Mood Swings

[madamx19]

Okay I have this problem: when I am having issues weighing on my mind that are basically depressing I cannot get it out of my mind and I have no motivation what so ever to exercise.

Recently this has became an increasing problem...I am not down regarding work out and losing weight it is more of a personal issue that I don't feel like discussing in great detail. Anyway, I am just wondering what other people do when they have issues weighing on their mind that seem impossible to flee.

Is there anything that I can do to push these thoughts out of my mind and focus on my work out??? Any advice or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[val329]

Do you have any friends to workout with? Maybe you could talk to them about your problems while ya'll are working out. I hope your situation improves and good luck!

[delila]

When I have issues like that, I will "stew" on them to the point of hardly functioning (be it family, work, house, cars, etc.). They actually will consume every moment of my day. Finally, after 2-3 days, I will have enough of it (mainly beating myself up over something I think I had no control over). Then I only see red and grab the bull by the horns and take care of it. Then I can move on.

Point being, been there done that, and still doing that. You are going to have to settle the issue once and for all. It may not be an issue you can flee, but you are going to have to tackle head on to get any peace of mind. You may not end up being too popular at the time for taking care of the problem, but they will either get over it or not. Just take time to think it through and don't shoot yourself in the foot, but do what is right for you so you can move on to the next problem.

[bull.dogz]

I think you need to see a doctor. I'm bipolar, (not saying you are) but I understand completely how you feel. You should really see a professional to help you get through this.

[madamx19]

Yeah I have thought about checking with a doctor, but I just think that it is all in my head. I just tend to dwell on things too much sometimes and just cannot let them go. I just need to get better with that.

Right now I am doing fine. The problem that was dwelling on my mind is not in the greatest spot right now but it is okay. I just said to myself today that I need to not focus on that issue so much and just get on with life.

**** happens and you just need to get past it. But thank you for all of the advice. It is very refreshing to hear what everyone has to say regarding the issue.

[bull.dogz]

Very true. Just try to think of something positive, I know easier said than done. Maybe pick up an inspiration book to keep with you. I have a pocket sized book by the Dalai Lama that I carry in my purse. When I need it I'll pull it out and read alittle of it.

[madamx19]

Yeah someone gave me the book "The Secret". I started to read it but then my friend wanted her book back. That book was very interesting when I started to read it and it made me think a lot.

That is a great idea regarding an inspiration book. I need to go to Barnes and Noble sometime soon and look at some of those books.

Thanks for the advice it is greatly appreciated.

[misstransformer]

Originally Posted by madamx19

Okay I have this problem: when I am having issues weighing on my mind that are basically depressing I cannot get it out of my mind and I have no motivation what so ever to exercise.

Recently this has became an increasing problem...I am not down regarding work out and losing weight it is more of a personal issue that I don't feel like discussing in great detail. Anyway, I am just wondering what other people do when they have issues weighing on their mind that seem impossible to flee.

Is there anything that I can do to push these thoughts out of my mind and focus on my work out??? Any advice or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Sis, it sounds like you're ruminating. If you see a doctor, they'll suggest fancy labels such as ocd, gad, and other possibilities which will cause you to ruminate even more. lol However, I would suggest something very simple "before" seeing a doctor. You decide what is best for you.

Try journaling your thoughts, write down exactly why they're bothering you, then shift to a DYNAMIC thought that gives you a feeling of peace, comfort, or power. It has to be something that grabs your attention!! Whether the mind is ruminating over food, work, or anything else, it's all based on a pattern of thinking. The thought holding your attention is seductive, in the sense, it has caught and held your interest.

It may seem like we have thousands of thoughts in our mind at once, but it's IMPOSSIBLE to have more than ONE thought at a time. The WORST thing you can do, is deny, ignore, or use will power to stop the thinking...or sit around talking about the thoughts all day. I'm not a counselor, or support group leader, but all that "let's talk about it stuff" makes it stronger for "some" people. Girl, you want to nip that drama in the bud and move on. Ok. lol

When I was working to overcome my food addiction, I journaled every thought which came to mind, then wrote down exactly why it was bothering me. I then immediately replaced it with a more powerful thought, quote, or statement that really spoke to the core of my spirit. I personally used scripture. I tried tons of new age positive thinking ideas, and those thoughts lacked depth and intensity "for me". You must find what works for "you".

It won't go smoothly the first few times, and you may go through a couple of noteboooks as the old patterns continue to creep up, but eventually, the thoughts will quiet, until they become a distant whisper, and whala, one day you'll ask yourself: "what was I thinking about?" On top of that, the inspirational or motivating thought you used as a replacement, will begin to strengthen you, without becoming a ruminating thought.

Think of your unwanted thoughts, as a child throwing a temper tantrum looking for attention. The more you try to pacify the child and quiet them, the louder they get. However, when you acknowledge the child, remain calm, and then focus on something else...what happens? See what I mean? Girl, make that thought go sit down some where. Hello. lol I hope this helps. Miss T

[KathyM]

Originally Posted by misstransformer

Sis, it sounds like you're ruminating. If you see a doctor, they'll suggest fancy labels such as ocd, gad, and other possibilities which will cause you to ruminate even more. lol However, I would suggest something very simple "before" seeing a doctor. You decide what is best for you.

Try journaling your thoughts, write down exactly why they're bothering you, then shift to a DYNAMIC thought that gives you a feeling of peace, comfort, or power. It has to be something that grabs your attention!! Whether the mind is ruminating over food, work, or anything else, it's all based on a pattern of thinking. The thought holding your attention is seductive, in the sense, it has caught and held your interest.

It may seem like we have thousands of thoughts in our mind at once, but it's IMPOSSIBLE to have more than ONE thought at a time. The WORST thing you can do, is deny, ignore, or use will power to stop the thinking...or sit around talking about the thoughts all day. I'm not a counselor, or support group leader, but all that "let's talk about it stuff" makes it stronger for "some" people. Girl, you want to nip that drama in the bud and move on. Ok. lol

When I was working to overcome my food addiction, I journaled every thought which came to mind, then wrote down exactly why it was bothering me. I then immediately replaced it with a more powerful thought, quote, or statement that really spoke to the core of my spirit. I personally used scripture. I tried tons of new age positive thinking ideas, and those thoughts lacked depth and intensity "for me". You must find what works for "you".

It won't go smoothly the first few times, and you may go through a couple of noteboooks as the old patterns continue to creep up, but eventually, the thoughts will quiet, until they become a distant whisper, and whala, one day you'll ask yourself: "what was I thinking about?" On top of that, the inspirational or motivating thought you used as a replacement, will begin to strengthen you, without becoming a ruminating thought.

Think of your unwanted thoughts, as a child throwing a temper tantrum looking for attention. The more you try to pacify the child and quiet them, the louder they get. However, when you acknowledge the child, remain calm, and then focus on something else...what happens? See what I mean? Girl, make that thought go sit down some where. Hello. lol I hope this helps. Miss T

What an awesome response, it's given me something to think about. Thanks MissT

[TurbulentFluid]

This is an unpopular advice... however, if the "thoughts" that are bothering you are reflections on real issues and problems, then forget doctors and go solve these issues. The only way to solve problems is to SOLVE PROBLEMS, not sit down and endlessly talk or think about how you've got problems. There's totally no point in wasting days till you "see red and grab the bull by the horns", just DO it, right away. On the other hand, if there's REALLY no control over it, there IS no control over it, so just forget it and accept it.

On the other hand, if they're just random messing about in your head, force yourself to go to the gym and spend the energy on the RIGHT stuff. I often get "thoughts" when I'm frustrated at work, or by family, or when just "having a bad day". Best thing I CAN do, is force myself to go to the gym and pour that negative energy into the weights...

[misstransformer]

Originally Posted by KathyM

What an awesome response, it's given me something to think about. Thanks MissT

You're welcome! We all have to find what works for us, and I hope this will work for you as well. It was a trial and error thing for me. Miss T

[madamx19]

Ahhhh I am back sorry I have not posted in a while just been a little busy with work and life; you all know how it goes.

