In Deep Do Do

In Deep Do Do

 

I continue to be amazed at how much energy I have after losing 145 – 150 lbs.  The unexpected and somewhat troubling thing is that I can’t seem to sit still for some of the things that defined my life for so long.  I can’****ch TV for more than an hour without feeling fidgety.  I would rather be riding my bike, taking a walk, paddling my canoe, doing yard work, even doing the laundry than sitting still for that long.  I love to read, especially mystery novels, but I can only read a chapter or two before I feel the need to get up and do something.  I used to be able to read an entire book in one sitting. 

 

In anticipation of weekends, my mind fills with various possibilities and then I try to organize said activities around other things on our calendar.  I know that I am driving my family up the wall with this constant need to be doing something physical as much as possible.  Early morning bike rides or long walks seem to mellow my sense of restlessness for the rest of the day to a degree, so I think I will eventually find some balance of physical activity versus family time that works for everyone.  I hope so anyway.

 

My job as an analyst is a bigger problem.  I used to be able to sit for 3 or 4 or 5 hours at a time in front of the computer, barely moving except for my eyes on the screen and my fingers tapping on the keyboard.  Now I am lucky if I can sit still for an hour without getting up to do something non-productive.  I have changed and my job has not.  Sitting still is necessary for my job, but I can’t seem to do that very well any more and when you consider that it hasn’t provided much in the way of emotional satisfaction in a while, either, it would seem that a job change is necessary.  I wish the economy was better; it would make finding a different job easier.  Until that happens, I will continue to fuss and fidget.

 

Do any of you feel this unceasing restlessness?  If so, how do you deal with it?

 

 

RP

I have an acquaintance that became a Personal Trainer because of her love for exercise, and she did not go to 4 years of college for this either!

Perhaps you should look into something like that, it could even start out as a PT gig perhaps, but maybe it would allow you the time to be active while helping others, and allow you to look towards the future with a possibility of getting out of that desk job.

Just a thought...

I'm looking forward to matching your energy level when I'm down another 50 or so!

This is so inspiring!  I'm just trying to get to my surgery date.  The idea of having energy AT ALL makes me smile.  I have been active, even as an overweight person, in the past.  But as I've aged and have been so heavy (BMI 61)  for the past 10 years, even walking is painful and I like sitting or laying in bed.  I'm older than you (57) and last November had a knee replacement.  It has taken all the little energy I had out of me.  ::: sigh ::::  So, needless to say the idea of having energy is exciting!

RP you are making me nervous! 

I was that way PRE-SURGERY.. I sure hope it doesn't get worse.  My sons get mad because I can't sit still through an entire television show or movie.  I try but it's hard.

I guess I don't have any suggestions for you, but I will definitely be paying attention to any tips/tricks that are offered to you.  I may need them as well.

 

I have gotten some interesting replies on the RNY board, too, if you are interested.

I can relate, to a lesser degree.  I've never been a slug, I haven'****ched much tv at all over the past X number of years, I just don't have the patience for it.   I CAN, however, sit and read a book for 2 or 3 hours straight (IF it's a good book!)

But to have an evening, or heaven forbid, a DAY without anything planned?  It's torture!  Especially when finances aren't in a good way, ya know?  So the challenge is to find a balance, like you said.  Keep active, without making my family nuts or spending money I don't have. 

argh...  

I also have a 'butt glue' problem at work.  Since I also work as an analyst, my chair is where the glue is supposed to keep me. 

I have two things at my desk that help keep me here a bit more.  First is an exercise ball instead of a chair.  I have a chair, but I also have a ball.  It's amazing how much work I can get done while I bounce.  It gets the jitters out when I'm sitting though conference calls and online meetings.  Or just when I want to bounce but have things I need to look at on my screen.  

I also have a pedal exerciser (InStride Cycle XL) that lives under my desk.  It does make some noise, so I only do it when I'm not on the phone.  But I'm getting some movement and still getting work done.  Since you're also a biking kind of person, it might help you.

 think about issue like ADD or Anxiety too..it could be that all of the changes and issues you are dealing with are bring these out

 

good luck!

I know exactly what you're talking about.  But for me its more of a sense of urgency --- like I've wasted so much time being inactive that I just don't want to waste any more.  I think I used to spend alot of time feeling like certain aspects of life were passing me by and now I must feel subconsciously I need to make up for that????  It manifests itself like a fidgetyness (how's that for making up a word); similar to what I think some folks feel on too much caffeine. 

Leia - your exercise ball chair at work is a great idea!! I work in a call center so I'm sitting most of the time.  I'm not tethered to my desk by cords but I find myself standing or walking around the area more and more often 1 month out from surgery.  I may need to check into asking if an exercise chair is at all possible... but then everyone will want one :) 

I can walk further now at a higher pace than I used to and it feels great.  I used to feel so worn out after a looong walk but now I feel energized and calm.