Life Style Changes

Maybe it is time for me to post here too...

I have set a new goal for exercising, and maybe posting here will help me see it through. 2012 and first part of 2013 I was very dedicated to exercising and eating healthy. I lost quite a bit of weight, but have gained about half of it back over the last year After summer I have gone to the gym approximately once a week. It is better than nothing, but not enough. Especially since I only lift weights and don't do any running.

Now I have a new plan, which I think am sure will make a difference if I can just stick with it

• Monday: Upper body weight lifting exercises and 3 times 3 minutes running
• Wednesday: Lower body weight lifting exercises
• Friday: Upper body weight lifting exercises and 3 times 3 minutes running

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I do like lifting weights much more than running or any other endurance exercises. My body also reacts very well to it, and I like the feeling of getting stronger. I know that if I can just make a habit of it, it will not be so hard. But the first few weeks I really have to be strict with myself and not listen to the thousand and one excuses I come up with

Good luck to all of you in achieving the goals you set But try to be as fair with yourself as you would be with someone else. Sometimes there are valid reasons for not making it, then usually nothing good will come from considering it a failure.

 

I too have trouble remembering everyone and batt time on laptop is really low right now...

Illy, don't know how many lbs in a kEg but... way to go, girl!!!
I've seen ppl wearing neoprene and velcro type braces on their knees. I wonder if something like that would keep it from going out on you? Good luck with that knee regardless.
My weeds are knee high and couldn't be drier. I might tackle some of them soon. LOL!
I've been working on a project that I started about a year and a half ago. Got stymied on trying to get it done by myself. Had to rethink the project. Figured out another way to do it during the winter and started it during the early chemo steroid induced exercise moments. Finally cool enough to resume working on it an hour or so a day. Getting near the end. Be glad to cross that off my LIST!

I've been plagued with lightheadedness and dizzy spells for decades. Sometimes it seems like my ears. Sometimes... After I eliminated peanuts and soy from my diet, problem is a lot less frequent. They were causing congestion in my ears for one thing. Some prescription meds recently have aggravated it. I have to spend those days laying around or sitting. UGH!

Sadly I think I've gained weight since July so clamping down on things...

Battery going... later...

 

1 kg equals 2.2 lbs. 10 kg equals 22 lbs.
So about 15 lbs are lost and that is very good.

 

Thank you Dienstag, Suzee, PnP, Brooke, Joyce, Mir and all the other members of the Life Style Changes Club!

I remembered another new project I have started which may encourage others. I have found my brain to be getting a little sluggish lately, partly due to age but partly due to laziness - again!

In the days before I found Farmerama, my favourtie pastime was my Nintendo and I bought all the brain training games I could. Of course, I still play with my Nintendo but tend to stick to one game, Scrabble, (too lazy to change the game can you believe - and it takes time getting back to another game after a long break lol! Yeah, I have every excuse in the book and a few more of my own!). So I am setting myself the (small at the moment) target of doing enough to get my daily "stamp" for doing three brain exercises. I intend to build this up to spending a half hour or more doing brain training and hopefully I will see some benefit.

Have fun with all your projects and you may find they are easier to achieve - jmho.

 

{{hugs all}}

Just swinging by real quick... wanted to let you all know how precious everyone here is to me! There is something so special when we open our hearts up to each other and can find a safe place to do so. (Thank you so much sglick for reopening this thread!) ♥ I love the encouragement and the laughter in the midst of mistakes. ♥ (I simply refuse to call them failures, but prefer the term "learning experiences.")

I will come back after my trip and make a post of my own *cough* learning experiences (after I catch up on classes). I will admit that I have been reading this thread when I should have been packing and doing other things! {{blush}} That's why it was after midnight when I got to bed last night... and I was up less than 6 hours later! There is not nearly enough time to post as I would like since my family and I are leaving for a weekend (ministry research) trip this afternoon.

