Fitness, health, and wellbeing - how are you doing? - YouLookFab Forum

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Fitness, health, and wellbeing - how are you doing?

Runcarla

Veteran

Less than two months to the end of an unprecedented year that has imposed so many challenges on health - both physical and mental, so I’m asking again - how are you doing?

Despite scaling back on my fitness routine, markers of health have remained good! Heart rate, blood pressure, body composition, have all remained at - or close to - what they were before Covid related activity restrictions created obstacles to working out. In response to a sensitive gut, I have all but eliminated alcohol and caffeine from my diet. I was hoping it would translate to better sleep, but I am still plagued by interrupted nights.

Covid is a problem in Canada, however the community where I live is managing well, and we are avoiding a complete lockdown. Planning for the coming dark months (in the northern hemisphere) I’ve lined up doable home projects and hobbies sufficient to keep me busy and (feeling) productive while maintaining the social restrictions that will keep me, and the people I care for - safe. Holiday celebrations have always been modest immediate family only affairs, so no change there.

I hope you are all well and finding your way through or around the challenges that have been thrown at you in 2020. Please do share your thoughts, feelings, plans and coping strategies for sustaining your fitness, health and wellbeing through the remainder of this year.

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48 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

It took me a while after outdoor pools closed for the season to get the knack of going the system for going to indoor pools. Once I finally got back in the water, I immediately realized how much good it does me and that I should prioritize going on the regular. Then the announcement came that all pools and gyms will be shut down Nov 2-30, at least. Sigh. I know what to do, have been telling myself for days that I need to do this routine but ugh. It just never seems to be the right time (and we all know how futile waiting to be in the mood is for this). This morning I made my son pancakes that he didn’t like; I’ve eaten at least half the batter by nibbling throughout the day.

Thanks for doing these posts. I think just the moment to reflect on how/what we are doing is really helpful.

slim cat

Veteran

I'm still struggling with some things - need to do my exercise/stretchers instead of going to PT for my knees' problems and on top of that I've got dental "project" - implant. It complicates cooking and preparing lunches for work.
Mentally I'm ok most of the time but my daughter is still having hard time with coronavirus restrictions.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Unfortunately not good right now. I’ve honestly been neglecting myself a bit, taking care of Dad and work stress separate and on top of COVID.
Earlier this year I tweaked my back. Turns out I’ve now compressed a different nerve root in my spine, this time for my right leg. In July (Dad’s birthday nonetheless) I got a steroid injection and did a bunch of PT for months. I plateaued out on PT.
I think I need another shot, but haven’t contacted the spine doc.
My primary care doc had her staff reach out for physicals. I honestly would have just skipped it this year. Anyways it turns out I’m somewhere between pre-hypertensive and stage 1 hypertension.
One of the things suggested is reduction of stress, Ha! Dad is getting worse.
I’m looking into local yoga studios that actually have classes, specifically wimpy yoga. Also considering a peloton bike, but they have a 4-6 week wait.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Eh. Not great, not awful. Our camper travels have not included as much hiking as I would like, and more fast food than I would prefer. I think I’m returning home with less muscle tone and a couple more pounds on top of the extra I’ve been carrying.

I’m overdue for a couple of medical screenings that I delayed because of Covid. I know I need to schedule them now that we are on our way home. I’m hoping that good news here in the States and improved habits when I return home will nudge me back into more positive territory when it comes to stress levels.

Helena

Veteran

So glad you are doing well Carla, and thanks for starting this thread - so important that we take care of ourselves best we can right now! Sending love to everyone struggling right now.

Physically, I'm fine, with lots of exercise happening (we won't get into my diet lol ... let's just blame Hallowe'en for now and we'll find something else next week).

Doing daily yoga, Zumba twice a week on Zoom, and plenty of walking. I have a physical coming up so I'll do my usual bloodwork, etc ... still trying to find a flu shot! But I think the early demand will calm down and I'll be able to get us all in soon enough.

