Come the end of the school year, post grad party hosting and attending, and through to move in day, I still am pretty much focused on parenting. June will fly and then we have the 4th of July, a few long weekends, and before you know it, I'll be in transition mode. I've pondered with you all about the ways to fill my near future free time since I no longer will have weekend and evening activities with my daughter. You've all shared lots of great suggestions and things like more reading, photography, and of course writing will fill some of the gaps. I've decided though, what a new hobby really needs to be is to get myself healthy.
Since using the D word as in diet a month ago, I've shed nothing-not a single pound. The kitchen situation and too many meals without any attention to nutrition and calorie count is a part of it. The hectic schedule, eating on the run, and not getting proper walks in is another factor. Add a dodgy knee, allergies, and an ongoing mild stomach issue, and my laziness at the end of the work day for anything but what has to get done have been the final excuses to my worsening, not improving health status. I'm certainly not young, but at only 53, I creek more than I should. I saw wonderful posts from classmates that did a variety of runs on Mother's Day, looking physically better than I did a decade ago-or a decade and 1/2! I'm not comparing myself to them out of envy, but motivation. I'd love to commit to something next Mother's Day, not running, but a brisk walk that doesn't leave me feeling achy for days.
The trick though to making getting healthier an actual hobby is elusive to me. Part of it will need to focus on eating well, improving what goes into me. The second part will need to be to burn more calories physically and build strength. Other than waking with friends, I can't really think how to make either of those things enjoyable when a comfy couch and years worth of television shows to binge watch are calling me when I come home at night. I could look into the couch to 5K plans and see if I can recruit someone to tackle with me. I could explore a few Community Ed nutrition classes, though I know what to do, what to eat, what is good for me already. Still, it could be fun to think of myself as a student and maybe I'll find a tip or two that becomes a habit.
Regardless of how I spend my time, I know I have focused the last 31 years preparing for and being a parent, I need to now focus on myself. That should mean my health. If you have struggled with personal health, weight, and energy in the past but have developed healthy routines, please share what worked for you. If you are in this same mode, please join the conversation and maybe we'll find some inspiration together.
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ReplyDeleteSecond attempt!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I keep on trying with health. As you know I have mobility issues but I try and get out of my chair and walk for a few minutes when the ads come on TV. I've been trying this for several years and often fall off that particular wagon but a few weeks later I get back on again. Each fall-off is a fail - but each restart is a triumph.
I try doing things like using the farthest most bathroom in the office and parking in the far lot.
Deletenew beginnings and changes are always hard,, I think for me it was a lot about portion control, I really had to pay attention to what a proper portion was, the other thing for me was to not eliminate everything! Being crazy restrictive never works for me so I just eat what I like, keeping within the proper portions and calories for my day, so I can eat as normally as ever, trying to be healthy, but also living a normal life.to tell myself I will never eat a cookie again is crazy, i'm 62 years old, i'm quite healthy and eating what I have all these years has not hurt me and to change completely is not an option for me, no keto or paleo or what ever the next fad diet is not for me at all, never has been, Day by day, that's all we can do, I wish for you all the best on this adventure.
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying at 53 to find what works for me-just doing my thing is not and particularly as I get older I'm finding more stomach issues.
DeleteThat's a great goal. For me personally, it's about finding a workout time that I can actually consistently do. That's at 6:30 am for me, and I can at least do 30 minutes of something. I also try & add in other workouts, and do longer runs on the weekend. But, starting off my day is really helpful.
ReplyDeleteYou've got this! I'm a few years behind your child free changes, but plan to use my sabbatical similarly!
I'm the queen of hitting the snooze alrm or sleeping a bit too long. I need to use the time right after work-either go for a walk or hop on the machines quick before getting in the car as I'm finding my long commute has been too draining.
DeleteSlowly transitioning here. I have a graduating DS who isn't going to leave the nest--he's staying at his community college--but I have been trying to let go. In my way of thinking, a kid who is getting all A's in college doesn't need me hovering/always giving my opinion/advice. (At least not so he can see it.) I think it's harder to switch my parenting for me than it is for you, in that my college student will still be in the house. If he were in a dorm, I couldn't say anything, as he wouldn't be here. I'd love for him to hear from a roommate that the very inconsiderate behavior that irritates me irritates them as well. Or better yet, have my son see that behavior in another, and recognize it in himself.
