Thank you

[llo1970]

Well mood is lifting a bit and I do believe that in part is due to all the lovely positive posts I replied. They gave me hope and determination to make the most of every day. I understand exercise is so important but this is what I struggle with the most. My brain never stops working with my breathing so even before I attempt a bit of walking etc I'm out of breath, wheezing and uncomfortable. This is a major challenge for me to overcome but hopefully with this new determination I have I will get there. I know my problem is panic related and overthinking things and this is something I am going to have to learn to change so any tips thoughts ideas would be greatly appreciated lol xox hope everyone is doing well xox

Loretta

[mellyme]

Blessings, dear friend.

[sassy59]

Morning Loretta l hope things improve for you very soon and perhaps you can do some chair exercises for now.

Good wishes to you xxxx

[Ergendl]

One trick I try is counting my breathing and steps as I walk. Breathe in as I walk two steps, breathe out as I walk four steps (or on a good day, 3 in, 6 out; or even 4 in and 8 out). Concentrating on the present (mindfulness) can help to discipline a butterfly mind.

[kernowdame]

I bought a little pedometer on Amazon. Set myself a target and gave myself a reward if reached - usually edible!

[SquirrelsHolt]

Oh Im in total agreement when it comes to the sheer panic we can go into,just at the thought of walking and breathing etc. Some days I feel I've "got it" but then the next day I could just as likely be riddled to my chair with panic. So I am reading your replies with great interest llo1970

[undine]

I can offer a few tips re moving hope they help. 1. Don't make any movement time dependent viz. if you feel you want to go to the bathroom go as soon as you get the urge etc. never, ever hurry and make sure you plan things so that you never have to hurry - the stress of hurrying leads to panic. 2. When thinking of doing something do not get caught up in thinking how difficult it is going to be or how far you have to go, try and split it up into little tasks viz. if it is a long way (in our terms) to the bathroom or kitchen put a stool or chair half way so you can rest if you need to - even keep a book nearby and read it bit if you need a longer rest and obviously have a stool or chair in both the kitchen and bathroom so you can sit at you sink etc. I did both of these before my condition got worse but I know they helped me. Also if you get halfway and rest and then feel you really cannot do whatever you had planned you can always change your mind and go back - remember nothing is that important to be done if it is going to stress you - on that note I now wear tena lady pants so if yes worse comes to worse I can wet myself to gay abandon without too much of a hassle - I hasten to add I do not do that very often if at all but and it is a big but I know if worse came to the worse it is not the end of the world. 3. Something I only learned this year was to move on an out breath, I'd always taken a big gulp of air before I moved and then wondered why I struggled emptying your lungs as much as possible before moving really does help, as does relaxing and lowering your shoulders if you start gulping and get in a panic once you stop hunching them and dropping them it is physically much more difficult you take large gulps - anyway hope these help - take care xxx

[llo1970 in reply to undine]

Thanku will definitely try that moving with an out breath xo

[mellyme in reply to undine]

Fantastic suggestions, friend.

[Beth1949]

Depression can get the best of you. I have had issues with it when I'm at my worst and I can't do the things I want to do. I have been on this forum for 2 years and with the tips I have read, I have learned to be more proactive. Maybe the tips work and maybe they don't. But by trying, I feel more impowered and less like a 'victim'.

Beth