My anxiety has been trying to rear it's head, but with so many years of practice, regular low-dose medication, and lots of deep breaths, I'm pretty good at spotting it early and getting on top of it before it gets the better of me. It did drop considerably this weekend, and I anticipate another small drop towards the end of January

Love to everyone and take good care!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Annagybe, I'm so sorry to hear it! By "wimpy yoga", do you mean yin yoga? It can be wonderful!

kellygirl

Veteran

@carla: I admire your steadfastness and no nonsense approach to life. You just get things done!
@Fashionintern: Sympathizing with you on the second lockdown. I'm not sure where we are at anymore--I stopped paying attention as it does not affect my day to day (I err on the cautious side since I'm primary caretaker for my dad.) How can anyone not like a pancake?
@slimcat: It is exceptionally hard on the younger ones, isn't it. Both DD are at home and they've more or less accepted things as they are. DD#1 was lucky to find a job after graduating--not doing what she wants to do but it's good experience at least. DD#2 is doing remote learning but I know she misses not being at school with her friends. I wish they could resume more normalcy. Sorry to hear about your dental project too--that's the pits. I really dislike all things dental. Ugh.
@Anna: I can sympathize and relate. My dad has been in and out of surgery for the last few years and it's draining being the primary care taker. His issues are vision related and if we can get that taken care of, he will be more independent so I am hopeful. Coincidentally, I threw my back out in July and had leg numbness and weakness for months. My MRI didn't show anything related to that but that started a whole different round of tests... Anyway, I hope that you can find a gentle yoga. I don't know anyone who doesn't love their peloton. I think that's a great way to start taking back your health.

Great thread, Carla. Feeling pretty thankful overall. Glad the election is over. Hopeful that Covid will soon pass. Happy to have been working--although a little burned out to be honest. It's been non-stop since the shutdown--new protocols and more hoops to jump through too. My fitness is okay--I'm not very good at programming for myself. I just enrolled in an online program so that should hopefully make things easier. We will see. Doing a bit of knitting, baking and tv watching. Just finished the Queen's Gambit which I loved.

kellygirl

Veteran

@Janet: Your adventure looked wonderful. I'm sure once you get into a regular routine, you will be back to normal. It's been a treat seeing your photos!
@TG: I know lots of people really clicked with the Zoom classes! I should have given them a chance. Hugs back to you!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Thank you for asking,it’s appreciated.
Like everyone else it is safe to say we have had our ups and downs this year.Just coming out of full national lockdown again tomorrow into restrictions( complicated so won’t bore you)
Have suspended my gym membership for 6months in part due to persistent hip pain and in part due to concerns re lack of COVID security at the gym.Not sure that 8 people in a swimming lane is what I would call a safe way to operate !l will review the situation in April but I am very much missing being able to exercise.No point seeking medical help for my hip as the NHS and Private hospitals are only seeing COVID,cancer patients and emergencies.Anything deemed non life threatening won’t be seen.How long for ?Who knows.No such thing as health screening here at present.
My long standing back problem is only held in check with regular exercise which I now can’t do.
Have just completed 14days isolation due to daughter having close contact in school but fortunately we are all well.She resumes school tomorrow but for how long?She is very unhappy that she cannot see her friends in person.She is a teenager and being cooped up at home alone with her middle aged parents for a year is not natural !She has coped really well but I can feel an underlying sadness and who can blame her.Can you remember what you were doing at her age?
Havent seen my brothers family since last December ,probably won’t see them or my parents until spring next year the way things are going.(They live in England,we are not allowed to go to England as things stand)My husband lost his mother 3 months ago (not COVID) and his Dad is now in hospital but no visitors allowed and the nurses are too busy to answer the phone so no news is good news basically .l expect they will ring us if he deteriorates.
On a day to day basis I am sure that like a lot of you l am mainly at home.We are lucky in that we are not struggling financially,haven’t been ill ,have food and a roof over our heads ,company and things to do but I’m not going to lie ,l am getting alittle fatigued of it all now.
Its amazing how doing do little can be so very tiring isn’t it!
I realise this looks like a litany of moans,it isn’t.l realise that many of you may well be going through worse..l am quite happy in myself and l am not looking for sympathy but I just wanted to give a full and honest answer .

