Eating Disorders Support Group

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worked outside to exhaustion

ann54
ann54
yesterday I don't know what I was trying to prove but I worked outside, mowing, trimming, weeding for 5 hours with no breakfast and I was beyond exhausted. I wouldn't stop until I thought it was the "right" time to have lunch. it was hot and I got sunburn and then had the chills. I do things like this on my day off instead of some relaxing. I took a nap after lunch, had no energy at all still I did stomach exercises, fighting it the whole way. my intake was nott good, only 2 protein bars and almonds, lots of almounds but I know I was way under. why am I so obessed and not stop until I literally drop? I also walked my dog for 40 mnutes too. now it is back to work. I am eating breakfast at least. anyone else do this on days off? I feel stupid and I know I am wrong yet do it anyways
kathywonders
kathywonders
Youre in a hard spot with people looking at your house and maybe the garden too. Some people find gardening therapeutic but theres no doubt its tough work in the heat. How about allowing yourself one or one and half hours of gardening and setting an alarm to tell you when its time to stop? When you stop it would also be good to have a cool drink and a snack and see if you feel its time for a nap. On your days off theres no harm in having a daytime nap!
kpsurfersfan
kpsurfersfan
Perhaps the question to ask yourself is why do I need to work to the point of exhaustion, what payoff am I getting from this?
If you can, recognise that we each make choices and take actions based on the "payoff" we are hoping to get.

Does the activity make you feel buzzed (like a release of Adrenalin etc).

Or does being busy alleviate guilt feelings or self-loathing feelings etc.

Just a suggestion....
ann54
ann54
thank you both for the insight. Kathy my house isn't on the market, don't know if it will be, long story, but I am so picky about how the front looks, I do love doing it and I got this from my dad. your idea is a good one, but I fear I would just turn off the alarm and I haven't been able to snack in I don't know how long. kim, I think the answer is both, in the beginning it is the high of doing things I love to do but then the need to stay busy and not stop takes over. when I got home from work yesterday, still tired I slept for almost 2 hours! I need to really look inside myself. I am having trouble eating breakfast this morning, feeling guilty for lack of activity yesterday.