so, I'm back.
I don't really believe in New Year's resolutions but I do think the depths of winter we've had the past few weeks have provided an opportunity to get some things straight and refocus. Also, I am not obsessed with the numbers on a scale, except as one data point to let me know where things are in any given point in time. A couple of months ago, I saw numbers that were the low end of a ceiling (or in this case, basement I suppose) with which I have been struggling for years. I was quite pleased and surprised...it lasted about 2 weeks and then the endless weeks of sickness in our house hit and I neither stepped on the scale or ate/slept regularly for weeks. I had what I thought was a cold that turned into a wicked asthma attack (I usually have cough-variant asthma, which impacts me when I exert too quickly like going up a flight of stairs or when I have a bad cold; I'd never had the type of ongoing, severe issue that this became so I didn't recognize it) and bronchitis. I was shocked actually...but it began breathing treatments, 2 courses of prednisone, a sinus infection, a lot of rest, and many nights sleeping in a recliner or other semi-upright position. I was just feeling like I was coming out of it - finally - when our house got hit with a GI bug going around. My son had a stomach version; i had a different variation. Luckily fast-moving but it took another week to feel like myself and have a decent appetite for real food again. I lost 2 pound which was great though not ideal...I still had something nagging though and at a follow-up last week, I apparently had another sinus infection, which means more antibiotics and probiotics. I think it was low-grade compared to some, and while not gone yet, it has been nice to not have migraine-like sinus headaches like I did for 3 days straight last week.
So this Friday (actually Saturday) morning I got on the scale - not entirely surprised but not thrilled either. It could be worse; and is better than a week ago...but I am once again in that 'limbo' range. I get down to about 268 and then hang out in limbo from 268-272 or so for months...and that is where I once again find myself. Far from my point of optimism a couple of months ago. Still better than where I started but not good. Today, I only got tea while waiting for my son, instead of a snack; I'm not really hungry for a cookie either but I have to do better. I've been snacking more than usual lately& a bit of emotional stress eating (I had something I was really looking forward to that didn't work out and the general state of our country is depressing and physically stressful to me). Of course the the sweet carbs are calling my name that then just evaporate and leave me wanting more sweet carbs.
So what am I doing about it? Paying more attention. Resetting. Posting again to stay accountable. I was on the treadmill a could of times last week (one when I was very stressed -- so instead of eating, I got on the treadmill for some cardio). Remembering the good choices as it is a balance and all part of the whole thing of living. But the past could of days, my back has been sore -- so I haven't done the treadmill. It is a reminder that I also need to get to the pool. I was doing equal PT for my back but was discharged to a maintenance plan with 6 weeks membership to the pool to do the exercises on my own. But then I got sick again, then it was cold, and my foot hurt...and we got sick again...but i just need to DO it. My plan is to alternate treadmill days with pool days and hope my body will get used to it and not tighten up again. I need to get to my massage therapist again too - once a month keeps many parts of me loose but I rarely stick to that schedule. SO...
*massage! every 4-6 weeks (I'll be happy if I can stick to every 8 weeks right now)
*activate pool plan
*alternate treadmill (walking) with pool (for lower back)
*meditate daily (I am usually good at this but since I was sick, I slacked a bit, using it for pain relief more than mental clarity and balance)
*focus on sleep! (which will be hard with the Olympics coming because I'm kind of obsessed...but it is worth attempting)
*Do not buy the cookies, treats, etc. no matter how small -- more than once a week (because I am realistic and believe in everything in moderation)
Not sure if anyone is reading along but if you are, I'd love to know...
next post - the emotional tightrope of the #metoo and gymnastics trial in the news lately as for me it is just under the surface.