Just thought I would give everyone an update so they are not worried (I don't think you are but you never now).

I am doing really good right now and I am back on track. The issue that was bugging me has been pushed to the back of my mind. It is a problem that is just not going to go away and I just have to accept that.

But I did a lot of reflecting the other day. I have come a long way to get to where I am right now and I am not going to stop due to this issues. I am not going to let this problem run or ruin my life. I want to be healthy and working out and eating right is the only way I am going to accomplish this goal. So I am NOT going to let this issue stand in my way.

When I am in the gym I am there for my self and this problem is not going to dictate my life and interrupt it like I have been letting it.

Anyway moral of the story: Since I started this thread I have been going to the gym regularly and have gotten my eating habits in check. And when I have been at the gym; I have been at the gym: mind, body, and soul. This is who I am now and the gym is the place where I want to be and nothing is going to stop me now.

Thanks everyone for all the great advice it is greatly appreciated and it is good to know that there are good people out there that do genuinely care about others. This is a great community and I see myself staying for a long long time.

[TampaGurlFL]

Great thread. Glad you are doing better.

I feel like, as women, we are constantly thinking too much and too deeply. We overanalyze way too much. Men seem to be able to put things on the back burner & focus on what is in front of them at that very moment. Women are constantly trying to think about a thousand things at once. Our minds are so active.

I wish things were much more simple!

[bbbom]

I liked Ms. T's advice but have to admit, I could relate to TubulentFluid's advice more, must be the engineering side eh?

When I read the OP, the first thing that came to my mind was that, when something is bothering me to the point that I am losing interest in working out, I force myself to workout and to focus on the workout. It helps if I make a deal to basically set a date/time so to speak to meditate or whatever on the specific problem.

That gets me into my workout and often by the time I'm done with the workout either the problem doesn't seem so important OR at least I feel better and more able to deal with it.

[misstransformer]

Originally Posted by madamx19

Ahhhh I am back sorry I have not posted in a while just been a little busy with work and life; you all know how it goes.

Just thought I would give everyone an update so they are not worried (I don't think you are but you never now).

I am doing really good right now and I am back on track. The issue that was bugging me has been pushed to the back of my mind. It is a problem that is just not going to go away and I just have to accept that.

But I did a lot of reflecting the other day. I have come a long way to get to where I am right now and I am not going to stop due to this issues. I am not going to let this problem run or ruin my life. I want to be healthy and working out and eating right is the only way I am going to accomplish this goal. So I am NOT going to let this issue stand in my way.

When I am in the gym I am there for my self and this problem is not going to dictate my life and interrupt it like I have been letting it.

Anyway moral of the story: Since I started this thread I have been going to the gym regularly and have gotten my eating habits in check. And when I have been at the gym; I have been at the gym: mind, body, and soul. This is who I am now and the gym is the place where I want to be and nothing is going to stop me now.

Thanks everyone for all the great advice it is greatly appreciated and it is good to know that there are good people out there that do genuinely care about others. This is a great community and I see myself staying for a long long time.

Hey Susan, we've kept in contact since this message, but I apologize for not acknowledging this post sooner. I forgot to add it to my list of subscribed messages. Girl, I'm happy to hear things are back on track, and you're feeling better. Post a periodic update to let everyone know how you're progressing.

Also, Bbbom...you have the right idea when you stated: "when I am losing interest in working out, I FORCE myself to workout and to FOCUS on the workout." Whoop...there it is!! That IS motivation. It's about doing what must be done, to achieve the goal or purpose you've set. No excuses!!

It's impossible for most people to remain enthusiastic and excited all the time. Lord knows, there are days I literally had to pray, blast my favorite music, and talk myself through the entire process. Great point!! T

[madamx19]

T don't worry I know that you have stayed in contact and everything is going well with me.....I am pushing my issues aside and moving forward.

Started with a new routine tonight so I will see if that jump starts my progress again.

Thanks everyone for your support.