hey everybody, looking for what you do to motivate yourself when you feel like crap 💩 and are stretched thin. I deal with this all year and not just a resolution as everyday is a new day.
I find that getting things into my routine is hard and sticking to it is hard and am SIMPLY LOOKING for suggestions on what YOU do to get yourself to change and stick with exercise.
Happy New Year 🎊
Music! For me its the 80s🙂 Turn it up and go! 🤗💕🌠
I like for it to be paired with something, like music, an audiobook, or crap on YouTube.
I find I either tune it out as ba ground noice it if it’s a song I like I get distracted from my exercise 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
I’m hopeful as people respond I’ll get more ideas and hopefully something sticks!
I did not answer the change part. I equate exercise to treatment. "I gotta go take my medicine", for example, has me showing up to put the shoes on. The music or junk shows just keep me there without losing my mind.
ooohh I like that…
I don’t know about you kdali but tricking my mind like setting a clock off by 5 - if I do it it doesn’t work cause I go I “still have 5 min” but if my hubs did it and I didn’t know I’m like “we are late run”
Having said that did you find it tough initially to think of it that way as treatment/ medicine?
I also found initially during diagnosis “exercise is the best thing you can do…” gonna be 5 years since DX this year and guess what’s still the first thing to sacrifice and last on the list 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ I think that’s why I made the post - is it my adhd brain that doesn’t want to be tricked or have I just not found the key to my lock?
Btw I’m not trying to make excuses I know me and I find a way around stuff and really need this to change!!!
Yes, I do that too 🫣
The idea of calling it medicine happened a long time ago, when I was freaked out about heart disease, and had learned that working out for 45min lowered cholesterol. Fear was my go juice then. The hard part was making time when I worked 12hr night shifts, and decided trying to wake up early to get it in. My labs did not change (they are not bad anyway, I was chasing "better") but what happened was, I tolerated the chaos at work much better and had better sleep. It became a work habit and felt like arming myself against whatever insanity I was about to walk into for the shift. It became a pretty nice drug!
Yes, I get it, it is not excuses. You need to come up with a mind hack that doesn't feel like a trick 🤣 Isn't ADHD a fun game 😵💫 I have to set myself up for success against myself. That can mean my alarm message has a snazzy quote that resonates with me (will lose inspiration after about a week, but it's a decent start), having the items I need at the ready when the alarm goes off, or even singing a song in my head to hyper focus on so I don't let myself bail (something like "nope, don't care brain, nopey nope, put your shoes on, nope-don't look at that mess, keep moving forward, the couch is lava"). 🤣🙃
The thing I have with what I listen to or watch is that I don't really get to enjoy those unless I'm also doing the work. Making workouts short means I only have x minutes more to go before I get to google the random thought I had, etc. Knowing I will feel happier and more in control afterwards keeps me wanting more of this drug.
I hope this helps!
💯 the mind trick on yourself is where I’m at and struggle cause how the hell do you trick yourself- you seemed to have done it!!! Go kdali ! 🤩🤩🤩
I’ve been told my brain is nebulous my whole life and in college I was tested but I guess they sucked and culturally I was around people who are impulsive and interrupt!
I was diagnosed last year with Adult ADHD (so many tests…) and I’m learning where I struggle and why which doesn’t always fit what YouTubers, Ted talks or books on ADHD says but occasionally it does.
Ultimately MS broke my coping into chaos and triggered the worse aspects of ADHD which I guess is common.
now it’s finding insight to me and all of this but life is still life and plenty to do- I just know that the hustle and bustle doesn’t last forever even with DMTs to keep things at bay.
I know NOW is when to put in the work but I have to get around my broken brain 🧠in more than one way and I’m looking for suggestions and this group has always been great for that - ❤️❤️❤️❤️ as are you! Thank you 😊 seriously thank you!
Congratulations on surviving the tests and getting a solid diagnosis 🎉 I just went through the process with one of my kiddos, which has lead to some pretty clear observations about myself. I don't know if I'll ever jump through those testing hoops myself, but I'm hoping having a lot of experience with being weird can be an asset in seeing her through her struggles.
We have to write our own "how to" manuals. This is doubly exhausting to figure out and keep editing when you have a disease that occasionally tries to eat your abnormally wired brain.
You're welcome!! If you find a good trick, let me know!
I think we can all use some 'tricks.'
I went threw two days of tests and interviews and some homework to go along with all of it. Sadly, my kids are so much like me that I wonder if having them tested vs 'kids are kids' keeps factoring in. They do fine but guess what I did fine until I didn't - until life/MS intervened and said you can't do all that you did - did you not realize the days that were a struggle were hard for a reason!?!?! I think you and your children will benefit from seeing the things that need some 'skills' added to the mix. I just found that I have a ton of skills to accomodate the ADHD that I didn't know was for ADHD I just knew they worked for me.
