I need a kick in the pants--in a slump

[Stephen1227]

Purchased my Fitbit in early June of this year as soon as last school year ended.  It helped me a lot, and I was an exercise machine all summer after neglecting my fitness during the past several school years.  Now that the new school year is in full swing, I find myself falling into the familiar pattern of giving my all to my career (teaching first grade) and neglecting my own health and fitness.  I know this is a mistake on an intellectual level, but I have again fallen into the habit of coming home and crashing.  I'm finding myself in a downward spiral, and want to get back into it, but it's not easy motivating myself when I am so spent after giving so much all day.  I could really use a shot in the arm!  Thank you!  

Stephen 

[betpchem]

I'm a teacher, too, so I hear you. One thing I'm trying to do is getting a little workout done in the morning. I've getting up just a little earlier and jogging about 15 - 20 minutes before breakfast. 

[RedBullAngel]

I used to be a teacher and can totally relate. I found that once I got home, I was done. Thankfully, there was a gym on the way home, and if I stopped there first, I got it done and had more energy for the evening. Remind yourself that working out is something you deserve to do, not something you have to do. At the end of the day, you've earned the right to take care of yourself. 

[LewWagner · Accepted solution]

Stephen,

Sounds like a mental OCD-like priority needs to be re-established.  I'm an exec of my own company and believe me, there are plenty of distractions (both real and imagined) competing to keep me from keeping up with my diet and exercise regimen. 

Rededicate yourself to accomplishing what made you succesful during the summer.  Incorporate that effort into the times before and after school.  Stick to that program even if your body and mind whine and complain.

Don't know where you live, but go out and walk for at least an hour each morning and evening.  Do situps and pushups during the evening and TV commercials.  Stand and/or walk in place vs. being a couch potato.

No one else can do this for you, S.  You're the master of your fate.  I know you can do this.  Grit and determination will win the day for you.  Go for it.

Lew

[Jodi6682 · Accepted solution]

Getting steps is really hard when you're giving it all you've got at work! Maybe enroll in a fitness class or dedicate yourself to workout/walk with a friend or coworker. Having someone to hold you accountable can really help. You can also take small measures to increase your step count for the days like parking as far away as possible, walking farther than necessary and using all the downtime you can for walking/stepping in place. (Commercials are great for this!) I also walk around the entire perimeter of the grocery store when I go, even if I only need 1-2 things and it helps me get a few extra hundred steps. Seeing the step goals I'm reaching motivates me to push myself more. In the end that motivation has to come from inside because no matter what others say, it's YOU that has to want to be more fit. 🙂 Keep up the good work!

[Stephen1227]

Thank you, Jodi!  You are so right, and I appreciate it very much! 

Stephen

[islandsara]

It was interesting to read your post.  I am also a teacher. I find if I build in some movement into my daily routine for the classroom, it will build your daily step total and also allow your students to get to know what is important to you and you can instill healthy habits for them! Its a challenge for me to stop doing detail work and take breaks and a healthy lunch and water. I hope this helps.

Sara

[bobbiedavies]

Stephen,

Do you get any kind of break between classes or a lunch?  A quick walk around the school may help.  I work in an office where I sit on my 'once widening' butt.  I make myself get up and take a lap around my floor, down the stairs to the floor below and around that floor and then back up again.  That 1500 steps right there.  I try to do that at least twice a day.   Are there any other teachers with a Fitbit?  Maybe you could walk together or challenge each other.

Good luck

Bobbie

[lyro]

Stephen,

I was wondering where you have been!  Glad all is well and that it is just a slump.  However, you don't want to wake up in April still in a slump...sooooooo...time to get it in gear!  I know it is tough after a full day of work, but you can do it.  I will tell you waht I do, not sure if it will work for you, but just in case.  I get to work early and walk up and down the hallway.  I do this for 20-40 minutes depending on how early I get there.  Of course, I am listening to my music while I do this so the time goes really quick  At night, if I don't go to kickboxing, I walk or jog in place while I watch TV.  Since I have been doing this, it is now hard for me to watch TV sitting still.  I find that once I get 10-20 minutes in, I feel like I can go on and on.  Start slow and you will def get back into it.  I always feel so much better when I 'force' myself to get moving.  Good luck and I hope you get back into it real soon!