Okay, so I know it’s the 5th of September and not the 1st but here is what I would like to achieve this month:
1. Start back at the gym after about a 6 month absence and start exercising more at home.
I know, I know – I could have bought a nice handbag with all the money I’ve spent on the gym while I’ve not been going. I am ashamed.
Due to my depression and social anxiety earlier in the year I haven’t felt able to brave the gym. I’m still not 100% but I feel a bit more confident so I think I’ll be able to start going again. Plus, we are going on holiday in November, so I have to get in some sort of shape for that! The Davina exercise DVD’s will also be coming out (love these by the way!).
I have really let my fitness go, as yesterday’s trip proved. As puppy was in the vets all day (he had to be sedated and have an eye examination) Gary & I decided to go mountain biking. I have had a new mountain bike for months but had never been out on it. We went to Delamere Forest which is lovely. Gary is a keen biker but he stayed with me, going slow on the main paths. It wasn’t a hard ride at all but my thighs started hurting pretty much straight away. After a while I forgot about the pain in my legs as my bum was sooo sore (it’s still sore today lol!). We stayed out for nearly an hour but I was exhausted! Not good. Need to improve on my fitness I think!
2. Start to care about myself a bit more.
Through the fog of my depression I really did not present myself well. Sometimes I didn’t even brush my hair in the mornings before scraping it back. I hardly ever wear makeup, I hardly ever wear my hair down – it is always tied in a ponytail. And my clothes?! Pah, not even worth discussing. But I want this to change.
So I am going to make a bit more of an effort this month – start wearing a bit of makeup if I’m going out to the shops etc, maybe blow dry my hair occasionally. Actually I really NEED to go to the hairdressers. It’s a bit of a phobia of mine, but my hair needs trimmed badly. I WILL get my hair cut as well this month!
So there you have it – only 2 goals for September, but to me they are pretty big ones. It will be a massive step forwards if I can achieve them. It can only help to make me feel better about myself and more confident, right? I would love your support to help me stick to my goals. Badger me on Twitter (@NicsNotebook) to make sure I’ve been exercising and that I’ve actually brushed my hair lol.. I need all the encouragement I can get!
Hi Nicola,
Thanks for visiting my blog! I was reading your about me page, and do you know, it's amazing how you meet people with similar stories when you blog, don't you think? I too suffer from depression, from about the age of 13. Tried lots of different medication etc. After having my daughter, (I had been on a roll, down to 1 x tab per day and pretty much on an even keel for about 4 years), I was diagnosed with PND, which was a bit of a blow! One of my goals was to blog, and here I am! I like how you are looking at things now, setting up your goals. CBT is great, and I hope you don't have to wait long (maybe you're already going now!).
Nice to meet you, and stay positive!
Lynne ;o)
I'm about to start cycling like mad soon, slightly scared about cycling in central London but apparently it's not so bad once you act like you're fearless!!
Great goals – I always find once you start taking better care of yourself even if it's something small, you smile more, and can brighten up other people's days which is always nice
Awww thank you, yes I agree. Good luck with the cycling – I don't think I could cycle on busy roads, I'd be way too nervous!
Good luck with your goals – just think if you do well with the exercising you'll have a lovely healthy glow, killing two birds with one stone!
I'd like to try and go to the gym more, I work at a university and the very cheap gym is five minutes' walk from my office, AND they do loads of fab classes … I have no excuse whatsoever!
Ah yes, good thinking! Thanks for the comment
Good plans!
Yep, just gotta stick to them!
Good luck! Hairdressers and gyms are some of the most hideous places for anyone with even a hint of social anxiety, and I can totally relate. I used to go to a gym quite regularly but really had to talk myself into going some days, but it helped when I managed to find a time when it was usually pretty quiet.. it was mostly full of old men and women anyway so I never felt that self conscious
And a haircut does do wonders for your confidence! You will have to let us know how you get on 
Went to gym on Sun morning it was quite busy, so may have to go even earlier in the mornings!
GO NIC!! Best of luck with everything. I shall be sending you encouragement vibes from afar. I've just joined a new gym and am determined to be a better gym goer, I always seem to be able to find excellent excuses for why I can't go!
Also. I don't brush my hair because otherwise it would turn into a frizzy mess. And I stopped wearing make-up ages ago when my job changed slightly and nobody ever really saw me. I keep telling myself I need to start making an effort – you'll have to inspire me!
Aww thank you!! I went to the gym yesterday. Scary – but I did it! We can start making an effort together then lol
If it's any consolation, I rarely brush my hair in the morning and I'm not depressed lol. I also hate hairdressers and have found one that comes round to my house, cuts my hair how I like it and only charges me a tenner. Cool eh? You might want to check that out. Good luck with getting back to the gym
Lol… glad it's not just me then! It must be the "working from home thing"! That's a good idea about the hairdresser – will have to enquire!
I love going to delamere forest! My dogs love it.
We haven't taken Chester there yet, but I would say he would love it too!
Oh good luck with your September goals. I've been trying to get moving more (I seem to have been doing a lot of sitting since last November when I had to go into hospital) but nothing as energetic as mountain biking! Thanks for popping over to Cupcake Towers.
Lol.. thanks for the comment! All the cupcakes probably don't help us either, eh?!