However, eve knowing that and those things.. .working out has ALWAYS and I do mean ALWAYS been an issue for me unless it was a team sport. I don't have time for a team sport in this season of life.. but I feel I need to find that motivation for some self-driven actives like Yoga (which I used to do with my kids all the time... we all fell off the wagon there... ), walking and with the home gym I should be able to do some weights. I just need to carve out the time.. I sound ridiculous when I write all this out.. like how does a person that has all the resources not use them!??!?!
Oh I know - I don't really want too but I know I need too and so far that NEED is not so paramount - perhpas I have hope that it's all a crap dream and I'll wake up a super model.. but life doesn't work like that you have to put the effort in and presently my effort is in making moments with my family and that's not bad until I can't keep up with them and then that's a problem. Do I get any brownie points for regcognizing I need help? 😆
We had weekly appointments over 2mo, with tests for an hour each time due to age, and the first one killed my heart. I went into distract myself mode instead of leaning into things that were productive. You know, like my home gym? 🤣 I know it's all going south if I'm allowing myself to watch a while true crime documentary on the couch! 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ I wish I could lend my skills to her, but I have never dealt with so much while being so little 😭 I'm hopeful for all the things we have to learn at the million of appointments we have moving forward 🙏 I don't know if you are aware, but CHADD has ADHD support groups for adults and parents of littles on this website.
It's not ridiculous, it's more fun with a crew! I think recognition is the first step, and asking for help is a second, so you're almost there! 🎉
Thank you kdali ! You are correct recognition and asking for help. I'm getting there but I'm a stubborn person and recognize that myself and my family are all rather stubborn individuals... lol.
I will look into the CHADD website; I was given a list of books to check out as well when I got my diagnostic results and report. Let's just say I haven't made it as far as I would have liked in any of that (it's like the parenting books I have on my night stand that need to be read as well) there is ALWAYS something.
However, I'm trying to prioritize taking care of me with jugging what is currently happening in our lives because the one message I read over and over again in this forum, newsletters and the like regarding MS and even ADHD is "Get off your @$$ an exercise" as starting in a worse place than a better place is not what you want to be doing.
So I'm trying to correct that ...but my on the wagon off the wagon needs to be more ON THE WAGON. 😆
Side note - I'm sure it was hard watching the little do the tests - but if it helps her in the long run and she thinks it's more games then win. My kids are already being worked with at school as they are classified as 'twice-exceptional' I guess it's the newer terminology for not being in the 'norm' but alas.. if it helps them and they get skills to help them be successful now then working on it later than WIN. Always know that you are doing what you can for them, understanding how to support them and watching them flourish is all we can do even if it's not what we want for them. 🤗
Funny you say to "get off it"...I think maybe David Goggins may work for you! Can't Hurt Me is really great on audiobook and his chapter tasks (and quotes saved to my phone) are really motivating.
Thank you! 🥰🙏
I am going to check his book out as he's pretty interesting!
Hi JMWCO! I hear ya. I can't count how many times I started, then stopped, any kind of exercise routine. Let's face it - it's hard. I started again about a month ago with gentle stretching just to get the feel of moving my muscles a bit. I put on my favorite tunes like 70's or 80's rock hits to get myself in the mood. I keep my goals very doable. I start with 10 minutes of stretching. Ten minutes seems reasonable. At the end of ten minutes, I can stop or keep going and try for another ten minutes. Basically, when I tried to think about an hour or even a half hour, it seemed overwhelming, so I broke it down into ten minutes at a time. So far, it's working. I don't beat myself up if I quit after 10 minutes, and I have found that after ten minutes of stretching I actually want to do "just a little more". Also, when dealing with fatigue, I do my stretches in the evening when I have a bit more energy. Hope some of this helps. Best of luck!
I like the idea of the 10 minutes- or at least something.
I think it’s the getting sweaty to wash up after washing up…occasionally. Or it’s all the thought I use to make a plan to scrap the plan.
I was good for a while doing stretching/yoga with my kids or on my own but when I fall off the wagon it’s horrible to get back on…habit charts - tried and I do not stick to them…even if they are on the bathroom mirror to remind myself….
Nevertheless I like the no guilt aspect of the 10 minutes 🤗
hey JMWCO i relate and thank you for bringing this up. I like the idea of stretching which makes me feel good and then adding on after that. I haven't tried the music path but could see how that might work. Also, exercising with a partner helps the most. even over zoom. LMK if you want to plan something together or at least at the same time. accountability helps too. Let us know how you do.
