Taking responsibility for own happiness - self care in 2023 - anyone want to join? Baby steps……

[Brightstar84]

I’ve been on the verge of going to the docs for antidepressants as I feel as I’ve I operate under a cloud of dread and sadness a lot of the time. But I’ve come to recognise I self sabotage a lot of the time and there are some healthy habits I want to commit to doing more / less of starting in January.

Anyone want to join in - please be gentle and non judgemental.

Im going to commit to

• drinking less alcohol (I’m not doing ‘dry’ as think a glass in a the bath is an important part of self care! But I’m drinking pretty much daily and mindlessly at the moment)
• associated with the above, stop taking so many painkillers - rare I don’t wake up with a low level hangover and I’ve got a supply of cocodomal I’ve continued to take after a surgery (and my mum gave me hers as well), recognise I need to taper off this but I know it’s doing me no good
• read more. I love reading but this year have been too restless to finish books and end up phone scrolling instead. I want to commit to that as I’ve some great ones on my shelf
• exercise. I enjoy running but need to find an event to enter as without that I don’t get motivated.
• cook for myself. I live alone and do often can’t be bothered so either get a takeaway or don’t bother at all

Overall I just want to take more responsibility for my own happiness and not rely on others (who so often let me down) enough. I feel those basics are a good start and if I’m still struggling after that I’ll go to the GP. But I’ve got to try to look after myself and writing all the above out has made me feel quite emotional as I realise how much I’ve not been taking any care with myself at all 😥

Sorry for the ramble. Anyone else want to commit to some simple self care things for a happier 2023 too?

I have only just found this thread and I think it is exactly what I need.

I want to concentrate on my physical and mental health!

I have got a lot of weight to lose so my focus is

*Go outside and walk more
*Eat better....try fasting 16:8
*Cut down on alcohol....especially Gin!
*Drink at least 4 litres of water per day
*Eat less meat
*Cut down on sugar

I need to find an online exercise class something short but fun, any suggestions welcome?

Also need to up my vitamins...are there any that you can recommend?

Hope you are doing well and as long as you are doing your best!

Please don't forget we will all have good days and bad days x

@SaltedCaramelIcedLatte I like the basic multivitamin/mineral supplement from Centrum.

I've just spotted this thread & will read through it later.

I'm interested in the St John's WortDoes anyone have experience of taking it? Any good? I've started to have a bit of anxiety that's come from nowhere, but I think it's due to menopause possibly. Wonder if SJW would help?

Thanks @Snowflake2 I will take a look

@Peasepuddingbloodycold I can’t find the Rebel Wilson video on YouTube- do you know what it is called or can you link it? Thanks

My journaling has slowed down, but then I have been very busy the past few days.

I need to get my finances in control. I've been spending more on going out since having a new bf, I'm going into my overdraft - just! - every month and I worry about it. I've been going through all my outgoings, trying to cut back on non essential things. On paper I should have enough money, but tend to pick up the odd thing on eBay or vinted, yes it's cheap but still adds up. I've hidden the apps for a bit, hoping that will help. Not sure where else I can cut down apart from eating out, but we have such a lovely time, I've been raising my kids for years and now want to enjoy my time.

The journalling sounds like a great way of getting a handle on things @beepbeepme - I've just been so busy plodding on whilst trying to cope with the DC and a rotten cold that self care has once again been on the back burner! A friend recommended Blinkist for quick & effective learning but I've yet to get my head round it...

What is Blinkist? I'll have a look at it.

I'll start journaling again once I get back from visiting family I think.

I've been through my finances and will be about £100 short again this month, but have listed some things for sale on fb so hopefully will make a bit through that!

Moan alert

I am fucking fed up.

The weather is cold and grey and dark

I still haven't been swimming

I need to lose 10 stone and then go on a holiday in the warm

Just checking in too. January has been pretty crap. I haven’t made many changes but I have started running again. And not drinking as much during the week. Still have a feeling of despair most days but not all day everyday. Suppose that’s an improvement

at least jan is almost over!! Feb is a total meh month but March onwards feels hopeful

Oh can I join? I just lot my job due to redundancy but I need to lose 1 stone. Doctors orders.

I'm medicated for neurological stuff but keep forgetting my meds so feel unwell a lot.

I've just looked at jobs and there's sweet f all. We're looking at moving away because of it :(

Confused! Depressed, Stressed and not well dressed (I must confess)
🤣😩

How are you doing @DingleDangleJingleJangle ?

I’d still say my progress is ‘mixed’. But frustratingly I remain my own worst enemy! The St John’s Wort I think is now helping, having been on it for just under a month, but I self sabotage by drinking too much / too regularly and that puts a cloud of doom over my head the next day. I don’t want to cut it out completely but I really do need to manage it better.

My exercise and cooking has been going a little better and I’ve been doing more reading vs mindlessly plonking myself in front of the tv and struggling to focus / scrolling on phone.

I read something recently about being the best parent to yourself you can be - in terms of self care. I thought this was interesting as I do feel I care for others much better than I do myself

Just checking in really. We’ve all been ill since the week before Xmas, the toddler has reverted to taking all naps on me which is killing my back and DH is judgy about sleep training.

I’ve somehow lost a bit of weight despite too many ready meals and takeaways.

I haven’t remembered my vitamins or drank enough water or gone for walks in my lunch breaks or replaced my saggy old bras.

I have read a bunch of books, had my car repaired and serviced and negotiated a pay rise.

Overall my mood is ok I think, certainly no worse!

Sorry to hear about the ill health in your family @BeastOfBODMAS and hope you’re on the up soon!

Its all about balance - if you’re reading this - we made it through January!