ReplyDeleteRoommate profiles and the selection process, if any want to go that route officially started yesterday. She will have a huge adjustment sharing space!
DeleteI totally understand your struggle. My problem was stress eating and portion control. I have mobility issues so can’t walk any distances and hate gyms, etc. I retired about 10 months ago and stress eating is no longer my issue. In 10 months I have lost 76 pounds and have about that much to go to get where I will be comfortable. I have to watch portions, have given up many white carbs and do not miss them at all and really feel better when I do not eat them. I allow one or two meals out each week and still enjoy a few cocktails, but in moderation. Some weeks I do not eat out at all and sometimes it is more. My weight loss is mainly from calories because of my mobility issues. I do plan to try and go to a pool when the weather is nice to get some exercise in.....not sure how to do this using a cane, and not being in a bathing suit for about 6 years, but feel I want to try it. I have always loved the water, being raised on the Atlantic Ocean. We shall see if this works.....I hope it does. Ten months ago I did not do on this adventure with any expectations, so it is all a bonus. I hope it continues. If I do lose more weight, I will look into have at least one knee replaced as at 64 there are still things I want to do, but with no family, not sure how successful I will be or if the nerve to try new things. I traveled extensively in my 50’s but still have a desire to do more, but need to be able to walk and stand to so that! I love to cook and bake, but now I look for “ victims “ to give all the treats to, with keeping only a small piece for me as a treat! You can do this.....you have your family as support......something I wish I had to help on the journey!
ReplyDeletetie at the lake should help this summer and once my summer is my own again, I'll have time that is "normal." My diet though has not been great, and that is someplace to start immediately.
DeleteYou will be surprised ow much you miss motherhood when that youngest one goes, look for a little depression and then in about 6 weeks you will realize, trust me/ your life is yours and you will blossom.
ReplyDeleteI know I am going to struggle. My friend who's youngest is a year older, plus has a husband that travels has given me good advice to stay active and find my things. She's a trivia peep too now.
DeleteI would not plan too much right now. When the last one leaves the nest it does leave a hole but you will figure out how and when to fill it.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best of luck and much success on your road to healthier. I have lost a decent amount of weight over the past 8 months and am feeling much better. I have knee issues and use the elliptical but large amounts of walking are difficult. The weather is warm and I have the pool open. In about 2 weeks the water will be warm enough and then I will swim daily.
I can plan with the best-it's executing that I am poor at, hence my starts and stops so often on the health front. Daily swims in a nice lake sounds wonderful.
DeleteConsider an indoor pool even if you need to leave the house for it? My goal is 500 steps (often done in ten minute increments fast around my house cause my house is a shape that I can do that, I have a u shaped path). I also do 30 minutes of leg and arm strenth using utube videos (now know them by heart). I need to spend more time in our indoor pool-our rec center even has water weights and such that you can use. I have a checklist and I cannot do things until these are done (admittedly I am home all day in retirement). Some walking, half hour exercise (weights, chair yoga, tai chi) quick house pickup, prayer and healthy breakfast. I have to do those before Ihave my retirement fun, or sit down to read or whatever.
ReplyDeletePossibly a pool, though nothing suitable for exercise like swimming is really near me. There is open lane swimming but that is for really active swimmers I fear. I'll check out options though as swimming is good for my knees.
DeleteI have lost 20 lbs so far this year just by tweaking my diet. I felt like I had to lose weight before I could even start exercising because just standing all day would make my joints ache. With the nicer weather I started walking at the park and when it's not so nice I lift weights at home. I eat a lot of veggies and chicken. Plain, yes, but I don't mind. The hard part is feeding the kids who tire of meals like that. I have a pedometer on my phone with a reminder set to drink water every hour during the day. If it's a special occasion I will treat myself, the goal is to enjoy life, not to deprive myself of happiness along the way to physical health. I still have a lot of weight I would like to lose while I can. I will be 40 next year and Im setting that as my deadline, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteStanding is the worst on my knees. I can walk a lot, but the standing does me in. My phone could be a good reminder. If I could tweak for 20 pounds, that would be a great start.
DeleteYes-trying and mastering are different aren't they. Good luck-that sounds interesting.
ReplyDelete