feels like work

shammathews
shammathews Posts: 56 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Over the last month or so I've found myself in a funk. It started with a very stressful family situation and has just snowballed since then. I'm not enjoying this "lifestyle" anymore. I used to love running, working out, eating "right" but in this last month everything just feels like work. I still run and workout, but it's more like I wake up and think "oh I have to run today" instead of "I can't wait to go run!". I feel burnt out and like I just want to eat a tub of ice cream, which wouldn't be helpful since this all started I have gained 5 pounds! It's not even like I was limiting myself before, I was fitting everything into my calorie goals and still eating yummy foods. Anyone feel like this sometimes or have any advice on how to get out of my slump? Thanks!

Replies

  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    Take a week off
  • jdhcm2006
    jdhcm2006 Posts: 2,254 Member
    I went through a month where I lost my motivation to exercise and eat better than I was before. My suggestion is to either make sure everything fits into your current calorie goal or eat at maintenance until you can get your mojo back.
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    Are you taking rest days? They are important.
  • bwogilvie
    bwogilvie Posts: 2,130 Member
    That kind of feeling can be a response to overtraining - doing too much in your workouts, or increasing intensity/duration too fast, or not giving yourself the rest your body requires to repair itself. Taking some time off from the workouts would help if that's the case.

    However, it sounds more like you're stressed and maybe mildly depressed. In that case I wouldn't lay off the exercise entirely, because exercise does help many people deal with stress and depression. Can you figure out what Dr. Yoni Freedhoff calls your "toothbrush level" of exercise? Most of us don't enjoy brushing our teeth but we do it because we know it's good for us. Even if you don't feel like running, can you do 20 minutes three times a week, or whatever else you decide is a minimum?

    It might also help to list the things that you find relaxing or comforting besides that tub of ice cream (and other foods), and make it a priority to do more of those.

    Good luck!
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    Consider seeing a therapist to work through your emotions in general and how they tie in to your eating.
  • shammathews
    shammathews Posts: 56 Member
    I do take at least one rest day a week, sometimes two. And I know the tub of ice cream won't really help, that was more of a joke like "ah screw it". Maybe I should take a week or so off and see how I feel. Thanks for the advice.
  • ataylorgardner
    ataylorgardner Posts: 203 Member
    Maybe try taking a week off but only if you are sure it wont turn into quitting all together. What about changing things up and trying a different type of exercise? Go for a bike ride instead of a run or go swimming or take a yoga class. Just something to change things up until you come out of your funk. Good luck to you
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    This is where your habits kick in. Just do it. The drive will come back.
  • giggitygoo
    giggitygoo Posts: 1,978 Member
    I think everyone goes through stages like this. Motivation comes in waves, but I feel like the real progress is made when you stick to your plan during the hard times.

    Your motivation will come back, and when it does I think you'll be proud of yourself if you stick it out.

    Step it back for a while if you need to; eat at maintenance but still track everything. Maybe change up your workout if you're dreading your runs.
  • TheVirgoddess
    TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
    Maybe find a new workout? Perhaps you're just not into running right now?

    If you take a week off, I would take a week off from exercising, not tracking your intake. Taking a week off of everything wouldn't be good for me, personally.

    It also sounds like you're a little blue. Keep an eye on that, make sure it doesn't turn into anything more serious.

    Take care.
  • amy8400
    amy8400 Posts: 478 Member
    When things have been stressful for me, I've found working out to be a great stress buster. I always feel better afterward, except sometimes a little guilt because I've spent time purely on me and not dealing with problems or work at home.

    I'm not sure how taking a week off would help. More specifically, what is taking a week off? Eating anything you want? Sitting on the sofa and watching TV every night? How would that help you reset, find focus and get back on track? Not trying to be Devil's Advocate here, but I don't understand that logic.

    If you're burned out, you need to make changes you can live with and enjoy. If you're unhappy, find the source of your unhappiness and deal with it or seek help. If you're not ready to commit to a lifestyle change, then own it and walk away. Come back when you're ready. :flowerforyou:

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