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Carla. My heart goes out to those back in lockdown or in areas with wide Covid spread. Very very tough indeed.

I have been enjoying fitness this year and am active 6/7 days. When I deliberately have a day off the bossy Apple Watch does not like it. I am trying to improve my running technique - I am slow.

I do have strong associations with food and love, wine and friends.... and am a greedy person who relishes food greatly. That’s all mostly good but I could sometimes be more restrained..

It is currently very stressful at work due to a few factors. The forum provides a welcome distraction. NZ is a good place to be in so many ways but the economy is changing greatly.

Sal

Veteran

Oh Cardiff Girl - that is really hard! You are allowed to complain - there have been some big things there.

Do the Physiotherapists do online consults? My son did this in lockdown and it was helpful to have some exercises observed remotely.

Minaminu

Veteran

Thanks for starting this thread Carla, it is important to check how we are doing during these times.

Physically, it is a challenge to do some sport as the UK is on its second lockdown, gyms are now closed (although I did lthe same as Cardiffgirl and placed on hold the gym membership). I just started a 12 weeks' online course for healthy eating and weight loss and have been trying do daily walks, it's a bit tricky as I am recovering from a sprained ankle, I should be able to do some yoga tomorrow, can't wait!!!!

Mentally, for me the key is to keep a routine and stay positive. I have a list of classics that I always wanted to read, I am fallen back in love with reading and have just finished Dubliners by Joyce! I am doing some online courses whilst the job search is going nowhere. I am trying to keep positive and thankfully I am surrounded with good friends in similar situations, we cheer each other up and have a giggle even during these times.

The hardest part is not being able to travel to see family and friends around Europe.. but I don't want to unknowingly infect them...

Echo

Veteran

My anxiety is quite high. I work in reading intervention, but have been called to sub in a classroom 2 or 3 days out of every 5. I know that classrooms must be covered, but this year we need interventions the most. The special ed teachers (and even aides) are often called on to sub, leaving the students most in need without services. I question equity issues and adherence to IEPs, but that is for admin to worry about.

Additionally, covid rates in our state are skyrocketing. They're growing faster than ever before, 7K+/day. But we live in WI, and our population is smaller than many other states, so things here are BAD. Yet they are determined to keep K-5 classrooms open. It is absurd.

We had one teacher out for over a month with covid, one in the ICU, and three more were just infected. We had three aides out of the building for over a week, and we've had four classrooms quarantine so far. Middle and High schools will go virtual from Thanksgiving to after winter break, but not elementary, so I haven't seen my mum Since August and I won't see her for the forseeable future unless I can quarantine 14 days first.

As far as healthy habits, I am eating lower carb. It isn't easy, as carbs are my favorite foods, but I have lost 30 lb. And somehow, it feels right to be eating in a more austere manner in the middle of a pandemic. Maybe that's weird, but I feel like indulgences are somehow not a good thing right now.

The stress is getting to DD, too. She has had some issues with anxiety before, but it has become worse, and she is now seeing a counselor weekly and taking low dose meds. My sons are doing okay. My second went to college this year, and the experience just isn't what it ought to be; I am sad for him, but he insists he is fine. But he comes home every weekend to hang out with his brother because there are limited (at best) opportunities to socialize there.

Exercise? I try to get 12K+ steps a day, and if I don't have them by the time school ends, I make laps around the building because I know I will be a sloth at home.

I'm sorry to be such a downer, and my heart goes out to everyone facing similar and other challenges right now. I remind myself daily that I am lucky to have my health and my family and to be employed. It could be worse, but that doesn't make things good.

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Physically, I'm trying to keep up with exercise (remote classes) and started to run again, although my fitness levels have gone way down since March. I can barely do 4 miles these days but at least I'm trying to be active in some way.

