How can I stop being so bloody lazy!

[Asta19]

I live in London so there’s just an enormous amount of delivery services I can get. I also work from home. Today I needed some milk and some other minor bits and pieces. I had it in my head I would go for a walk at lunchtime and pick these things up. Well it didn’t happen. Instead I ordered it from Sainsbury’s “chop chop” service. Which ironically I read about on here. Everything I needed delivered within the hour. Great in one way but I can see myself getting lazier and lazier. My DSis, when she came to visit, even commented “wow you never need to leave your house” (she lives rurally with scant delivery options). And she’s right. I don’t. But I’m fully aware that this isn’t healthy. How can I motivate myself to get out and about more? All my friends are out working in offices during the week so I can’t arrange to meet anyone. And being by myself the motivation just isn’t there, I end up taking the easy option. How can I kick start a more healthy routine?

Can you get whatever you need first thing, straight after breakfast, thereby forcing yourself to go out?

If you do it every day it will soon become habit.

Go for a walk each morning just for exercise. Nice way to start the day

You’re probably right but this is where my routine needs sorting also. I’m on anti-depressants and they usually take an hour or so to kick in (my head feels a bit foggy during that time) so I take them, have a coffee in bed. Then I usually log onto work for a couple of hours before I actually go and shower etc. So I’m not really following a proper morning routine either. Hence why I generally plan the walks (that don’t happen!) for lunchtime.

Thanks for the Chop Chop recommendation OP. I was using Amazon Prime before they put the minimum spend up to £40

Haha, this is not what you are meant to have taken from this thread but yes, to be fair they are good. The app was a bit clunky on my iPad, it might be better on phones. But they brought everything I asked for and they were quick.

Can you go to a morning gym class?
I attend classes at 6:15 am

I think you need to start a morning walk - take your meds and head straight out of the door. It doesn't need to be far or fast but get outside for some fresh air, come home, shower, dress THEN sit down with a coffee and start work.

OP go for a walk each day. Whatever time you feel like going. I know you're on anti-depressants but, are you generally happy with your routine but think you 'should' go out? Just asking as if you're generally happy there's nothing wrong with wanting to be at home. My work pattern means I'm not at work every week/don't work 9-5 & if Ive no need to go out there, I'm in the house for days sometimes. I have my home comforts to hand and I love the peace. Anyway.. a daily stroll if you think you should is a nice habit to get into

In don't know how often you have things delivered but would it reduce it if you did the 5:2 diet on deliveries? So only let yourself order things on two changeable days each week. I did it once with spending money in shops and online (but independently from direct debits for mortgage etc). Was quite good for changing habits!

As I say. Mornings are tricky. I suspect I may have sleep apnea as I’m always exhausted and my DD and I shared a hotel room recently and she commented that I would snore then stop breathing, then catch my breath again. But I’ve put off going to the GP as I know the only “cure” is a cpap machine, and my friend had one and showed me and I just can’t imagine I would get on with it. Plus the anti-depressant issue. I actually hate it when OP’s reject everyone’s suggestions, saying they wouldn’t work, and here I am doing the same thing! But I know I would do better in the daytime. But then once I get into my lazy mindset for the day, it is a lot harder to get out of it. So I do understand the suggestions being made, hmm, maybe I do just need to bite the bullet and force myself out in the mornings.

You could buy a treadmill, and walk/run for 30 minutes after each delivery.

@DeeCeeCherry
Alsolutely it’s a case of I think I “should” so then I beat myself up when I don’t. I feel guilty and lazy (hence the thread title).
@ChikiTIKI
That’s something that could work. I am (quite surprisingly ) disciplined over certain things so set days where I cannot order stuff could work.

OP, get a dog!

I was actually looking at treadmills online the other day! My only fear is it would end up unused like the exercise bike I ordered that I used a half dozen times and then it just sat there gathering dust

Join a class or go for a swim

Oh that's cool @Asta19 glad I could be useful :)

I used to have a gym in my work building that was free for employees and I almost never went. When I did, I would tell myself I am going to get changed and just be in the gym room. Once I was in there I could bring myself to exercise but it was the thought of all the effort at once that would put me off.

What if you tell yourself you must get dressed and stand outside every day before lunch. Then it's up to you if you just stand and get some fresh air or go for a little walk. You might surprise yourself and get into a nice routine with it :)

I actually can’t swim but I want to learn so maybe joining a swim class is the way to go. Can you believe it, nearly 50 and I can’t swim!

I think it’s exactly that. It’s the “thought” of the effort. Oh I need to shower, then I need to get dressed. Then do something with my hair (nothing elaborate but I have crap hair!) and it all seems too much. Easier to just slob around in variations of PJ’s with my hair tied back. I shower and then just put on pj’s/slobby clothes again. Lol. You may be onto something there.

Maybe not your thing but perhaps try to think of the community and shop locally? Or the environment and walk rather than get deliveries?

Not being judgey - my concern for the planet has completely transformed the way I shop and cook!

Good luck op!

You need to stop thinking and take action. Once you have done something 20 times it becomes a habit (apparently and it did work for me to make me remember to use rubber gloves for washing up, 😂). I would--take your meds/have your coffee in bed/jump straight in the shower/ brisk walk even if it's for 10 mins at first work up to 20. When you come back refreshed for work at home. Some people who work from home actually go out, walk round the block and come back home so that they mentally separate home from work. Just do it OP-tomorrow. Let us know if you manage it but I think you can and will

Chop chop

^^

That's clever

Sorry. As you were

Do you have a friend who lives say, a 10 minute walk away, who would allow you a key to their house, and to put lunch in their fridge? Then you would have to go and collect it every day. A bit of a random one I know, but they would also know if you haven’t collected your lunch so might just be the pressure you need to get you out every day!

If you put yourself on a timetabled morning routine then once you get used to it it becomes hugely easier
Eg 7am take tablets
7.15shower, get dressed
7.30 breakfast
7.45 put a wash on/hoover/other housework chores
8.15 walk
9am start work

The body loves routine.

I can quite understand why you are put off going to your GP about sleep apnoea. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago and really struggled with the cpap but I persevered and it has literally been life changing. If I go without it I am lethargic, falling asleep, don't have any energy or inclination to do anything. I really would encourage you to go and have it checked out as it may make life a lot easier for you in the long run.

A weekly swim class sounds like a great idea along side a daily walk. Please don't get a treadmill - aside from being free, the benefits of getting outside in the fresh air and interacting with others shouldn't be underestimated in your situation.