https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:54:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153627 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:36:24 +0000 anne 2153627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>THanks Carla, and everyone. I've not been around YLF much of late, and it was a good experience to catch up on such a lot of your news at once, and be reminded of how difficult life us in so much of the world. You'll all be in my thoughts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153621 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:12:07 +0000 kkards 2153621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back to add that in the last 2 weeks I’d gotten lazy about meal planning and therefore actual meal cooking, and so take out and un healthy dinners had increased (does minestrone soup, cottage cheese &amp; coffee cake actually quality as dinner?). Any way, I’ve resolved to get back on track, and already feel better, or at least feel more like if taken back some control, instead of just taking whatever comes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153592 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 04:25:25 +0000 Suz 2153592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carla</b>, thank you for starting this thread, and I'm so glad you and yours are doing well (all things considered). Your calm and practical approach must really help in these times, plus you have a beautiful home in a fairly safe area.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks also to all who have shared their struggles and small joys and successes. This has been such a difficult year.&nbsp;</p> <p>In terms of fitness, I'm doing well. Or at least I <b>was</b> doing well until I injured my hamstring last week! LOL.&nbsp; Anyway, twice a week kettlebells classes (on Zoom), plus lots and lots of walking and hiking, and the occasional short run have helped me lose the extra stress weight I'd been carrying for the past couple of years -- even though I am still quite stressed. No doubt the lack of restaurant meals also helped with weight loss. </p> <p>I don't sleep well, but that's nothing new. I have cut way back on caffeine, but I'm still drinking wine and eating dark chocolate and I don't plan to stop. There's only so much deprivation I can bear at one time.&nbsp;</p> <p>Moving during a pandemic was difficult -- as <b>Astrid</b> noted, it is hard to make friends.&nbsp; I was quite depressed&nbsp; in the first 6 weeks of restrictions, as it sunk in how much I had lost. (Visits with distant family and friends, social life, important professional opportunities, travel). Meanwhile, like a few others here, I found myself extra busy with work -- and that continues, which is one reason I'm not here as often as I used to be. I wish I could say the work has been lucrative but that is not the case -- however, I took these contracts on, and need to complete them, so there it is.&nbsp;</p> <p>We've lost loved ones during this time (to cancers, heart disease, suspected COVID). So like everyone here, I've needed to work hard to maintain a positive attitude.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am fortunate to live in a relatively safe pocket (on an island -- it really helps -- high five, Kiwis!) -- but even here, cases are rising exponentially. On the mainland, tighter restrictions have just been imposed and I'm sure they are coming here as well. It's hard. I do enjoy my walks but I miss socializing in restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, at readings and performances. I'm a social introvert (does that make sense?) I love my friends and rely on my relationships with them. I speak to several regularly by phone and others by text or Facetime -- but it's not the same.&nbsp;</p> <p>Still -- I love my garden. I've almost finished renovations on my new office -- it's amazing!! Garden walkout with a ton of light. I love it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153568 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 01:16:57 +0000 cjh 2153568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>UmmLila, that’s interesting you talk about two hours of activity, because I’ve found the same. It doesn’t have to be super vigorous exercise, but some kind of definite, intentional movement.&nbsp; </p> <p>Janet, good for restarting your running, FYI, I just today finished my October (haha) goal of running 66 miles because I turned 66 last month. I had to take a rest week early because of a sore hip, but new shoes made me better, and I kept recording my totals. Five miles, three days a week is my usual schedule. Much harder in winter, but this year - NO excuses. Keep up your spirits and chin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153530 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:59:51 +0000 Janet 2153530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to send out a bit of virtual support to those who are having a tough time. This winter looks like it’s going to be challenging for many people. Please stay safe and take care. </p> <p>I’ve decided that when we get back home I’m going to pick up running yet again. Last winter my husband and I did a mile a day challenge for about a month. He slacked off but I kept it up long enough to get back to where I could run (albeit at my