you guys). So I'm going to make my goal for the next few days very simple: let go of the worry and focus on the positive. How hard can that be, LOL?
Jamie
You're so right about looking back at where we've been. We get so caught up in the moment thinking that this is the worst or that this "is it", but we've all been through it before. In fact, we're often much better off than in the past as you said. It's hard to get our heads above the trees to see that we've made quite some progress. Sometimes it takes input from someone else to give us fresh perspective. Thanks for the ladder to see the whole view! :p
I really appreciate your encouragement and I'll check out the driving CD. Is it offered on the site? I am going through a rough time right now but I've promised myself to keep my thoughts on the positive side. I've been through worse. I've come through this before. I can do it again. I have lots of support (that means you guys). So I'm going to make my goal for the next few days very simple: let go of the worry and focus on the positive. How hard can that be, LOL?
Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters
Mr. Music -
That's a great idea with the water. Not only are you sidestepping your craving but you're getting all the healthy benefits of drinking all that water. I hear that's great for cleaning out your system from all the bad stuff we take in. Of course, now you're polluting the water supply!
You're wise to remember how it made you feel when you "fell of the wagon". Maybe write a little note to remind yourself for when you're tempted during another stressful time. It's easy to forget those things when the cravings come. In any event, you are doing fabulous. Keep up the great work.
Jamie
That's a great idea with the water. Not only are you sidestepping your craving but you're getting all the healthy benefits of drinking all that water. I hear that's great for cleaning out your system from all the bad stuff we take in. Of course, now you're polluting the water supply!
You're wise to remember how it made you feel when you "fell of the wagon". Maybe write a little note to remind yourself for when you're tempted during another stressful time. It's easy to forget those things when the cravings come. In any event, you are doing fabulous. Keep up the great work.
Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters