Being Mindful through Hard Times

 Bonneville Salt Flats, UT, Kristen Gill Photography, www.kristengill.com

"If you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

Sometimes you're depressed. And when you're depressed, you barely have the energy to dress yourself, let alone exercise or eat healthy. It doesn't matter why - you might be have lost a job, a loved one, a relationship, a pet or even your favorite shirt - it's hard. But things will change. Really. The only constant in life is change.

 

For now, it's even more important than ever to take care of yourself. It might be the biggest effort you've ever made, but you HAVE to summon all your energy, go to the grocery store to get good food and make the time to exercise. Even if it's just a walk around the block. Exercise has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression in some cases.  Making time for healthy food and exercise will add structure to your day. You need to shape your day. It might sound like the last thing you want to do, but you need it. Being healthy will help you get through this tough time. That way, when you get that interview or finally move beyond this, you will be ready.

Exercising through this time can jump-start things sooner. It will burn away some of the exhaustion, clear your head, and give you energy. When I was unemployed, exercise kept me focused and gave me the semblance of a schedule. It forced me out of bed (I did it first thing) and let me accomplish at least one thing for the day (which sometimes turned into more). Shopping and preparing good food will give you clarity and add more structure to your life. When I started working again, being moderately healthy helped me adjust to the new schedule. 

Please, do these two things - exercise and eat well. Be mindful of yourself. It will help you and those that love you. When things change, you will be poised to take advantage of it.

What to do

1. Plan your eating and exercise for the week. It's a battle; use the Mindful Battle Plan.
2. Schedule in your exercise and grocery trips for the same time every day. If you like exercising in the morning or afternoon, dedicate that time to it. Commit. Even if it's just a little a day. 
3. Day by day, feel good about accomplishing these things. 
4. Schedule activities with your family and friends. 
5. Get help if you need it - find a therapist or support group. 
6. You're not alone. Everyone's gone or will go through tough times. People care about you and love you dearly. MindfulEats cares! 

Have you/are you going through a tough time?  What helped?

What I ate: 8 oz. cafe au lait, 3 clementines, 1 banana, 4 squares dark chocolate, roasted veggies + barley, 1 apple, 1 green tea, dried apricots, sushi, hot chocolate, 66 oz. water

Exercise: 45 gym workout