Fighting Back

I haven't kept it much of a secret - my job situation has gotten pretty bad.

I've shared about my stress, feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and more.  It's been going on for over a year and seems to be getting continually worse instead of better.

I've been trying to make the best of it, keep my chin up, try different ways to feel organized, and more.  I've been able to clearly see the negative impact the stress has had on me and my health.  Worst of all, there's been negative impact on my family as I am a stressed out mom and wife.

I've talked with friends.  I've blogged.  I've prayed.  A lot.  I've cried.  I've had a couple of good days, lots of mediocre days, and lots of bad days.

Healthy eating and daily activity was gone.  I was stress eating.  I was too exhausted and overwhelmed to make time for exercise.

I realized I needed help.

I spoke to a professional.  I spoke to a trusted friend.  And I went to see my family doctor.

Bottom line is that I'm fighting depression.

Bottom line is that I have to get back to making my health a priority.

My doctor and I talked about medication.  And it is an option.

What this has really done is kick started my desire to get back to how I felt in 2010 and 2011 when I was running and exercising and cycling.  Because that's when I felt my best, my strongest, had the most energy.

I'm taking 3 months to get myself back on track.  Vitamins.  Exercise.  Healthy eating.

I'm taking baby steps right now.  I know I can do 15 minutes of exercise each day.  I'm doing the Leslie Sansone 1 Mile Walk Challenge.  Each day, I can take 15 minutes to do the 1 mile video.  Most days, it has been after the kids are in bed and before I have a chance to sit down.  But I get it done.

I have goals.  At the end of March, I'm going to participate in the Kahuna Virtual 5K.  I plan to show up for the meet up since I'm local.  We would love to have representation from all the States and as many countries as possible so feel free to join in!!

At the end of June, I will do the local 5K that was my first ever 5K.  Even through the ups and downs since 2011, I've done this 5K every year since I first started running in 2010.  The first year, I tried my hardest, ran as much as I could, and it was a serious event for me.  The second and third year... I didn't really want to do it but I did it.  This year, I want to take it seriously again.

I've got a multi-vitamin, D3, calcium, and fish oil.

My eating habits are beginning to change just for the sake of the activity changes that I'm making.  I have a plan that I am going to implement to make my eating healthier but I know I can't do a massive change and be able to stick with it.  I'm working on being aware of why I'm eating and paying attention to my habits.  Just by being a little active, I find that I want water as my main beverage, I don't want to eat late at night, and I seek out fruits and veggies more often.

I'm also working on getting hooked up with someone to talk to on a regular basis.  Not a therapist.  But checking in with the Employee Assistance Program rep at work.  Turning to my church.  Staying connected to friends.

In 3 months, if things aren't better, I will go back to the doctor and we will again discuss medication.

I'm fighting back as best I know how.