Nooo - I hate auto correct! I said how AWFUL for you.

That's such rotten luck @amart4224 - I hope you manage to secure another job soon that you enjoy at least as much and that has a little more job security. Well done you for stopping the downward slide!

I ended the day at 200 cals above maintenance - a good start to ease back into things. I was notified this evening that I've been chosen to move on to the next round of interviews for a promising-looking role, so that definitely boosted my mood. I appreciate the encouraging words from everyone! It's so much easier to get back on track when there's a community of understanding people to come back to.

@amart4224 I am so sorry about the layoff! That stinks. I remember the stress after I left my last job (horrible for my mental and physical health) but before I got in with my current one. It was terrible. Sometimes focusing on one part of health, the mental part of it, is more important. So be kind to yourself.

Glad to hear though that you are on to the next round of interviews for something new! I will keep you in my thoughts and put an offering out for good luck.

AlexandraFindsHerself1971 wrote: »

Boyfriend has formally accepted the job, and it will be all remote for the present, as they are moving offices. (Everyone's all remote at the moment.) There's a lunch on Friday that he is going to go to, and meet people face to face, which I think is nice. And he starts work on the 18th.

I want to get him into a routine of going to the gym before work with me as I think it will make him feel better. He has both kyphosis and scoliosis, and so having core strength is very important for him to put off spinal surgery as long as possible. He has a high chance of eventually needing a wheelchair, so we are planning our lives with that in mind. It's another reason I want to lose weight and keep myself strong and limber.

Had a CT scan and barely fit on the table. I wasn't hurt or offended by it, but it's definitely a motivation to keep at it.

For the record, with my thyroid crappy, I'm more or less working to not gain weight and have good habits until I have surgery in January and we get me up to normal thyroid levels. It's no good trying to lose weight until the thyroid's normalized. I'm sure I COULD drop myself to 1200 calories and exercise till I fell over and get a little off, but I want a decent quality of life, because I am going to be eating less for life and I need not to be miserable. That's a sure way to get a binge.

You are so inspiring @AlexandraFindsHerself1971!

One of my primary reasons for embarking on this healthy eating lifestyle was to become smaller and more limber because my knees were getting dodgier and dodgier by the day, and I foresaw a time when I'd be infirm if I didn't do something about it...and I can't afford to be infirm because there's no way in the world that my husband could push me around in a wheelchair or haul me up and down stairs. He's had numerous vascular surgeries on his arms and legs (related to his kidney failure and years of dialysis) - it's imperative that I stay strong so that if needs be I can haul HIM around, not the other way around!

So your words really touched a chord with me - it's so wonderful that you're planning for the future with such grace and emotional generosity.

PS, I agree with you about the thyroid - no sense in making yourself miserable pre-surgery. Just focus on maintenance while that particular deck is stacked against you.

Bella is on fire! And I agree with her Connie. Do something somewhere else if you can!

Athijade wrote: »

I really need to get back into working out, at least some stretching or yoga. My back and hip have been really bad of late. Every morning I am waking up in pain and I know it is at least part because I sit at a computer all day and then do nothing the rest of the day. Because when I do get off my lazy butt and take even a short walk, it feels better (until I sit at my desk more lol). Nothing I can do about being at the computer as I can't afford a standing desk but I know I can take 30 minutes and do SOMETHING.

I completely get this - you’re speaking my language! Even just a 10-15 min walk helps me. I feel like the longer walks have both the physical and mental benefit. Sitting all day is a killer for me. I know you’ve said a standing desk isn’t an option, but I do highly recommend one if/when you can swing it. It’s been a game changer for me. The other major game changer for me was buying a heated mattress pad. While not for everyone and didn’t completely resolve morning pain, I don’t feel the same level of stiffness and feel much more mobile in the morning.

conniewilkins56 wrote: »

Ugh….I hate days like today…I just feel hopeless and miserable….flashback to May 2019 when I started MFP….that is the mood I am in today…I am 110 pounds lighter but I feel all of the pounds suffocating me this morning….I know I have to keep going but I don’t think I can today…

You have the inner strength to get through today, tomorrow, and beyond. You will find that motivation again. While how you feel today may feel reminiscent of the beginning of your journey here, it’s undeniable you have new tools, new insight, new support, and more importantly new inner strength that helped you through losing 110 lbs. I can’t imagine that didn’t come without stumbling, falling, and getting back up again. Each struggle brings wisdom to your journey and when embraced helps you continue. Reaching out and sharing your struggle shows fortitude and a different kind of strength and will help get you back on your feet!

You’ve proven you have it in you. Be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your accomplishments. Know you have support and people care. Most importantly find a way to comfort yourself that makes you feel good and supports your long-term goal.

I actually do better in the office because we have tunnels to connect the different buildings downtown. So I can get up and walk no matter what the weather is. Plus everything is further away from my desk so I have to get up and walk more in general.

The problem is when I am home. I find I don't get up as often. You would think it would be the opposite! But I am less likely to take my breaks like I should. Not healthy.

Athijade wrote: »

I actually do better in the office because we have tunnels to connect the different buildings downtown. So I can get up and walk no matter what the weather is. Plus everything is further away from my desk so I have to get up and walk more in general.

The problem is when I am home. I find I don't get up as often. You would think it would be the opposite! But I am less likely to take my breaks like I should. Not healthy.

When COVID lockdown happened, I learned the same thing about myself. At work I walk a whole lot more, make the decisions to take breaks, go for walks/hikes — at home, I was never able to establish a healthy routine. On the weekends, I can do it — weekdays and working, I failed.

@conniewilkins56 , I hope you're over your funk and having a better day today!

Athijade wrote: »

Alexandra - I really love that idea. 20 minutes may be too often for me as some of my tasks can take longer then that and I hate stopping in the middle of one, but I think the concept is good. Even if all I do is stand up and stretch a little bit I think it would help a lot.

NerdyScienceGrl wrote: »

When COVID lockdown happened, I learned the same thing about myself. At work I walk a whole lot more, make the decisions to take breaks, go for walks/hikes — at home, I was never able to establish a healthy routine. On the weekends, I can do it — weekdays and working, I failed.

I almost feel like if I take the extra time that the ability to work from home will get taken away. Which is not logical at all. My team isn't the type to make a huge deal about that sort of thing unless you are really really abusing it. My work gets done. Heck, I was just promoted a month or so ago so obviously I am doing something right. I just need to learn that I don't have to fix every problem or respond to every email right then. I'm allowed to step away for a few to refocus and stretch.

And I feel you about healthy routine.

Congrats on the promotion! Nothing wrong with taking a break to take care of yourself. You might try the timer suggestion and make some notes about your productivity and how you feel at the end of the work day, I know when I take a walk late morning/early I go back to my desk with some mental clarity, less stressed and feel more productive. You may find it’s a benefit overall. When I first started walking, I did it for my physical health. Begrudgingly I continued. Now I feel like it’s a necessary part of my workday.

I wish your husband a smooth recovery. My Mom just had back surgery and things are progressing for her. She is going through ghost pain right now. It can take awhile for the brain to catch up with the body. I remember the long road after surgery but the quality of life after dramatically improved.

Please don’t neglect yourself in taking care of him through recovery. It’s so easy to get caught up in helping a loved one, it’s easy to forget we all need self care too.

Do consider getting medical help. Not sure of your insurance situation but an evaluation can identify what is going on. And more importantly what you can do to feel better.