snails pace) three miles without stopping. And then I fell off the wagon too, although I was walking a LOT earlier this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153529 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:18:54 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2153529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had been doing very well through the summer and spending a great deal of time outside walking or otherwise. The time change to getting dark early throws me off every year. </p> <p>I've had my daughter home with me doing zoom university classes since March, and she will graduate from NYU in January, still remotely. I feel bad about how isolating this has all been for her. However, I read yesterday in the news that 1 of every 325 people in NYC died in the pandemic, so I cannot be sorry that she is home in the countryside.</p> <p>So far as my own exercise routines are concerned, I have been all-in on exercise through the pandemic. I have basically discovered that the ramping-down metabolism of my age means that if I want to eat even (mostly) healthy, vegetarian food, drink wine, and not feel like I'm dieting, I need something like 2 hours of peloton/walking/yoga/weights/pilates every day. (It's going to be boring to transition most of that indoors in the winter, though.) But I do that, and I think keeping the body worn out does keep stress away.</p> <p>I like hearing how others are coping. For those of you finding it hard, keep hanging in there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153510 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 14:16:40 +0000 Janet 2153510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF, I’m sending good vibes to your sister. </p> <p>We are back in TX now for a few days before heading home. COVID cases are exploding in parts of TX (we sped through El Paso for this reason). My husband’s cousin just got out of the ICU after two weeks and is still recovering. Our ranch manager and one of his sons have mild cases (we are staying far away from them!). </p> <p>We are very fortunate and plan to keep doing what we’ve been doing, keeping our distance from others, staying “home” as much as possible, and wearing masks when out around people. </p> <p>I feel some signs of stress ramping back up (they were better on the road), and plan on taking better care of myself when we are back home. More exercise, more cooking healthy meals, more meditation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153478 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 07:56:17 +0000 Jane 2153478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is lovely to read the replies and see how different people are managing. </p> <p>I’m slightly removed from my emotions as I am concerned to really properly engage with them fully I think. </p> <p>My work head only seems to work when I have the routine of the commute to the office, which I am okay with and take huge care. I continue to commute inspite of the second UK lockdown. I work in construction so I am able to do this and comply with the guidelines. </p> <p>I think work is getting me through the pandemic because it gives structure and purpose. </p> <p>DS left for university and I’m worried about him although there isn’t anything to indicate that he’s not okay - he’s had a few moments of anxiety but he is very open with DH and I and talks things through. Mum is okay and I see her weekly but the evenings are horrid for her. It gets dark at about 5pm here and that for her in her cottage alone makes it a long slow day. DH is coming out of a period of grieving and sorting out family things following the death of his father. He’s been having counselling for the last 18 months or so, which has made an amazing difference to him, as he feels able to properly articulate and express his feelings. I love him more and more. </p> <p>Thank you for the space to write about this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153464 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 03:16:17 +0000 Aquamarine 2153464@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s good to hear, Carla.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153450 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:33:19 +0000 Carla 2153450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Aquamarine, Shevia - I can relate to the cracked tooth. &nbsp;Cracked a back molar 3 weeks before the actual relocation/move in 2014. &nbsp;There wasn’t enough time to go the root canal/reconstruction/cap route, so I had it drawn. &nbsp;Quick recovery, but some slight nerve damage that took a few years to resolve. &nbsp;I quite like my bite plane and can’t sleep without it now.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153443 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 23:41:56 +0000 kkards 2153443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Style Fan, sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and your sister, never a good time for a cancer diagnosis, but now when its so much harder for family to be there for in person support, it seems even crueler.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153430 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 21:05:47 +0000 Style Fan 2153430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for starting this thread, Carla.