For the lost times
This post is for you if you’re feeling like real shit. If you feel underwhelmed by the end of this post, you probably don’t need the advice and can look to other resources around the site to get your bad self going again.
Depending on where you’re at, getting your ol’ body to move with any kind of rigor after a period (or life) of inactivity can feel almost impossible. As someone that has lived with anxiety, depression and chronic illness, I’ve been around the block with the kind of dread that can arise when you realize you’ve got to reckon with your body and get started again. Here are my tips:
Lay face up on the floor.
No, not your bed, your floor.
Once you’re there, bring your knees up to your chest and wrap your arms around your legs to clasp the insides of your feet. (If you can’t grab your feet, just approximate the position.)
Rock gently from side to side. Pay attention to the feeling of the ground on different parts of your back. Rock for a while and rest. Repeat.
Forget about your feelings about yourself. Forget about yesterday. Forget about a half-hour ago.
Walk briskly for at least 20 minutes everyday - if you can’t walk around your house or workplace for safety reasons, see my last tip. You can start slow, but speed it up around minute 5. Mega extra points for hills.
Repeat number 2. You won’t regret the time that you took giving space to your body.
Write me when you’re ready for more. Give the walking practice ten days.
Most of all, don’t despair. Know that you’re not alone. The first step is always the hardest - and I know you can do it.