Mentally and with the time change, my mood has been all over the place. I can be up one day, and fatigued another day, and weepy watching a feel-good movie. Granted the weather has been great here with mid-70s, but know bad weather is due next week which can bring me down. I'll try not to think about it.

Anyhow, I'm glad I can come here and vent a little. We all need someone outside of our families to talk to once in a while.

Love to all and stay safe.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Like Citygirl, I feel the rollercoaster, seesaw, of good days and bad ones. I’m grateful for my own good health, that my chosen fitness activity is running so I’m not depending on gym or pool, and that I enjoy cooking. Having my husband to cook for keeps me honest, making complete meals with variety and not resorting to pick-around or snacks. We’ve avoided weight gain and are eating right.

I got in lots of miles this summer, a little bored because I stuck to running in my little town which means twice around for 5 miles, but it’s safe, low traffic, and I never get lost, ha. My hip started to ache then hurt as October rolled around, and I’d set a goal of 66 miles for the month since I turned 66. Finally I had to take my November week off early, realized I needed new shoes, got some, and am set to complete the 66 miles in one more run! Oh well. I’m also riding my bike and/or walking on non-running days. So for exercise, I feel I’m doing really well. I meet a friend to run occasionally but don’t mind being by myself.

Mentally, I feel really adjusted - sometimes - kind of used to the new routine. I’ve met with my art group at a park outside, but now the weather will eliminate that. I’ve decided which projects I can do in the evenings, how to take advantage of good weather days and be outside, saving some inside things to do for gloomy days ahead. I’ve discovered I can sit in my living room and look at the sunny sky for a long time and feel very cheered, but if it’s cloudy, I go downhill fast - then I need to go to my sewing room, or do laundry, or paint, etc, and NOT look outside. The worst, of course, is not seeing my grandkids - we rarely see the ones an hour away, and the ones in Colorado not since last November. My mother in law is in assisted living and we’ve seen her outside a few times, but she’s been nowhere except the doctor once in almost 8 months. I feel quite stressed about that/for her a lot. And now that holidays are coming, we’re not sure how things will happen.

I feel a lot of stress gone now that the election is over, and realized the ongoing accusations or questioning the election processes has stressed me more than I realized, even having been out of that business for four years (thanks goodness!), so I’ll be even happier once all that is finally put to rest.

But the stress of realizing Covid continues to spread, and can be unpredictability dangerous, won’t end for awhile. So we just kind of slog along, doing what we need to do and keeping ourselves distracted as much as we need to.

Thanks for being a place to “unload”, clarify thoughts and sympathize with each other.

Anonymous

Good morning everyone - and thanks Carla for starting this thread again at just the right time. And I'm with Kelly in appreciating your pragmatic and down-to-earth approach to life. You are a calming influence, always. Sorry to hear sleep is elusive. I know how frustrating that can be. What have you noticed about eliminating caffeine and alcohol from your life?

To everyone else commenting above me - I enjoy reading every single thought and story. It's comforting to know that regardless of our fashion preferences, we are all just real people experiencing a tough time this year.

A week ago, I started Muscle & Fitness's 3 Month Body Transformation program, in addition to joining a friend's Arbonne 30 Day Healthy Living program. I love a good program where the "rules" are carefully laid out and easy to follow. I'm back in the weight room at the gym, which I love , and grateful my work schedule allows me to sneak in the 25-30 mins I need 5 out of 7 days. I am also VERY grateful to work at the top Medical Fitness Facility in the world (an honour just bestowed on the Centre 2 weeks ago ) and have a world class weight room at my disposal . Week one has me down to 1/3 of my former caffeine consumption, which hasn't been a problem (very unexpected) and ZERO alcohol consumption , which also hasn't been an issue. I'm feeling physically good.

Otherwise, day to day can feel like I'm immersed in Covid issues non-stop. With both DD and me working in health and fitness, and with DH working for Air Canada, it's all covid all the time. The numbers are scary in Manitoba and life is stressful for everyone. I miss my friends, a lot. As an introvert, I'm ok with not seeing a ton of people and hustling around doing a bunch of social things, but I still miss some deeper human interaction .