&nbsp; I have been doing Vinyassa Yoga about 4 or 5 times a week, thanks to Zoom.&nbsp; I go for a fairly long hike daily.&nbsp; Mr. SF is a great motivator.&nbsp; He does Yoga daily.<br />My diet is the same as always.&nbsp; That never changes.&nbsp; I was eating less because of stress, but I think that has passed.<br />My health is a roller coaster.&nbsp; Up and down.&nbsp; I have realized that it might always be this way.&nbsp; I am grateful that I have excellent health care.<br />My family's awful news is that my younger sister was diagnosed with Stage 3 metastasized breast cancer about 6 weeks ago.&nbsp; She is receiving chemotherapy weekly, and we are hoping for the best.&nbsp; She will have surgery after the chemo.&nbsp; <br />All the family meets via Zoom once a week.&nbsp; I am extremely grateful that we can support her even though we live so far apart.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153414 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 18:41:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2153414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Robin, my dentist custom-fitted mouth guards for me a few times. I got tired of grinding through them, so I just started chewing sugarless gum at night. I’ve been doing it for over 25 years with no problems, other than that I can’t sleep without it. </p> <p>I hear you on all the “let’s be lroductive during this gifted time” articles. I have two friends who have both been amazing at plowing through new projects during lockdowns. One of them has long had periods of down days and the other periodically is angry too. So it’s not like they’re those Teflon/Golden people who sail through life. They both got off to tough starts, living in well-known ghettos. I think they’re using what they learned there to thrive now. Sometimes I find them inspirational; others times I feel like a schlub by comparison. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153410 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 18:23:15 +0000 Aquamarine 2153410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow...it’s somewhat therapeutic to read all of your COVID-related woes. Makes me feel less alone. I seem to gravitate to the “look at all the free time we have and so let’s exercise, bake, and learn a foreign language” articles online. And other than baking, I haven’t managed to do any of those things. If anything, I am busier than ever before since my kids (20-somethings) are all hunkering down with us, working remotely, and my elderly mother needs my help, too. I’ve gained weight and my blood pressure is way up. If I don’t bring it down, I will end up on medication and that feels like a failure to me. Like Shevia, I also cracked a tooth and may lose it, which horrifies me. Luckily it’s in the back, but still. My dentist says so many people are coming in with cracked teeth and other damage from clenching and grinding while sleeping...a unique pandemic issue. (I’m getting fitted for a mouthguard to sleep in to prevent more issues.)</p> <p>But the vaccine news is GREAT news and I remain hopeful for a better 2021.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153401 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:56:10 +0000 RobinF 2153401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So nice to not feel alone in this crazy time. I have been very thankful that my spouse and I and our adult kids all kept our health and jobs through this pandemic but now rates are rising again so stress is also. The holidays will be very strange with little to no gatherings. I'm just hoping that my daughter who lives in Utah will feel safe enough to come home for a short time.</p> <p>We have been socializing with a small group of friends (two other couples) and actually cut loose a few that were toxic anyway - not worth it. But it has been nice to have a group to gather with, otherwise hubby and I would be getting really sick of each other - hah!&nbsp;</p> <p>Health wise, I have gone back to Weight Watchers and lost a little weight. Not a lot but enough to feel tons better. I do this every few years - get the the point where my weight has crept up enough that I am very unhappy with it and then join WW to try to get rid of it - it works better some times than others (or I should say I follow it better some times than others) and I am determined to get down to my goal this time regardless of how long it takes. It is very slow but part of that is because I still have my almost-daily glass of wine. I also do some weight lifting zoom classes and try to walk but don't manage as often as I should.</p> <p>Here's hoping 2021 turns the corner and we can get back to some sort of "normal". I miss traveling and concerts and festivals. I miss my family who are out of state and shopping with my mom. Maybe this whole situation will make us all re-evaluate our priorities going forward.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153370 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:47:48 +0000 Astrid 2153370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m also feeling the stress. I have had some issues with my health the whole year and it also has had an influence on my mental health, in addition to everything that comes with the pandemic. It’s very up and down... What has made it so complicated for me is that I moved and started a new job last year, so I don’t have many personal contacts here yet besides my neighbours which are admittedly very nice. Staying at home isn’t always easy when you’re living on your own. I’ve also had to go to work all these months (no home office for me), with a lot of exposure to the public, both at work and on public transport. At work every visitor has to wear a mask and I’m so so tired of asking people to please put on their mask correctly... My siblings are staying with my parents right now (the universities went completely online) and I’ve been visiting whenever I could, but it’s definitely not enough. I also worry about my Dad - he has some health issues and as a school teacher he is exposed to a lot of people every day.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I’ve never been someone who goes somewhere to exercise, so that hasn’t changed much for me - I do video courses at home and try to go for walks whenever I have time and the weather is alright. Otherwise I’ve read a lot this year, watched quite a bit of TV and finally started to work on the photo albums I’ve always wanted to do (that has been fun).&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153364 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:24:32 +0000 Janet 2153364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, I remember loving archery when I did a summer sports camp as a kid. I was/am about as unathletic as it gets. I’m not and have never been fast so I hated sports that rely on speed. Even when I started running, I’m slow at best. But I always liked activities where I could take my time and focus to aim, and I was good at that. I even impressed my husband on the firing range when I learned how to shoot a gun (not something I particularly like, but I’m glad I know how). So I can definitely appreciate the focus and steadiness that archery requires. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153356 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:12:14 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2153356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, we had special swim protocols set up too. The number of people permitted into the facility depended on the shape and size of the pool area and locker/shower facilities. Generally, 25 meter pools were set up with two lanes made into one super-wide lane, with people insteucted to circle swim. The most I ever saw in one of those was 8 people, but more often 5 or 6, so a low load. No hair dryers, every other shower blocked off. Swim sessions started every 2.5 hours, lasted 1:45, then the pool was cleaned. After 15 min the shower and locker areas were cleaned. </p> <p>Suntiger, a sort of odd question for you, because I know you’ve been enjoying archery: what’s it like? Is it calming because of the steadiness required to line up your shot? Invigorating when you hit the target? What muscles does it use besides arm and maybe rhombus on one side? I’m not trying to put it down. I just don’t know enough about it to understand your devotion to it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1/page/2#post-2153334 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:30:42 +0000 ChristelJ 2153334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading these posts has really touched my heart, and helped me feel a bit less alone. I have been mostly off the forum for a while due to a massive lack of energy, and feeling like I have nothing to contribute right now. Basically my husband and I are okay, but like others struggling with some health issues and stress. Like others too, there is a situation where my frail and elderly parents are far away and under lockdown. They are at a facility that fought mightily against the virus all this time but recently had a slew of infections. I cannot travel right now, but even if I could go there, I wouldn't be allowed to see them.</p> <p>My routine is my coping mechanism. I walk every day, and cook, sew and crochet, all of which are very calming. Crafting has kept me sane, as it has a quite meditative effect. I feel too, like all the upheaval in the world must necessarily lead to some positive changes along the way. My aim is to stay flexible, and look for opportunities to be part of those good things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153328 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:06:20 +0000 Anonymous 2153328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Extreme work stress right now- long hours and having to interact with too many people per day. Plus it getting dark at 5 doesn't help. At least it's light in the am so I can hike every morning. But by the time I'm finished work it's too dark for archery. On the upside it's warm out so that helps.<br /> Food- lots of carbs, chocolate, craft beer, increasing the coffee consumption. I'm fine with that for now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153274 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 03:10:49 +0000 Jaime 2153274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I so relate to so many things written above.&nbsp;<br />Empathy with <b>Angie</b> - After falling several times and breaking his hip my father is now also in assisted living. Luckily right near my sister, but I am super frustrated that I can't go visit and help her. She needs it. There is only so much I can do from here.<br />Am developing various stress related symptoms like eczema and have hole in my mouth where a cracked tooth had to be removed.<br />We are somewhat slowly exiting our second lockdown (after about 7 weeks). Thrift stores just opened this week. Thrifting is my therapy so I am happy about that.<br />My 10th grade daughters are schooling from home, my son started university from home, my husband is working from home and I am grateful our internet seems to be handling it ok.<br />Fortunately have been working out at home for 30+ years, so no real change there. I am still doing yoga and have am doing a lot of barre. My favorite&nbsp;&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpy8VXKDK6Kfp9evUI-N8YQ">https://www.youtube.com/channe.....9evUI-N8YQ</a>.<br />Drinking lots of red wine. That is my weakest link .<br />On the other hand, news of vaccine is great.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153256 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 02:04:03 +0000 Roxanna 2153256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will write when I get more of a chance, but wanted to pop in to say that I find all these stories so heartening and relatable. We are all just doing the best we can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153223 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 23:44:15 +0000 Angie 2153223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, <b>Carla</b>! This came through in the Seattle Times today: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153217 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 23:19:51 +0000 Carla 2153217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While listening to the news on radio (CBC - Canadian Broadcasting Corp.) I learned that there is optimism around a new vaccine! &nbsp;Woohoo! - and as a result stocks in Peleton and Netflix tumbled! &nbsp;Hahaha!</p> <p>@fashintern and Cardiff girl - swimming 3/week is the one consistent exercise I’ve been able to do since things opened up a bit in July. &nbsp;One person per lane, 45 minutes access, 15 minutes to shower and change - and then the janitorial crew are in to disinfect for 15min before the next swim. &nbsp;I feel very safe.</p> <p>@echo - DS#2 started college with remote programming in September, but is now in his second week on campus. &nbsp;He is&nbsp;<b>1&nbsp;</b>person in an apartment intended for&nbsp;<b>6</b>! &nbsp;Half his program continues as remote programming. &nbsp;Like your son, he comes home weekends. &nbsp;I am surprised how well he and his brother are coping.</p> <p>@Lisap - I do drink decaf coffee, but consumption is&nbsp;<i>way&nbsp;</i>down, and though not teetol, I do a <i>very</i>&nbsp;small glass of wine, very occasionally. &nbsp;I have a form of scleroderma, and though I am largely symptom free, I am plagued by gi problems. &nbsp;Staying away from coffee, alcohol, and also wheat seems to keep my stomach happier.</p> <p>@Angie, Kellygirl, annagybe, and others - I totally get the extra stress of trying to support parents who depend on support from their families. Doing so long distance is frustratingly difficult.</p> <p>In another 8 weeks we can put this&nbsp;<i>annus horribilis&nbsp;</i>behind us, and maybe 2021 will be an&nbsp;<i>annus mirabilis!</i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153214 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 22:56:50 +0000 Laurie 2153214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I felt happy this weekend, for the first time in such a long time.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153208 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:50:58 +0000 Anonymous 2153208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mr. Xtabay and I have our health, and that's everything, so I feel blessed and less-stressed, especially now that we're post-election here in the U.S. &nbsp;I somehow feel that we've turned a corner and that brighter days are soon to come. &nbsp;I'm going to put up holiday decorations early this year, in hopes of spreading some cheer. &nbsp;I've stayed busy nesting at home and doing projects around the house. &nbsp;I'm ready to ring out 2020, though, that's for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153206 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:49:12 +0000 MsMaven 2153206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for checking Carla. The last few months have been a challenge! I was doing well maintaining until the heat and fires in August--couldn't go out and breathe that air even if could stand the heat. I did continue with exercise bands and some yoga. This last few weeks I've been able to take a few walks, but not enough. And I didn't sleep well--lots of high anxiety.&nbsp;</p> <p>October started working on yard, and because I wasn't paying attention to posture, my back and feet ache and arthritis is acting up and I'm not even doing indoor exercises. Then this week a storm from Alaska came down with a little rain, but temps in the mid-30s.&nbsp;</p> <p>We have planted a dozen winter blooming plants outside, and I have a planter full of blooming snapdragons and even some of our iris have buds about to open. Not unusual when there is a warm autumn, I understand. And I have ten pots planted with a variety of bulbs and 3-4 dozen seedlings almost ready to plant in the ground. Because of our rabbit/squirrel population, I have to plant stuff they don't like to eat. By the way, it's been decades since I grew any plants from seeds.