I am really doing so great handling my anxiety, I'm driving alone, which was so hard for me before, and so many of the other things i couldn't do i am doing now...but i know how important it is to exercise, but i make a million excuses not to do it!! The best is that i don't have the time, but of course there's always time for everything else. Help..any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Judy,

Congratulations on your driving and all the other strides you have made.

Exercise is really hard for me too. I tend to get very anxious before I get ready to walk. I wish I had a magic tip to get you motivated. I make myself do it out of fear - keeping my heart healthy so I won't have a heart attack. I also tell myself that I don't have time, but I do have time to watch television so... I guess I have time! Again, I can only offer my empathy - no magic. Start out walking once or twice a week and be proud of yourself for it. Keep up the great work.

Take good care,

Wendy

Hi Judy,
I found that what really works for me is to do something I really like. I had a weight problem growing up so I got into sports to slim down but as the years went by, I found myself enjoying aerobics and running. On days when I am too tired to go to the gym, I walk and that is a great time to ejoy the scenery and get some time by myself. If I'm feeling kind of energetic I workout at home with a video tape. I don't do strenous workouts everyday. Just listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs on a particular day. Try to mix up your workouts so that you are enjoying yourself.

Best Wishes,
Lili

Thanks for the tips. I'll try to start walking..my daughters want to take a jazzercise class next week do maybe I'll tag along!! See ya!

Judy:
What really helped me was to realize that every time I go to the gym or don't go to the gym I am making a choice. So when I'm leaving work and I start making excuses about how tired I am etc., I ask myself if choosing to go home and veg on the couch helps me get to where I want to be or if going to the gym will. It has really helped me. Then if I don't go I don't feel guilty because I consciously chose not to go instead of not going because I gave in to excuses. Also, I had to be realistic and not expect myself to go 7 days a week. Hope this helps!

[This message has been edited by myrtlemay (edited 09-09-2001).]

judy4123,

As a fellow sufferer of anxiety, I know the work and committment you gave to be able to drive alone again. Congratulations.

I found Susan Powter's books and tapes help me in controlling my weight and get fit. She suggests that we should not wait for motivation to come to exercise because why should anyone has motivation to exercise when they are unfit? She was 260lb and had problem breathing and moving when she decided to do something about it. And she did.

Susan's suggestion is "Just do it". If you schedule to work out right after work then when the time comes, do it. Your body will be tired. You would rather lie on the couch and watch TV. But that doesn't matter. Just do it. When your body achieves a certain level of fitness then the motivation would come to maintain or improve that level of energy. "Motivation is in the doing" says Susan.

I am reading her book "Food". You can get it really cheap at half.com. Do you know 50% of total calories in orange roughy is fat?! Sigh, and that was my favorite seafood. Do you know how the current label law in the food packaging misled us? Knowledge is power. Anyway, if you are interested in changing to a more healthy eating habit, this book is very helpful and fun to read. She is very over the top. I like her for it. I started to make some life style changes based on Susan's idea last Monday and it has gone very well. I was never hungry (Susan is dead against dieting)and the way I cook even my boyfriend didn't mind. Humm, too good to be true? Naw, that's my anxiety talking.

I did some lying on the couch this weekend so I better resume exercising. But I have appointment after work. May be I will do it tomorrow. NO! TODAY! All right. Gee...sh It's a battle.

drop

[This message has been edited by drop (edited 09-10-2001).]