Anonymous

Annagybe, not discouraging a yoga class in any way, only adding that even very small things can make a difference and if you are not too uncomfortable even short walks in a beautiful place can do a lot to soothe and restore.

Runcarla, my lifestyle was not changed in any unusual ways. My opportunity for exercise has only improved as I was not dependent on a business. I eat out very rarely so that changed only in that shopping became more difficult, which led me to become more aware of energy expended versus returns or lack of.

Reduced traffic on the roads and in the air has led me to being more conscious of my own activities, for example, better planning rather than daily food shopping, errands plotted for efficiency, and any "needs" scrutinized. It's the kind of change that is hard to go back from and that I expect to continue.

JAileen

Veteran

I’m as well as can be expected. Everything in my life was cancelled in March. I lay on the couch, reading and drawing. We started our evening cocktail. It was nice, but we had to stop it. We’ve been sleeping better. We started bike riding and that helped aerobically, and then after it cooled off I started taking longer and brisker walks with Bob Barker (not his real name). Mr Skunky (not his either) is very balky. We had to pay attention to air quality each day. This year, the reality of the here and now of climate change was driven home to me. The California fires affected us in a big way. Never before have we had to change our house’s furnace/AC air filters between regular servicing.

2020 is some kind of year - Covid, smoke, election stress, and now Alex Trebek died. No one better say what else could happen.

kkards

Veteran

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.
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.
so I’m playing the powerball and buying mega millions tickets and hoping for the best.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the thread, Carla.

There is no sugar coating it. It's been a tough and very stressful year for everyone. Soooo much sadness, upheaval, and hardship.

COVID continues full steam ahead in most of the US and Europe. 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.

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.

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.....

Stay safe and strong, everyone. One day at a time. ONWARD, always! Much love. xo

anchie

Veteran

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I apologize for unloading on you, but it feels better. Maybe I need to start journaling instead

MsMaven

Veteran

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.

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.

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.

Friday brought good news, today we had some more good news from one of DH's projects, so the anxiety is improving.

Short term goal is to get back to regular exercises and pay attention to posture no matter what I'm doing.

Anonymous

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. I somehow feel that we've turned a corner and that brighter days are soon to come. I'm going to put up holiday decorations early this year, in hopes of spreading some cheer. I've stayed busy nesting at home and doing projects around the house. I'm ready to ring out 2020, though, that's for sure.

Laurie

Veteran

I felt happy this weekend, for the first time in such a long time.

Runcarla

Veteran

While listening to the news on radio (CBC - Canadian Broadcasting Corp.) I learned that there is optimism around a new vaccine! Woohoo! - and as a result stocks in Peleton and Netflix tumbled! Hahaha!

@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. 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. I feel very safe.

@echo - DS#2 started college with remote programming in September, but is now in his second week on campus. He is 1 person in an apartment intended for 6! Half his program continues as remote programming. Like your son, he comes home weekends. I am surprised how well he and his brother are coping.

@Lisap - I do drink decaf coffee, but consumption is way down, and though not teetol, I do a very small glass of wine, very occasionally. I have a form of scleroderma, and though I am largely symptom free, I am plagued by gi problems. Staying away from coffee, alcohol, and also wheat seems to keep my stomach happier.

@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.

In another 8 weeks we can put this annus horribilis behind us, and maybe 2021 will be an annus mirabilis!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yes, Carla! This came through in the Seattle Times today:

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Roxanna

Veteran

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.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I so relate to so many things written above.
Empathy with Angie - 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.
Am developing various stress related symptoms like eczema and have hole in my mouth where a cracked tooth had to be removed.
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.
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.
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 https://www.youtube.com/channe.....9evUI-N8YQ.
Drinking lots of red wine. That is my weakest link .
On the other hand, news of vaccine is great.

Anonymous

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.
Food- lots of carbs, chocolate, craft beer, increasing the coffee consumption. I'm fine with that for now.

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