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7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 27

Thanks for the suggestions about how to approach this. I think that I'm going to start with focusing on a healthy breakfast and getting a pedometer to track how much I'm walking each day. I'm actually pretty active because I'm chasing after my young children every day, so it may give me a boost to see how much I'm already doing.

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11226

Hi Super Girl,

I think we can all relate to your predicament. Making lifestyle changes is very hard even for those who do not struggle with their mental health. My suggestion for you is to start by setting small goals. When we try to change everything at once it can be self-defeating. Also, try to pick goals you are excited about, that you think you can fit into your lifestyle. For example, if you don't like working out is there any active hobbies you could try? Have you thought of getting a pedometer to motivate you? If you have trouble eating healthy everyday can you make a big pot of something healthy once a week and freeze the left overs? Or make a healthy smoothie some mornings for breakfast? But these are just ideas - decide on a small goal that would work for you. Once you are able to stick to it for a few weeks add another goal. Set goals that have a time line and be sure to reward yourself even for small successes.

Another great way to stay motivated is to make yourself accountable to someone. When we have to answer to someone else we are sometimes more driven. Perhaps you can share a goal with us and let us know how you are doing with it.

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 27

Focusing on one thing that you can do to make yourself feel better is a very good idea. I always try to make sweeping changes, which of course never works and I end up feeling worse when I abandon my efforts. I feel like there are so many things that need changing though. Sometimes I wish I could just flip a switch and completely change my personality. Super Girl

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1022

Hmmm... what are good techniques for adopting a healthier lifestyle while feeling so emotionally and physically defeated? I go through the same cycle of trying and then giving up. One thing I do know ... we need to take it slow and be kind to ourselves in the process.

For me, where I am right now... there are a few things that I must keep in mind:

I truly do want to feel better.
Shaming myself for any reason makes me feel worse.
Staying in the present moment... what is ONE thing I can do for myself to feel better?
Acknowledge the effect and appreciate the effort.

Thanks for bringing this up Super Girl. Great topic and something I'm sure we all struggle with. I would really appreciate hearing how other people manage. ~m

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 27

I find myself stuck in a cycle of trying to improve lifestyle choices that I can control - what I eat, how much alcohol I drink, how much I exercise...I always think to myself, if I could just get into a good routine or a good schedule, life would be so much easier and I'd feel so much better. Instead, I do well for a week and then have a bad day, which I respond to with junk food and wine and forget about doing yoga or whatever. When I have a hard time even motivating myself to take a shower, how do I help myself make healthier choices? My brain knows that it is better to eat "whole foods" drink more water (and less vodka) and at least take a walk every day. But a lot of the time I just throw all that out fhe window and revert to my unhealthy ways, which makes me feel even more self-defeated. Anybody have some good techniques for adopting a healthy lifestyle as a part of depression recovery? Thanks, Super Girl

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