Getting physically going again

[teacup71]

It's been six weeks since going on prozac and buspar combined. My main interest in asking others how to get back into enjoying skiing, sailing, or camping again. I have been able to cope pretty well by re-establishing a work routine but just haven't had the energy or willpower to go to the gym or plan an out of town trip to ski, etc.

I have come a long way- for example I had to stop working and driving for at least two weeks, I couldn't even drive- I felt dizzy and didn't have the patience to maintain my lane.

What are some suggestions to get myself to do some real fun things again? How much grace and time should I allow my body before just over riding my tiredness? Starting the SSRI and the Buspar really seemed to take a lot of energy out of me initially but that started the last week of February.

[Sunrisetabby]

Move. Little steps. Take a 5-minute walk on the morning when you wake up. During lunch, take a 10 minute walk. After dinner, if you are up for it, walk a bit more. The more you move the easier it is to move more. If you have more energy perhaps jog or walk a bit faster or farther. If you don't have the energy to walk, just putting on your walking shoes and sitting outside helps get the routine going. James Clear and his book Atomic Habits have good advice for everyone, although no need to buy his book as all the best information he provides for free on his website. His writing on expertise is solid: jamesclear.com/exercise-habit

[ElephantsHear]

Hi, I’m glad to hear you’re giving yourself grace and never stop. Talk to yourself as a friend would. Perhaps counseling might help? Depression can rob oneself of energy and motivation; it’s such an insidious disease. I wish you well and that your energy returns soon.

[blackcat64013]

Its good that you are thinking of getting back to things you enjoy.Sometimes it helps to do things with a buddy (on 2 legs or 4) who relies on you to join them for the activity.

Start with small achievable goals and build on them as you get back your strength. You can do it 💪.

[Marktime]

I go through illness periods that really knock me down sometimes, and I have to start over again, I drive a short distance to a local park or canal trailhead where I can park and still be in nature, I'll bring everything I need to eat, drink or read, You tube, etc. Then I will take little walks staying close to the car. This i find easy, because I really don't have to plan anything or prepare, I don't go far from the car, and I can rest between walks. The other great thing with the car is that even if the weather is not good I can still get out and sit in the car for a while, get the sun look at the trees, watch other people bike and walk. Each time I get a little more strength and confidence. this time i have got up to ebiking on pretty decent rides. I did the bike riding the same way, I rode close by the car, within a half a mile and I just did different trails over in the same area. Like Sunrisetabby says, little steps. Do simple things that don't require a lot of prep or planning and then the bigger things will come when you're ready.

[jjpeabody]

There are good recommendations posted here, I find making sure I have a written to-do list then just getting up and start doing it helps to "dissolve" and overcome those restricting feelings of fatigue. At first I feel there's no way I can do this but I'm usually amazed how soon I get into what I'm doing and feeling much better. It sounds you're on you way. Combing the two drugs are likely to increase side effects and time to acceptance. Maybe a reduced dose of Prozac is an option while still being effective right now. Good luck teacup 71.