Hi all I feel embarrassed about posting this I’m going in the right direction with losing weight I used to run a lot but lately I’m feeling low I have no energy to get up early in the morning to go running or do any exercises I do shift work which I know isn’t an excuse but I feel fatigue and low sometimes any help will do
Many thanks
Paul
Written by
Nobby007
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I find running makes me feel so good afterwards that it is really worth making the emptiness and effort. I know it can be tough at times; particularly as a shift worker but decide you’re going to do it then count to three and go. You will feel so much better afterwards.
That doesn’t sound good. I’m only an enthusiastic amateur so can’t really help with that one. Would it be possible to run after your night shift then go straight to bed...just a thought! Good luck and take good care of yourself.
Usually running produces endorphins that boost the mood, maybe you're pushing yourself too hard, hows your sleep and appetite? During lockdown it's easy to feel as if life's just a hard slog. Take care...
You do know you don't have to get up early for a run? I graduated in September 2019 and have NEVER done that. I run after work, and even on non-work days I sometimes run in the dark. Obviously, that may not be safe for you to do, but perhaps try a different time. I know that if I felt pressured into a morning run it would sap all my motivation. I like to mix it up a little, too. I have been known to do my supermarket shop, do my run in a local park with my groceries in the boot, and then drive home. Don't be afraid to try different things and find what works for you. Hope you find your inspiration
Hi Nobby007👋 I feel for you..it's tough with your hours and then lack of sleep leaving you drained. I've gone through phases of lack of motivation during maternity leave (namely, lack of sleep) and I wish I had pushed myself to exercise because it would have done me the world of good mentally and physically. On work days I run after work- 2 hours after I've had my dinner. I do find it difficult to motivate myself on those days but I say to myself I'll go for 5 mins and I can turn back, but I always feel good after start it and keep going. Hope that might work for you🤞
Firstly don't be embarrassed. This community is amazing at supporting one another and there are many of us that experience all sorts of mental and physical health along with just juggling all that life can throw our way.
Secondly don' t be hard on yourself. Shift work mucks up your circadian rhythm and as
Archerygoddess said above - don't feel like you have to run early morning...I am another one that wouldn't run early doors...its not for me. I have enough on my plate first thing in the mornings without that as well. Regarding weight loss as well, well done 🙌
Thirdly and finally and a bit of help....start with getting out and walking first?
I made a pact to myself last year after being diagnosed with (another) autoimmune disease (this time under the arthritis umbrella to have alongside type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia and hypothyroidism) to get outside and just walk, come rain or shine. Just for 30 minutes. I started with that and then started to weight train as my joints were suffering and I couldn't move very quickly, getting out of bed, off the loo, I couldn't bend down...I could go on. I can now lift 62.5kg. I then started the couch to 5k back in April (I'm at week 6 now) and feel great. I wish i had found all this out many years ago.
For me exercise is medicine and you don't have to do marathons or do cross fit to feel the benefits. If you are feeling low and down right fed up, make a deal to just get out for a short period of time and then build on that. You may feel you will want to get back in to running again sooner. Its strange how it can lift your mood and give you more energy but it is hard when you have to kick yourself up the bum to get there.
Take smaller steps to perhaps the running in amongst tiredness and shiftwork too. You will then be able to find a pattern of what works and then go from there.
Hi Nobby007, repeating what's been said really but don't be hard on yourself.
In my experience shift work is horrible, messes with your whole life and is best avoided. That's not always possible though, so do what you can reasonably fit around your shifts.
Even if you can spend a little time walking outdoors (maybe on the way to/from work?) you'll be doing yourself some good.
I found playing white noise helped me stay asleep in the daytime and I've also found a podcast called "sleep with me" that really helps me drop off when my mind's racing (it's a strange podcast, an acquired taste, but I really recommend it).
Maybe you can fit in some runs, but once or twice a week, depending on your shift patterns?
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