But just stopping by mainly to say I am thinking of you all and praying for you as you are on my heart...

Love you guys! ~CJ

 

Awww thanks CJAT! Have a great time on your trip!

illy - I also like to exercise my brain on a daily basis. Also hoping to ward off dementia...plus it's fun and easier than physical exercise! I do our crossword puzzle every day. One of my sons thought he would stump both of his "old, decrepit parents" the other day....by asking what is 4 letter word in the English dictionary without any vowels? In 2 seconds...I said "psst"....he looked so disappointed...and said "How did you know that?". My crossword puzzles was my answer!

 

lol Brooke that is great!
CJAT glad to see you here. Illy, brain training.. good idea!
The lady I work for has dementia among other things, we play 20 questions countless times per day... would like to hope that counts somehow.
Got sad news lastnight here, my last remaining Uncle has a brain bleed, just a matter of time now... drs are stumped as to why he is still here, no medical reason they can find for him to still be alive ~ He has always been very stubborn, and I believe he is waiting to give up the ghost til his daughter sees him to say good bye. All prayers appreciated. Thank you, I see a road trip in my near future to show my support and love to family.
Headed to work in an hour and today my list is mainly praying for people, no real physical goals today, the mental and spiritual today takes precedence.

 

crzyjoyce I am so sorry about your uncle..
I wish the best for you and him...

 

joyce - prayers go with you as you and your family face this difficult time.

I agree that brain exercises are very good to help keep your mind sharp and slow the aging process. My Dr says that even 5-10 min a day of working puzzles, brain teasers, crosswords... will make a big difference. My favorite is Sudoku.

 

Sorry to hear about your uncle. Hope his passing is peaceful.

I recently found out one of my relatives has leukemia. Because of my relatives advanced age and other health problems they will not be putting him thru chemo, etc. My traveling days, even if I could afford it, are over so I just send cards and best wishes.

I managed another hour this morning outside. Small heat wave moving in. I had to come back inside before 10a because it was getting too hot and I was getting sick. 2 more sessions...

Kava is another herbal that ppl take for minor depression. Do research online and talk to doc before taking it or the others. Just because it is natural doesn't mean it can't harm you. Arsenic and botox are natural.

One of the reasons I play this game is to keep the brain active. It's why I do the math the long way. I play other games on my eTablet because it is easier to handle than my laptop.

I used to do crossword puzzles in the paper. Suddenly, the fools had too much trouble finding my house in the middle of the city! Got tired of repeatedly calling to get replacements days later, if at all. So I cancelled the subscription years ago. I do miss those puzzles and sudoku. Love my eTablet. Don't feel so guilty chopping down perfectly healthy trees anymore.

I definitely feel that playing any game helps. Just like any movement counts as exercise. Part of the reason I went on disability the first time was because I had trouble remembering things. I couldn't remember how to do my job. Also I would get to the store and forgot what I needed, except the sugary stuff. Have to walk back the next day except I needed 3 days of rest between outings. I started making lists... and leaving them home. After a few years I developed a system for keeping track of the lists. Resting helped me regain some of my memory and concentration. Part of my problem was sleep deprivation of stress from every direction and no relief anywhere. This game has helped me with memory. As well as other tasks that I do.

Another reason I started making lists was by writing things down I was "offloading" the stress of trying to remember everything that needed to be done. I started sleeping better because I wasn't as worried about forgetting.

Speaking of mice... the field mice keep finding their way in here. Haven't had one for more than a year. Found evidence about 2 months ago. Put everything in glass jars, fridge/freezer or plastic boxes or the microwave. Set traps out but he took the bait and was too light weight to trigger the trap. Then went about a week without any evidence. YAY!!! Elvas has left the building. About a week later... what's that smell? DEAD Elvas?! The odor was never strong enough to be certain what or where it was. Might have been under the house. This house is like a sieve. Don't have energy enough to move everything and look for a corpse. Odor been gone about a week. Then I saw something out of the corner of my eye, movement. Not currently sure of mice status.

