On a personal level, my struggles have been with waves of depression. I discussed my options with my doctor and we agreed that the best course of action for me is to get healthier. While she had some concrete numbers on a chart for me to aim for that probably haven't changed in decades despite new studies and research, I'm taking a less rigid approach. I know myself well enough to know that diets and health fads do nothing for me. My self-control is non-existant so depriving myself just backfires. Stress eating is also a huge issue for me. Switching from finance to early education caused a 30+ pound weight gain (my co-workers are quick to enable with sugary coffee, sodas, baked goods, and candy). Now that I've hit my 2 year anniversary as a teacher I think it's time to make a change.
This year I've switched to a toddler room so my level of physical demands has skyrocketed. I'm on my feet more, lifting kids on and off changing tables, picking up and comforting crying two-year-olds, and cleaning all day. At my current level of health, I can't keep up. I'm exhausted every night and ordering out multiple days a week so I don't have to cook. My childcare center is owned by a fitness center so I have a free membership I'm too tired to use.
The timing couldn't be better, they did an employee contest to win a spot in their fitness/nutrition/stress management program and I was one of the ones selected. In two weeks I start the 90-day program which consists of a two-hour session each week with an education component followed by exercise. I've started calorie counting to get my overeating under control without cutting out everything I love while still holding me accountable for less than perfect choices and found an app that I can earn points toward cash as I track my food and exercise. As a teacher, can you blame me for seeking financial encouragement?
Does rubbing them together really work? Cuz I'm willing to try anything...
My goal is to be able to keep up with my active and strong willed room of toddlers for a full day, then come home to be able to actually make a healthy meal for myself and spend some time with my boyfriend. If I could have the leftover energy to work out a few times a week, that would be ideal. I plan on having Christmas cookies, steak and potato dinners, and extra sweet coffee the whole time but in moderation. Baking is a hobby I have no intention of giving up, the activity itself or the enjoying of it. I think if I can get myself to a healthier place physically, that will help me keep my depression in check (with the aid of medication as needed). Exercise is shown to be one of the best forms of natural anti-depressant and I want to work on making it a bigger part of my routine.
My boyfriend and I have been discussing when we'd like to get married and start a family. With babies of my own in the next few years, I want to be able to be the best mother I can be. Depression will always be something I will be working to manage, but getting healthier is something I can do now both for myself and for my future family.
