I am in desperate need of a health overhaul!

[NeedAHealthOverhaul]

I need to lose 3 stone but feel like I can't really concentrate at the moment as my general health levels seem to be a bit poor. Nothing major but, if I get an infection, it seems to get much much worse very quickly e.g. I am just out of hospital from needing antibiotics and fluids for 36 hours for a chest infection and this has happened twice in 3 years with no obvious underlying cause.

Obviously my weight doesn't help but I don't think it's the whole story. I am 36. I work 3 days a week. Have two DC (4 and 1). I go to a personal trainer twice a week. My diet is not great; it is also not complete rubbish. I don't smoke (never have). I have maybe 2-4 glasses of wine a week.

I just never feel 'healthy', 'vital' or 'well' - and I feel like, at 36, that shouldn't be the case!

I work best when I have something fairly prescriptive to follow so does anyone have any suggestions for any kind of well-being plan to follow? Should I do a Vorderman-esque detox? Should I go macrobiotic for a bit? As I say weightloss would be good (and needs to happen) but that just doesn't feel like it should be the focus at the moment.

Any suggestions/words of wisdom would be welcome as I feel like I need to take myself in hand!

Anyone??

I don't think it's the weight particularly that makes you feel this way. I've got about 4 stone to lose and I find exercise and walking is great for a feeling of wellbeing, despite the weight. Do you think you be a little depressive?

I really don't think so. It's not impossible - but it really feels like a physical thing rather than a mental/emotional thing.

Interesting question though. How do you think you know the difference?

Do you drink lots and lots of water - do you have a good level of fruit and veg? sleeping OK? Get enough time to relax and enjoy life - these things make a huge differece to how you feel no matter what size - not sure 3 stone is enough overweight to impact you that much - so I would definitely consider mental aspects.. how do you feel after the PT session?

Cut back on coffee - that makes me feel sluggish after the initial high.

Loads of water. Could do better on fruit and veg. Lots of time to relax and enjoy life (v. lucky in that respect). Sleep is probably the worst thing - bouts of finding it very difficult to relax to sleep so not sleeping until after midnight - but still get around 6 hours most night - that doesn't seem excessively minimal really? Or does it?

Don't drink coffee. But do drink black tea - never sure whether it's that much better than coffee or not?

Because one can affect the other. You're doing all the right things and you're still suffering from malaisse. (spelling?) I just know in my own situation, I was a little depressed. I didn't associate it with my lack of vitality at the time. Had a mini meltdown, took some counselling, took St. John's Wort for quite some time (you can't have it if you're on contraception so best to ask your dr.) started taking exercise and I've felt much much better, most of the time! (I too have the chest infection thing and have been coughing since December!)

Maybe I should try the St Johns Wort then. Maybe I just think it would be easier if the malaise where purely physical (easier to deal with) - but I guess I shouldn't rule anything out!

I guess I just feel like I am in no way in a terrible situation - lovely husband, great marriage, beautiful children, well-paid flexible job, lot's of friends - so if I'm depressed, what on earth for???

Sympathies on the chest infection - it is exceptionally wearing!

Sounds to me more like you are just a bit run down and need to focus on getting more sleep and improving your diet - maybe it would be a good idea to do a detox for a week or so to kick start the new diet - I did the carol V one for a month and had so much energy I was as irritiating as she is!

IMHO 6 hours sleep is not enough esp when you have young kids - so check out a new sleeping routine - I use the Paul McKenna one and it works a treat - common sense really but sometimes we need to be told..

why not try a health kick - cut back on the tea as it is still full of caffeine, lots of good food and rest - maybe some vits and see how you feel in a month - I would do that before taking anything to alter your moods as I do know some people feel worse on St Johns Wort and you possibly do not need it

(I also know it works well for many so not against it - just think you have some areas you could work on first)

Oh and berocca and spa tone every day - I have done that for months and not so much as sneezed!

Depression can creep on with no basis at all. When I look back at my life - 20's and 30's, I felt like I was walking through treacle and everything felt like a huge big effort. A lot of that felt physcial and not emotional. Now I feel fitter than I ever have and certainly have far more exuberance, despite the wheezing and coughing! I wouldn't exactly say I was suffering from low grade, long term depression but I do categorise myself as having a slightly depressive personality. And now, I think my beautiful eldest daugher is showing the same signs. She's so strong and successful in her career and an absolute perfectionist. She set herself impossibly high standards that are not sustainable and she has spent the last days in tears and doubting herself. We're going to the doctors together on Friday and I am trying to get her to accept my offer of counselling as it really helped me to acheive a better balance.

Mhmmmm my money's on sleep. Cut out tea after 3pm. I try not to drink any caffeine after lunchtime but will have an afternoon cuppa at work (or on reeeally bad days!) and my ability to fall asleep quickly is improved. And get yourself a routine before bed. Mine's terribly dull but it means my mind's trained to switch off on cue.

PS I have two sleepless children I could lend you - they cured my insomnia really quickly, now I can sleep on a pin!

Ooooh - I have never heard of spa tone but just googled it - looks good. Can't bear berocca although my husband drinks it like it is going out of fashion! Might have to start pinching my nose and having one with him...

You're right - it probably is worth pulling all the common sense things together first of all for a concentrated period of time.

Thanks ladies. Appreciate your time.

If anyone else has anything else to add pleae feel free....

Textual - you're right, I definitely wouldn't rule it out and "wading through treacle" definitely resonates. Will think on...

Doric - I have my own sleepless children thank you I am just exceptionally lucky that as my husband knows how difficult my sleeping patterns can be after 10 months of on-demand breastfeeding with my second he does tha absolute lion's share of night-time comforting! And I can sleep on a pin at about 4pm - just when it is uber-inconvenient - it is at night that I struggle. Routine, routine, routine - you're right that that is probably key.