Posted by HS on September 30, 2003, at 9:13:42
In reply to Re: Too Much Time! » octopusprime, posted by Penny on September 30, 2003, at 8:30:11
Hi Tabitha et al
The whole "sabatical" thing is extremely difficult. I have recently been so ill that I contemplated stopping work, but decided that being home alone was worse than turning up and at least seeing people. I did tell my boss what was going on, because obviously my work has been suffering. Luckily he's been extremely supportive.
What does definitely help, and has been a huge support to me in the past, is cooking, as suggested by Octopusprime - there's something about being creative that is hugely gratifying at a time when nothing else is. It's also an excuse to invite people over (I find that spending time with caring and supportive friends over good food is something that really helps).
Taking exercise is probably the thing I find most difficult now and in the past - I know it's good for me, but the effort is just too great. Walking is the thing I've always got the most benefit from - being outside, even if it's only for a gentle 20 minute stroll around the park, even helps me with severe anxiety.
Going away also helps me - it doesn't have to be a luxury hotel, staying with friends somewhere different, particularly out in the country away from the city often helps me get out of a misery-rut.
For me, the worst thing is to have "activities" that I feel I have to do - they stop being a pleasure and become something that makes me more anxious and more depressed, but that could be me.
Funnily enough, the thing I enjoy most at the moment is having a leisurely breakfast using proper china and a teapot rather than a scruffy mug and a teabag. I think that even little things that feel like you're spoiling yourself (special meals not junk food, painting your toenails, going for a good haircut) can have huge benefits and don't have to cost a lot of money.
I really hope that things pick up for you - the problem always is that self-motivation is at rock bottom at a time when we really need it most!
Hang on in there!
Hetty
poster:HS
thread:264311
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030913/msgs/264445.html