I've been struggling a little lately. I almost posted a whiny essay about how my life stunk last week. But my better self told me that a.) you wouldn't want to read my whiny post and b.) writing it reminded me how stupid I sounded complaining. I have a fulfilling job, a loving husband, a healthy child, a warm home. I really have nothing to complain about. But I have had that February Feeling. The one where everything just feels a little "off" and the grey, rainy days have taken their toll.
That means it's time for some radical self-care to change my frame of mind. Here's my plan:
1. Eat right. No more eating portions that make me feel yucky afterward.
2. Exercise. I HAVE to find a way to work this into my day even if I have to (horrors!) get up an hour earlier. More likely I'll add a shot of espresso to my afternoon so that I still have a bit of juice left in me after the Sprout goes to bed.
3. Plan some times to get out with friends--go see my friend Amy's play, plan a craft day.
4. Remember to enjoy the Sprout and just play with her sometimes instead of trying to work around her.
5. Watch the calendar page flip to March and hope that means the February Feeling goes away.
That's my start.
What do you do to lift your mood? I can always use some more ideas.
7 comments:
I am so with you on this one. We've been really sick that last week and a half and it's making me crazy. I'm so thankful for the fabric paint that you gave me for Christmas. I've been making some gifts and that creative outlet is helping. We've also been trying to do at least 10 minutes of exercise every night as a family. I know that it's not much but it's something and it feels good. Love you...we have some sunshine today, so that helps too.
You will know that you are not alone when you see my post for today. I chose to look back at my photos and remember that our sick, sick month had some sunshine as well. I'm really looking forward to planting some spinach and peas and onions very soon. It's TIME! I always feel better after I exercise. I just have to make myself do it even when I don't want to. I've decided to write a wellness journal this month. Just a little moleskin planner where I jot down how I felt, what I did that was good for me and what I want to change for tomorrow. I'll look back and see how well I'm taking care of myself at the end of the month.
Happy day! It's MARCH.
Lately, I've been keeping a book open in which I write down things that have "warmed" me, as they come to me or as soon as I can. It is a list of Gifts from God! I am surprised at how this has been changing my disposition! I got the idea from A. Voskamp's book http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/02/of-jesus-oprah-the-nytime-best-sellers-list/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HolyExperience+%28Holy+Experience%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
Hi Deb,
I have that same Feb feeling! It helped me to have a big clear out of my wardrobe, put away all but the very essential winter clothing. Buy bunches of daffs to pop about the place. Listen to uplifting music. Book a cheap and cheerful holiday for May.
I am struggling with the exercise part though! Need motivation in that area!
Bless ya
Jo
I struggle with depression especially around this dreary time of year. Right now, what has really helped me is: cutting out alcohol (unless we are out for a special event), getting up earlier than everyone else in our house so I have an hour of quiet time to myself, trying something new (just started making soy candles - want to come make some?), heading to the coast, yoga, and trying to make something everyday - lots of new paintings this month. Exercise is something I know helps, but I've been bad getting the time or making the effort. Maybe that will be my goal in March. Looks like you have a good list yourself. : )
Hey, you got TWO things crossed off your list this week -- coffee with me on Sunday and the play tonight! It was so nice to have some time with you. Can't wait to have a life again and have more of that. :)
I just wanted to pass this on. Take it or leave it. Long story short, I packed on a fair amount of weight in college and then kept it on for years. I finally decided I didn't know how to feed myself. I ate because it was time to eat. I ate because others were eating. I was an emotional eater. You get the picture. And don't even get me started on potion size. I would pack it away and then feel gross. I had no idea what it felt like to be hungry.
One day I decided to change all that. I actually waited to eat until my stomach growled for food. Then I ate what I was hungry for (no restrictions on food), BUT I consciously only ate until I was satisfied. I did this for every meal. And if I tripped up the day wasn't shot, I just started the process again with the next meal. Like I said, this was not restrictive. I ate what ever I wanted. This made it doable. Slowly but surely the pounds came off and I have maintained my new weight. And because this isn't a diet I feel I will be able to keep this up for life.
Thanks for the sweet comment on the nursery.
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