There has been a LOT of sh*t going on in my life, if you read my blog you know some. If you know me, you’ve got a bigger picture.
I started Grad School this fall, taking up any free time I may have had. And therefore time at the gym. So many times I thought (and was told), the time at the gym would help to alleviate the stress. I would go, but all I thought about was the reading I could be doing or the paper I should be writing.
Along with the stress of school and the aforementioned sh*t, I eat. It’s not as much or as frequent as it used to be, but it’s definitely not in correct portions, nor am I tracking the points. Of course “not as much or as frequent” could be a cop out.
Between the two… I’ve gained back around 20 lbs.
On top of that… my marriage is breaking up. She asked me to cancel WeightWatchers and the gym membership to cut back on expenses.
yep… a whole LOT of sh*t.
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Wow, John, you are going through a lot right now. School is tough enough on its own, much less with everything else life can throw at you.
Regarding the gym and exercise, I have not found going to a gym helps me to relieve stress at all. For me, a good long walk outside does far better for me. I know everyone’s different, and you may find that a walk is torture, but you may also find it to be more relaxing than what you are doing now.
It sounds like we have something in common, we are both emotional eaters. I can devour incredible amounts of food while under stress. The only thing I have found that works for me is to keep away from the food or stay so busy I don’t have time to think about it. Neither method is foolproof.
I really hate to hear you believe your marriage is breaking up. I don’t know the whole story here, so I’ll refrain from commenting on it other than to say I am sorry to hear you are going through problems.
John, from my reading some of your blog, it doesn’t appear you put a lot of faith in God, but I am going to keep you in my prayers anyhow. Keep your chin up. During the lowest points in my life, an old friend used to tell me, “It will all come out in the wash, brother. It will all come out in the wash.” Looking back, he was right, but it sure wasn’t fun during that time.
I’m sorry to hear that you are going through tough times right now. Let’s try our best to focus on the positive aspects of each situation.
School, yes, is stressful. But try taking it one step at a time. Sometimes breaking down your priorities and finding out what you need to accomplish first helps get through all those stressful times – especially when you have papers to write, and assignments to hand in, and group projects to accomplish. Try writing down things that you need to do, and prioritize them. And cross them off as you get each of it done.
In terms of the gym, I think it is because you are worried about so much, you are getting the full benefits of the gym. Have you tried doing simple relaxation exercises where you just give yourself a couple minutes in your busy day just to sit there and relax? Relax your mind and clear your head. If you can’t clear your mind in the first minute, keep trying. Just breathe and relax. This really helps me, because when I’m stressed, I get flooded with so many thoughts that run through my mind that I don’t know what to do. So, by stopping and giving myself that moment to relax and just not think about anything, is actually comforting.
Canceling Weight Watchers may be a tough one to go through if you need the support system. But you do have you blog where you can rant and rave about your healthy lifestyle journey. I think there are online forums that you can utilize too, if you are looking for guidance in weight loss.
Really, all in all, I really hope you keep smiling and try to get through this tough time. I am sure you can overcome this obstacle you are facing right now. Best wishes.
Thinking about ya too… we’re all here for ya and you know you can call me anytime to talk about it. Sucks about the financial cutbacks… of course, as Steve just pointed out, walking is good and I hear it’s pretty cheap too. Just don’t get lost in the snow.
You can get through this! We are here for you.