Getting life together

LegacyUser

Hi, thanks in advance for any advice given.Posting for tips on how to start getting things together after slow period in your life. Last two years life has been regularly interrupted by
health problems.

Social life,hobbies,jobs,college course has had to be pushed aside to concentrate on keeping well. Everyone has their problems, the condition itself isn't life threatening and last few months things have evened off. So was wondering what advice people have for keeping healthy and getting life back together?

There'll be some changes, as can no longer drink alcohol,less energy and strength than average young adult and a large amount of education to catch up on. Also, lost touch with most people and hobbies.There were a few dodgy nights and unfortunate drunken tears over the months so thanks yous are due and have learned the hard way drink and medication don't work, otherwise appreciate the medicinal powers of a good session.

Any tips for getting back out there and how to pace yourself?Reading these boards show life throws people off track for loads of reasons so anyone who's been there your wisdom would be much appreciated.Life's for living and people are sound out so look forward to hearing suggestions.Thanks!

Kevster

Hey and good afternoon,

I went through a very low period, too, and that was back in 2005. What you're going through sounds similar to what I faced (health issues, things being put on hold, et cetera), and I think that you therefore should see this as something that could last for quite a while, unfortunately. That is, at least until you feel strong and confident in yourself that things have moved on. What I faced was a break-up, leaving college, diagnosis of a chronic illness, and major mental health issues.

We should start with the basics here: do you have accomodation for the forseeable future and a family to rely on? They need to be on-board, too, and to understand what you're facing. As you imply, your health is a priority, and that needs to be managed first. Are you on schedule to get it to a manageable point? Once there, you can start to think about other things.

In the medium-to-long term future, you might not really know what you'd like to be doing. It is the Summer now, however, and you could think about going back to college/university in September to start something different. Don't commit to a full degree; just do a Higher Certificate (2 years).

Other general guidance: Get outside each day - even when raining... - as it is a good habit to have. I've never stayed indoors for a full day since my issues years ago. This is important for me because I was agoraphobic. Also, reach out to people suffering the same condition that you have - learn from them; help them; 'suffer' together, not in silence.

Kevin

gerryd2

I'm in a similar situation as you too. All I can say is to take things one step at a time as trying to sort out multiple things at once can over whelm you. It won't happen over night as it takes time so never stop trying and plan things for the future so you have things to look forward to and do things many people can't say they have done. Like I'm doing a parachute jump in a few months. It's something to look forward to, the experience can change your life and you'll have something to talk about that a lot of people haven't done.

Join a gym or a local club that your interested in so you can meet people with similar interests and remember that you don't need alcohol. I drank over the last few days and it felt like I undid months of hard work self improving. Oh and have you considered getting a dog or rescuing one from an animal shelter. They are great companions and bringing them for walks gets you out and about more.

Dellnum

Try meetup.com and meet new people to sort out your social life.

She Who Dares Wins

Good for you for coming and seeking out ideas and information for a start. First maybe put a card beside your bed and in your wallet that says "how does today contribute to my goal", that will serve as a first thing in the morning and last thing at night reminder and motivator. Make great nutrition decisions and research any possible nutritional links to your condition, maybe there are particular foods that are good/bad. Buy a smoothie maker and use it daily.
Outdoor exercise is essential in my experience, even in the darkest winter days, get your gear on and get out for an hour if you have the time. That helps you sleep too and things are better managed when you sleep well.
Take regular indulgent bubble baths as "me time".
Look into social avenues, if your sporty there should be some options locally. Figure out what youre interested in and start pursuing that regularly.

LegacyUser

Hi again, thanks for all the information. In response to Kevster,am luckily okay for accommodation and have family close by.Family are fairly practical,they've been patient but would like to see me getting out and about or working again, as much for my own sake as anything. The advice to get a pet and go outdoors is excellent and have considered both. With exercise have physical limitations which mean walking or contact sports etc wouldn't be advisable,still starting off small know exercise would be really useful. Have been
advised to do yoga or a similar exercise if anyone has experience of whether this worked for them or what else is good in terms of low impact activity?

Gerry's advice to take things one step at a time hits the nail on the head really.Getting a routine in order's probably most vital. Health is nearly on schedule to start being consistent,from there be pretty much average health with physical weakness which is permanent.

As straightforward as some of this might look written down didn't appreciate how useful simple every day activities were until things went heads up.Good to hear what works,thanks.

Kevster

Yes... through all of this, you will most certainly come to realise that the little things in life are the most precious (and free). You'll see the world in a different way and probably won't want to go back to the person that you were. That could sound a bit egocentric, but you will have a great sense of pride as you pull yourself through this and won't want to look back, and I'm sure that those who know you will see a different you.

Regarding yoga, my brother was a yoga teacher for a long time and I know that it helped him. In fact, he met his wife through attending a yoga camp many years ago...

Kevin