 

Crzyjoyce Thinking of you and your uncle.

Suzzee, sounds like the mouse may be having more exercise than me!

I too agree that mental games are good although Hubby does not agree. I love Sudoku, and also have the arrowword books. For those that don't know, the clues are in the squares (which would be black in an ordinary crossword) with an arrow pointing the direction of the clue. I buy the books from the supermarket as and when I need them. Sometimes a good old pencil and paper are better than the computer.

Today I cut more of the roses down. Two more trailer loads down to the bonfire. That's bending and reaching and back-aching exercise.

 

I would say I am sorry for not posting nor reading this thread for the last couple of weeks. I know you all understand. The reason I am on disability is mainly for depression. I take prescription medication for it, but I still go into funky emotional states that last awhile. I would prefer to take natural or homeopathic, but they never really worked for me. My meds just take the edge off the depression so that I can function - sort of. I still have to work - mentally at keeping myself moving forward and staying positive.

Farming has helped with this. When I first started farming in early 2010. Often I was not getting out of bed. Harvesting my fields became my reason to get out of bed each day. Even in the mists of my heavy depressive fog back then, I knew I had to keep my brain functioning. Farming and yes, math helped me keep my brain alert and thinking without my mind staying stuck in all the negative gobble-gook. My mind constantly tells me how wrong, bad and horrible I am. It still does. I have just gotten better at ignoring it, but I still go through periods were I have to pull back and not interact with other people.

This is why I Love this forum. I can interact and be social when I am able. Then when I need to crawl back in my hole for safety I can without hurting anyone's feelings. That is my biggest fear - hurting other's. That is what the gooble-gook tells me 24/7 by providing examples of my previous offense through my memories. It is hard to navigate through this quagmire. I am learning to do what I can when I can.
I have been afraid to let some on this forum know this truth about me, On this thread, I feel safe to share this truth without out fearing judgment or ridicule.

I have been beating myself up lately, because I can't stop eating. I have gained about 10 pounds in the last month. I just can't get back into my way of eating that helped me lose weight. I am so discouraged with myself. The 2 good things about my situation. Is I can feel this extra weight. In the past, I could gain 50 or more pounds with out feeling it. The 2nd improvement is my awareness of what I am eating. I am still aware of nutritional value and when and how often I am eating.

Cleaning is minimal and exercising is non-existent. I am aware that every little thing I throw away or put away adds up. Plus, I am choosing to park further away so I have to walk more. More importantly, I still want to clean and exercise. I have not given up hope that someday....

Another big change is that I will no longer go to the art studio that I have been going to for the last 2 years so I will no longer be working on mosaics. I am trying to stay positive that it is time for me to make another move forward. The reason that I decided to leave is because of bed bugs. One bug was found about 3 months ago. Precautions were taken. I thought like everyone else that this was just a random remote bug. Monday, I noticed that someone placed an old mattress near the dumpster in back of the building. Someone wrote on it, "has bed bug". To me this means that one of the near by apartments has an infestation of bed bugs. The buildings are so close together that even if the art studio does every thing it can. I still think it will become invested in time. I cannot take the chance of bringing a bed bug home.
I am taking this as a positive sign that I need to paint at home. Something that I have always dreamed of being able to do. I have the time, the space (very limited) and supplies. The only thing stopping me from being productive with my painting is me.

Yes, my siggy is a mosaic that I made. It is on top of a night stand that I painted. It was at the art studio so I could possible sell it. I have brought it home along with my last project which is not totally finished. Additionally, I could not bring my unfinished Mandala project home since I can't finish it at home. I am Ok with this. I feel like I finished what i needed to finish of it and making it helped me tremendously.
Life is gone to be different for me know. I will have to rely more on my faith to keep me going and to keep me positive and productive. I am glad you all are here to help so we can continue to encourage each other.