I find being accountable to someone is helpful 💯. Sadly unless someone is showing up at my door it gets postponed
I don’t get the endorphin rush people get from working out never have. I find I want to do my to do list rather than working out however it’s always one of the best things for your health and brain 🧠 health.
Just haven’t found the “thing” that makes me stick with it….
A year ago I was swimming after getting mornings settled but work has been busy and by the time I can sort something out I’m too tired.
I’m still pulling for my head to treat it like a must have vs an option- hopeful some one has some good ideas 🤗
Cause motivation is hard….
you're looking for something to motivate you, right? hmmm
Yes…where I don’t see though the task with “nah I’ll do it another time” when. Jw is the time. In my head I want to do it as I am lying here typing out messages….
sometimes I do well and try to say do X. And the reward is Y but it’s hard and I can get myself out of it as no one holds me accountable even my family where it just turns into a joke but I know I NEED to do this I just don’t WANT to do this….
There are things in my life that take no motivation like work I just do it. Cooking we need to eat but then I hit some massive brick walls where I go “nope that’s not it” When I was younger I was lean, played sports with friends and as it’s where I wanted to be it’s easy. Now I’m frumpy and no one likes what I like to play so I don’t…taking the kids to hike is a drag as you need to drive and it’s currently cold 🥶 again excuses and I need to get over/past them.
this is my song! I do what i have to do for others. and what i think is necessary for myself but it is still hard to prioritize my health. even making 15 minutes a day a carved out time. I didn't always love sports (except swimming) but i went to the gym every week, no matter what. the way i do it now, sounds silly, is i want to close the ring on my watch to say i exercised 15 minutes.
❤️”this is my song! I do what i have to do for others.” I love this! I also do relate- obviously 🤗
I need to look more at how my watch does activity vs my Fitbit used to….now it’s a watch that tracks things and lives in DND….I found the Fitbit challenges were more motivating perhaps I need to figure out how to bring that bad….thank you 🤗
so after our little discussion you motivated me to attend the MS dream center zoom zumba class. yay. thank you
Tell me more about the MS dream center Zumba class??
I used to go out dancing in my youth i think that’s how I burned off the booze 🍸 😂 which I wouldn’t do today even if you paid me 😂
msdreamcenter.org/monthly-s...
free zoom services. this was my second experience with them and so far so good.
I wrote Donna - she already wrote me back. We shall see if this can help!
excellent. They are very responsive. i wish they were not all the way in Rhode Island.
100% as the time zone difference but its good they have online services. Like you said you've joined twice and it's the opportunity and technology that allows us to do these things so YEAH for having the option.
I'm hopeful that some of the times/sessions I'll get to check something out soon!
great. and if you need a work out buddy, i'm available.
I appreciate that - I'm still struggling to let people in 100% and working on it slowly. I'll drop you a DM if there are classes on the schedule once Donna lets me in that fit the calendar! Accountability even if it's supportive in nature is still worth while!
no pressure
Good Morning I have just gotten into a routine of bedtime around 10 o’clock and I wake up around six and get up brush my teeth 🪥 comb my hair potty 🚽 and start my day slowly. Fed Rozy and myself and then coffee ☕️ by seven and text my morning people. Then I try to have something to accomplish every day, wash, dusting, vacuum, mop, clean counters, bathroom, etc. I just do one or two of those each day so I feel active. Summer there is more to do. Just try to have movement daily. I go to PT three times a week which also gets me going as I feel obligated. For me if I stay in a routine it works best. I have my items on a list to remind myself which also helps me get going. Pretty fortunate that I watch food intake and try to stay in the same weight and not have to feel like I have to diet or do massive exercise. Thinking 🤔 about Planet Fitness as it’s only $10. a month and you can cancel anytime. Maybe be a way to meet people and excuse to get out. Not sure if this helps but it’s what I do so I feel like I’ve done something every day 👍🏼😉 Good luck and try to start a routine 🙏
Kenu nice routine and I think you give yourself a lot more grace than I give myself. I strive for going to bed after the kids and try to get up at 6 but more like 630 the past few months. Then it’s the mad dash of school, work and food.
I’m supposed to take the 6-7 block for me and stretch but as I’m usually the one kicking everyone out of bed that goes out the window - perhaps I need to go back to discussing with family as I feel I need to do all this but perhaps that’s where I need the OK and encouragement 🤔
I’m really trying to work through what WILL work against “me” 😂
you deserve to make time for yourself, whenever that turns out to be. If nothing else, your family needs you as healthy as possible.
