Not letting my job get in the way

history_grrrl
history_grrrl Posts: 221 Member
in Getting Started

I’m back here after a 10 month hiatus. I had been doing amazingly well, losing weight at a comfortable pace, feeling good . . . and then I started a very demanding, intense job (same workplace) and let it all go. I hadn’t even realized that my last login coincided almost immediately with the start of the job. And I have put 15 pounds back on.

This isn’t a new problem for me; I often let things that involve taking care of myself (exercise, physiotherapy, etc.) go by the wayside when work takes over my life. It’s not a good pattern. I know I need to simply decide that this is a priority no matter what and find the discipline to stay on track. I’m back now because it’s the time of year when things suddenly let up for the summer.

Am curious to know how others have tackled this particular problem. Thanks!

Replies

  • mferla718
    mferla718 Posts: 1 Member

    I'm in basically the same boat as you. I fell off for a bit after getting down to the best weight I have been at in years after having my second son just over a year ago. Also put 15 lbs on, but in a much shorter time frame. Completely lost motivation. Food has always been the hardest part for me. I love sweets and I went off the deep end with that. I decided to start here and start watching what I am eating and work out when I can. I always put such a big stress on exercise but still ate pretty much whatever whenever. Just doing it a little differently this time. Just trying to be more intentional with movement as well even if it's not necessarily a full blown work out. Goodluck to you! You've got this!

  • parkheid
    parkheid Posts: 1 Member

    Have put on 14 pounds in new job through stress and boredom. Did well cutting out snacks for a few weeks but back to bad habits. Summer clothes all feel too tight.

  • megd44
    megd44 Posts: 541 Member

    Great question. I think the answers will all vary based on so many personal pieces that go into this.

    I am in a high pressure, high stress but incredibly rewarding field. For the first 30 years of my career, I always let my job rule so much of my life. Enough that by the time I was done with spending time with husband and other adult responsibilities, any time to worry about me was gone. Of course I would on and off take time for myself, but not develop the habits I needed to sustain.

    That changed about a year ago. I had the opportunity to really think about what I want me retired life, now only six years away, to look like and be. I know too many people that are limited at this stage because of weight and lack of activity. I am determined that won't be me. I want an active retirement. Hiking, swimming, snorkeling, traveling. So I finally got serious.

    I took lots of time reading these forums. Bought a digital food scale and began to make improved food choices. This time for true health reasons and not to look goid at a beach. I started incorporating regular exercise, mainly walking and strength training, into my day. Now I crave it. It helps me mentally and physically.

    But I prioritized all of it, just like I do key meetings. I set a monthly calendar for intentional exercise and do it as planned. We home cook most meals and I bring lunch with me on days I'm not WFH. With flexibility for the unknown. Just like I have managed my career for 30 years. And I give myself grace when I slip.

    But developing the habits slowly means slips don't happen often. And prioritizing has made it truly become second nature. My husband just made a comment to old friends that I am in the best shape of my life. And he's right. Not the thinnest, but the healthiest. So it is working.

    Good luck to you.

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