BTW, I bought a year's subscription to Luminosity which is a research based series of games designed to improve cognition. It works. It helped my memory, but sadly, it helped me remember my negative memories more often so I stopped playing it. Since, I stopped, my daily memory has gotten worse. I know that my depression is causing my daily memory to deteriorate.

As OP, I feel a "should" That I should write a response to everyone's post. I am sorry I can't. What I can do is to let you know that I have read your post by marking that I "Like" it. I do like that you all have shared your heart.

I do want to express my sorry for crzyjoce and heilds about your families' loses. Even when it is expected and even a Blessing, it still hurts. Allow yourself to grief their passing.

I will end with a quote from my favorite Twisted Sister, " my mantra is.....eat less and move more!"

 

Dear Sglick. I did wonder where you were and fully understand how you are feeling. I hope you will come out of your dark tunnel soon and get back on track with your health goals. Thinking of you and big hugs (although I know you are not a touchy feely person - like me) FW.

 

sglick - good to see you again. I am very sorry you are dealing with depression that makes you feel wrong, bad and horrible with a big concern of hurting others. I hope that one day you will see yourself as others see you. Be kind to yourself. You have been through a tremendous loss and it takes time to move through it. I am sorry you will not be able to return to the art studio but am glad to hear you can still work on your lovely art in your own home. Try to take baby steps...be proud of yourself for all positive things you do for yourself and be forgiving in areas that still need improvement. You have recognized those areas so no need to beat yourself up (black and blue are not the prettiest fall colors to wear). Take care....

 

sglick(aka twisted sister) - I am so proud you trust us so much to share these feelings with us. Like pnp said....I wish you could see yourself as we do...... a kind, intelligent, generous, soulfull woman with so much to give others. You always give us all the benefit of doubt as well as others in your RL.
Okay....you slipped(we all do) off your lifestyle change eating plan....maybe revise it(I know eating the same thing gets booooorrring) especially with the change of the season. I've been making home made broths....you could add veggies...I have found their yummy (always ready to eat....which is great when I want to cheat) and fairly inexpensive....so I'm saving calories, fat, time and $$$.

You've been through the ringer with the loss of your sister, a huge trip home, flooding of your home and now losing the art studio. Give yourself time to heal....and definitely do NOT get down on yourself. sglick you are a giant support to me and so many others, give yourself credit for being a terrific friend! Why? Because we all adore You!!!!

p.s. Your nightstand is incredibly beautiful!

 

I echo Brookeham, couldn't have said it better myself.

B

 

I know, i am kind of new here. But since I found this thread about a week ago, I do eat less cookie's . So sglick, you do help and don't even know it.
Your art is so beautiful and happy.

Depression is a not easy illness. My cousin has it too. She couldn't even go to work and had to be hospitalised on and off.
Don't be hard on you.

In a magazine was a tip that I tried. Put a cup (or more, it still works) of shredded black beans in your brownies. So you have some fiber and proteins and a little less guilt while eating it. You don't taste a difference. And it is childproof. Mine won't believe the special ingredience are beans. Or add shredded squash to pancakes.

If you think I over step at some point. please let me know. That is not on purpose.

 

I add shredded zucchini to my chocolate muffins and my kids have ZERO idea of it and they are so moist because of it.

I'm going to try the black bean idea!!!! Thanks Dienstag for sharing that.

 

It seams we have to be tricky with our kids some times.
Like we read earlier in this thread, every little bit helps.

We had an out door service with pot luck today. The chips stared at me and I stared right back, very hard. Also the ice cream could be ignored. (barely) I did try different desserts, but less than usual.
This week, I will chew lots of gum, because I am making lots of cookies for our annual bazaar. Some breads on Friday.

So reading in here already helps.

For the exercise. I probably need to give every one in here a broom,to give/smack some on my behind, to get me moving.

 

Dienstag.