Daily Movement - Tuesday, June 29

[Jenny in Florida]

I have nothing cute or pithy to open with today, so I will just wish everyone a good morning and remind you that:

These threads are for those who'd like accountability and encouragement in doing intentional daily movement. Anyone may join in at any time!

[Jenny in Florida]

I did wake up to my earlier alarm, but got pinned by a cat and didn't actually move as quickly as would have been ideal. Nonetheless, I had time to walk 3.75K and do legs and arms, feed and pill the dog, make my coffee and still get to my desk at a reasonably early time. Given how much I have struggled with this schedule, I'll take that as a win. (I also reset my weekday alarm 10 minutes earlier starting tomorrow.)

As I mentioned in yesterday's thread, I've had a lot of days recently when I am just barely eeeking out the daily step count, often by walking around the house in my PJs before bed or trudging around and around the block until my Fitbit finally buzzes. My current work-class-doctors schedule, combined with being on call to drive our bonus young adult to and from work a few days a week, is making it harder to squeeze in those steps, so I am looking for ways to get back to incorporating more walking throughout the day.

Any suggestions or experiences to share?

 

Summer Splash Challenge Update: 94.2 of 500K
Daily Walking Streak: 122 Days
West Orange Trail: 3 of 22 miles

 

[sbgrace]

Jenny, I wish I could advise. I can empathize.

I'm struggling right now too (doing less than planned really often, shoving minimal things in at the very end of the day, and sometimes missing altogether recently).

 I know  the busy crowding out my movement only going to get worse over the next few weeks for me. In the past, with the exception of last year due to COVID canceling everything, the end of June to mid-July has been my downfall in regular movement. I would often come out of it discouraged and disappointed in myself--stopping my regular movement altogether. Eventually, months later, I would restart from what felt like zero again. I don't want that to happen this year. 

So, I'm trying to be gentle with myself. I'm going to count continuing my movement in some way while I'm this busy, even if it's not what I think is ideal, as a win for me. If I come out of the next few weeks getting movement when and how I can and then get back into my routine afterward, I may give myself some reward. 

--- 

Today is a less than planned day, but I did get a boosted walk at home in (again, way too late tonight). 

[Jenny in Florida]

9 hours ago, sbgrace said:

I would often come out of it discouraged and disappointed in myself--stopping my regular movement altogether. Eventually, months later, I would restart from what felt like zero again. I don't want that to happen this year. 

So, I'm trying to be gentle with myself. I'm going to count continuing my movement in some way while I'm this busy, even if it's not what I think is ideal, as a win for me.

@sbgrace - Thanks for saying this. I had something of a breakdown yesterday afternoon/evening. It was a combination of feeling "fat," anxiety over not being able to find my scale and figure out exactly how much I do weigh and missing deadlines both at work and in my class. And, because it was raining, I was going to have to scramble to squeeze in enough steps to meet my daily goal. I just felt awful about myself. 

Intellectually, I knew/know none of this is the end of the world. I'll find the scale or buy a new one. I'll get the weight under control or, if I don't, adjust to carrying a few extra pounds and try to focus on other areas of my health on which I have more of a handle. It's still early enough in my class to pull myself out of the hole and wind up with a good grade. I talked with my manager about the work project, and she was supportive and helped me get re-oriented. And, by marching in place while watching a webinar, riding the stationary bike for a while and then doing some laps around the living room, I made that Fitbit buzz. 

But being gentle with myself is not in my nature, so it's good to have the reminder.

Edited June 30, 2021 by Jenny in Florida