I agree, finding, setting and keeping a routine is key! It takes about a month to create a habit, so maybe just setting small goals and changes for one month. Also, find something you enjoy doing! I find if I don’t like something, I won’t stick to it. I’ve always been an athlete (runner, soccer, triathlete, cross fitter),but once I had a kid, exercise has been much more difficult. I have to get up before everyone and do something or it doesn’t get done. Good luck and I hope you can find something that works for you and makes you feel great 😊
Hi JMWCO, I am sticking to doing PT because my husband's insurance is paying for it and i need to move more at least twice a week I plan to stick with it. 👍
I agree having PT on the books that I’m obligated to do and not having to pay a ton would be helpful.
Sadly my nuero only did initially PT/OT to get me started and I have things I could do but it’s back to me - motivating me.
Thank you and enjoy the Pt while insurance pays - it’s good to have benefits 🤗
I didn’t start exercising regularly until 15 years ago or so when I joined planet fitness. The steady temperature thru all seasons is important for me (like many of us). I aim for five times per week. I often take my exercise clothes to work and change in my office before I leave. Then I go right after work and don’t risk going home and not wanting to go out after dinner. I watch tv on my phone or tune into the screens hanging in PF. I do 30 mins on a bike or elliptical and try to lift weights twice a week. Definitely not anything to write home about, but it keeps me going and I’m sure I feel better when I do so. Good luck.
Go you! 15 years at 5 days a week sounds pretty amazing to me - even if you feel that isn't it sure is to someone in my shoes!
I haven't worked in a true office in 20 years.... I've been work from home that entire time. It's really easy for me to get sucked into the "I don't need to leave the house" and I have a home gym - I just need to USE IT. Granted my whole family could use that advice.
I think it's great you make it 5 days a week. It is certainly easier with a buddy and/or having it built into the routine. THat's all part of my struggle - it seems work is #1, family #2 and me #3 but I need to change that up and that's where all the suggestions from everyone is helpful. I would go during my kids activities but I can't leave my kids at their activities - meaning one is active and the other is there.. granted I know they would be happy in the car chilling but it's winter... and the gym I do have a membership to no longer has a kids club (WHY WHY WHY - oh right Covid). I think I may ask hubs to meet me at activities when I pickup and that way I can do the gym to bring the other one home.. something like that MAY work...
that is an amazing routine. congrats! i wish i could do the treadmill or elliptical again. i do 20 minutes on the nustep which is a sitting elliptical and that takes everything out of me. I'm working on my endurance.
@jmwco thank you for raising this. It is an on-going challenge for me (and I'm sure for many of us) and I enjoyed reading all the good advices.
Here are a couple of ideas I would add:
- I try to take advantage of "disruptions" in my day-to-day life to start my good resolutions - a vacation, a business trip... you get away from your routine and when you come back there's a bit of a spark to try something new.
- Avoiding boredom by switching routine in your workout. Whatever that means. If you walk just take a different route, if you do yoga, join a different class, etc
- I like the idea of 10 min so at least you can say you did something in the day.
- when working from home, I'm trying small repetition of small exercises (think basic yoga poses) in-between meeting. Again, with the idea that by the end of the day, I've done quite a bit.
anaishunter wonderful suggestions and thank you for putting them out there. I think as creatures of habitual habit it is hard to deviate from the known to the unknown at times. 🤗
this past november i started small. every time i got up to get water, i'd clench and release my lower stomach, bum and thighs. then i started doing bed stretches for my upper stomach and upper body. for me it's about sneaking it in so i get used to doing something. the other day i needed a wee so badly that i poured water without the clenching and releasing and it felt really weird!😀
baby steps are the way to go….just getting my patience in check 😂
Add to struggle with this especially when my mind wants to work out, I have all the motivation to work out, but my body is like heck no! Then I get sick and tired, and even more pumped up to add working out it's in my routine, then I forget what I was even thinking about and start to read emails. I really feel defeated when I try to incorporate exercise into my life and I let myself down by not sticking to it even though sometimes it's not intentional. This can become a huge trigger for depression for me because I feel like if I don't work out I'm gonna get worse… and then I do… and then I blame my self even more… then I isolate more…. Looking forward to the golden reply that will help me change my life
The best way I find to motivate myself is to set small goals that are attainable. Don't tell yourself you want to lose 25 pounds, because each week you don't lose 3 or 4 pounds you feel like a failure. Instead, set a goal to lose a pound a week and when that is achieved you feel like you're a champion! Don't set the goal of wanting to run a10K race because again, you're setting yourself up to fail. Start with the goal of walking all round the house. Then expanded to walking around yard or perhaps up and down the street. Each small milestone you make makes you feel that much more energetic to work even harder for larger goals. With this monster we call MS we each find different battles we must fight to overcome the path laid before us. We are MS warriors and tougher than the average person.Never give up and never give in. Simply seek seek ways to adapt to make everything work for you individually. Remember together we are stronger. Fancy59.
New Years Resolutions?
Merry Christmas! And a happy new year!
Happy New Year to all! 