&nbsp;</p> <p>Friday brought good news, today we had some more good news from one of DH's projects, so the anxiety is improving.&nbsp;</p> <p>Short term goal is to get back to regular exercises and pay attention to posture no matter what I'm doing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153182 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 19:08:55 +0000 anchie 2153182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not doing good. Lots of stress in almost every area of my life. Work has been crazy busy and stressful with long hours. There is also opening for a new position with more responsibilities, and I am not sure what to do about it, it would be kind of natural progression, but do I need even more stress in my life? Just interviewing process will be long and stressful with many steps that I am already dreading. </p> <p>Covid situation here is out of control and we entered new lockdown last week. There were 16 new cases just today at work and 3 new cases today in my DD school, but she still goes to school and I go to the office. Father of a good friend recently died, and my cousin is fighting for his life in hospital. It is coming closer and closer and it seems inevitable that we will catch it too, regardless of all precautions that we take. I constantly worry about my parents that I haven’t seen since January. They are not in best health and catching covid will be disastrous for them. </p> <p>We also had some issues with the tenants in our apartment that we let out in my husband home country. It was difficult to sort it from distance and we are left with unpaid bills and rent and complete mess in apartment. Now we just want to sell it, but it is going to be difficult and stressful, if at all possible from here.</p> <p>Our car has broken down and it is not worth fixing it, so we decided to get a new one, but will have to wait at least 6 months for it. It is now worst possible time to be without a car, argh!</p> <p>My social circle is getting smaller and smaller. I had to let go of all the conspiracy theorist, selfish and stupid people in my life. But no regrets here. I am introvert so I don’t need lot of people, and quality is so much more important than quantity here.</p> <p>I am not exercising, I am eating junk food, drinking too much coffee, and I am often too tired after work to even go for a short walk. My back is still bothering me, but I am not even doing simple PT exercises anymore. I haven’t seen any progress since couple of months and I think I reached plato, it will probably not be getting any better.</p> <p> I apologize for unloading on you, but it feels better. Maybe I need to start journaling instead </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153172 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 18:32:36 +0000 Angie 2153172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the thread, <b>Carla.</b></p> <p>There is no sugar coating it. It's been a <i>tough</i>&nbsp;and very stressful year for everyone. Soooo much sadness, upheaval, and hardship.&nbsp;</p> <p>COVID continues full steam ahead in most of the US and Europe.&nbsp;Washington state though - (where Seattle is, and where we live) - has been able to manage COVID more effectively since July, and avoided another lockdown. Although urban Seattle has stayed put in phase 2 since June (phase 1 is lockdown), I'm extremely grateful for that. It calms me enormously.</p> <p>We are good and in excellent health - all things considered. Trying to make the most of everything, staying upbeat, coping with anxiety, being there for friends who need support, cutting everyone some slack, staying patient, soul searching, and finding joy each day.&nbsp;</p> <p>My new routines are set, and effective. Putting out fires when we need to. Managing stress as it comes up daily. Really miss working with clients in person. Really miss not seeing my Dad, who we moved into an assisted living facility in June. It is what it is. Diet and exercise is just the same at the Cox Castle. It's all under control, well managed, disciplined, and steady. I am boringly consistent.....</p> <p>Stay safe and strong, everyone. One day at a time. ONWARD, always!&nbsp;Much love. xo</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fitness-health-and-wellbeing---how-are-you-doing-1#post-2153148 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:23:59 +0000 kkards 2153148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for sharing. I am, like so many mentioned above, feel like I’m on a roller coaster. I have good days, not so good days, and last week, horrible days...it doesn’t help that in addition to it now getting colder and darker so less time for outdoor activities, we are also fast approaching the holiday selling season, which is stressful in the best of times, and beyond stressful in these unprecedented times.<br />My mom’s senior living community has now gone back into lockdown as the rates in her area are jumping. So she’s stressed, which make me stressed. And which mentions no thanksgiving, which makes my sisters stressed...well you get it.<br />so I’m playing the powerball and buying mega millions tickets and hoping for the best. </p>