How I Get Myself Moving
I had trouble just getting off the couch. With the encouragement of my family I began to sit on the deck for about 15 minutes a day. I would just drink iced tea and enjoy the sunlight and birds. Once I was out of the house I began to sit on the deck more each day. I now sit on the deck (weather permitting) about 1 to 1 1/2 hours a day! My family knew how much I liked the flowers and birds so they used it to help motivate me to get started getting out of the house.
What Helps Me Keep Going Once I Get Started
I know that the sunshine is good for the depression and a mood elevator. I just keep pushing myself to do it even when I don't really feel like it. My family continues to encourage me. I am very blessed to have a family who helps in any way they can!
Lessons Learned
- Once I got off of the couch I felt much better about myself. I was no longer enclosing myself in four walls in the dark.
- The sun can do wonders for a mood! The birds chirping and flying about are fascinating to watch and create a sense of excitement in me!
- I will never get well sitting in the dark all of the time.
- I have to be the one ultimately to decide if I want to get better and take measures to do so! I am having to take baby steps but it is a start!
What are the short-term benefits?
A few hours of time in the light will make a difference in how I look at the rest of the day!
What are the long-term benefits?
Sunshine is good for the system and the mood. It will help provide the basis to try to do other things once you can accomplish getting out of the house on a regular basis.
What adjustments did you have to make as time passed?
There are days that I don't make it to the deck. I just don't let it get me down. I try each day until I am able to get back to a regular routine. I had to realize that there are going to be bad days and try to do the things that I know will help me get through those days!
What else have you found that would help others?
Just start out doing something small. Anything that will get you moving. Even if it is just walking around the table a few times. Once you accomplish that walk around the house a few times. Get out in the sun if at all possible! It will help your perspective on the things you face every day.
