How do you feel... better?

[BreathingDeep]

I feel utterly lost and I know I need to take positive action in order to feel better. This is on me and yet, it just feels... too much.

I'm late 40s. Very overweight and unhealthy. Gorgeous kids, fantastic husband, lovely home. Very demanding job which can feel like it consumes everything, especially since working from home.

I have SO much to be grateful for, but I've found myself in a real low spot and I'm struggling to get out, but I know if I take small steps, I'll feel better. I need to tackle my diet, lack of exercise, dehydration and introduce some elements of caring for myself - currently, I'm bottom of the pile and seem intent on staying there.

What do you do to make yourself feel better or give yourself a boost?

What do you like doing, OP? Any exercise or self care regime will be far more successful if it's one you really enjoy! Do you like swimming, running, exercise classes, yoga? How about carving out time for a hobby that's just for you?

If I'm honest, I have no idea what I like... I feel like I've lost all sense of myself, if that makes sense? I love the idea of carving out time that's just for me, but I struggle to stick with it as other things/people seem more important.

I know it's a ridiculous thing to say here, but I know it makes a huge difference to how I feel if I spend less time on MN line.

Also a short daily walk makes a massive difference and although it's harder to achieve, cutting out refined sugar is life changing because it eliminates mood swings and energy slumps.

OP i have felt awful every morning this week, I realised it was the fact that I'd eaten too much junk food each day.

Yesterday I had a really healthy day. A few plain crisps and a drink with eurovision, but loads of water, whole foods, oily fish, fruit, exercise.

When I woke up this morning I felt loads better. It was the sugar I think that made me feel so bad. I'm normally not a sugar fan but I'm an exams officer and the stress of the week sent me to the biscuit tin.

So for the actual exams tomorrow I've got a bag full of salad, fruit, some 100% chocolate and hopefully I won't fall into the same trap again.

Could you make a daily / weekly list of things to do, starting from tomorrow maybe ?? A target list of things to aim for.
Have something simple to do each day, say a walk in the morning or when you come home from work. Try to do something different once or twice a week, maybe go swimming or join a walking group. Go over your diet, see if you can make any changes.
Small steps.

Oh OP that is so like me I thought I'd posted in my sleep! I feel so similar.

Things I am trying include

Reading much more. I am a total book worm so it's back as a priority for me. Makes me happy.

Eat more fruit - ffs piss off with the fruit is sugar stuff. Yes it is but its got fibre and nutrients all over the shop. I'd forgotten how much I love fruit.

Magnesium, vit d and iron. All make me feel and sleep better.

Things I am working on

More sex. DH tells me I'm lovely and orgasms are good for you. I need to make time to feel up for it which can be tough when my mind is full.

More movement. I do enjoy yoga and walking but they go to the bottom of my list then feel 'hard'. I used to run a bit but feel too uncomfortable. Need to try and restart as once I'm in the habit I'll want to do it.

Better beauty stuff. Having good hair/nails/skin helps me feel better about everything else. I am ok with skin but can be hit and miss with other bits.

Things I need to start on

More veg
More easy healthy meals so I don't pick at junk.
More unrefined carbs (as opposed to refined ones).

So trying to be positive in adding in good things rather than taking away bad ones

Also the Tim Spector gut microbiome book is on kindle 99p deal today. Maybe worth a read?