First, I need to build stamina in how much I can get done in a day. I'm task-driven! If I've got 15 things on my "to do" list, I'll power through until every last chore has the little box filled in beside it. If, on the other hand, I only assign myself one lousy little thing to get done, procrastination becomes my middle name and, chances are, even that one tiny task won't get accomplished. Can anyone else relate?? Ashcroft has been one of Canada's "hot spots" all week. Temperatures have been soaring to a scorching 33-35 degrees every day. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm NOT complaining, but the beautiful, new house we live in doesn't have an air conditioner ... yet. Therefore, if I'm going to do housework, it needs to be done fairly early in the day. On Monday morning, I meticulously made my "To Do" list for the week, focusing on "spring cleaning" types of tasks to wipe out the cobwebs and spruce up the nooks and crannies that had been neglected all winter. I'm very pleased to report that every box was black by the end of the week. However, I only managed to get one major chore done every day. My energy level seemed relatively good to accomplish the task, but I'd sure like to work up to more than one household chore a day. (And ... we won't mention my prone body position for the majority of the afternoon!)
Second, I need to build my cardio stamina. Realizing that I've whined and sniveled before about my lack of ability to exercise and my downward decline in fitness level, I will try not to focus on what I haven't been able to do. Rather, I will tell you what I've been trying to do. Every day, my goal is to incorporate some cardio exercise into the minutes of the day. Some days, this might look like a power walk -- "No, David, this is NOT a hand-holding walk! This is a power walk!!" On Wednesday, I even managed to run for part of my walk. I had tried before, but to no avail. It always seemed too painful and "bouncy" at my mastectomy sight. Ever since I got my last inflation, my chest seems more able to take some bouncing and jiggling, likely because it is "fuller" and somehow feels more secure. DVD's have been part of my workout routine for a very, very long time (hence the 80's-looking clothing on some of the exercisers!!). One I've persisted with over the years is called "Turbo Jam", and I have several DVD's in this series. Focusing on my favourite one, each session I've been trying to increase the number of minutes I can get through. As sad and sorry as it is, initially I was doing well to get through 5 minutes (that's hardly more than the warm-up). However, yesterday, I made it through a grand total of 15 minutes -- a major accomplishment for me!! No, I'm not quite ready for my Jillian Michaels DVD's yet :( :( I won't be attempting "30-Day Shred" for about 30 more days!
Third, I need to build stamina in human interaction. I'm not really sure how to go about this -- visit with people more?? Unbelievably, this is probably the most tiring, energy-zapping thing I try to do. Being a people-lover, this is incredibly difficult for me. I LOVE MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY, and I want to spend time with them. Perhaps I'm a really good actress, because I am able to appear energetic, even fooling myself at the time, and then when I'm alone ... I crash!! Often, I have grandiose plans of having tea with this friend, playing Scrabble with that friend, calling these three in the evening -- and when someone cancels plans, it's such a huge relief. If you are my friend or family member, PLEASE don't think I mean you!!!!! David is always trying to protect me from doing too much. I take great offense at this, since I am an adult human being with a fairly good brain to make decisions for myself. He will warn me against attempting too much human interaction, but I rarely listen. I learn the hard way.
Improving stamina is synonymous with decreasing fatigue for the same activity. Here's a 7-step approach that I found on the internet:
1. Eat healthy - Check! (most of the time, except for the odd jujubes or cheddar popcorn ...shhhhh!!)
2. Drink lots of water - Check!
3. Get plenty of exercise - If I'm trying to improve my stamina in the exercise department, how do I do that if exercise is part of the 7-step program?? I don't understand!
4. Choose an activity I love -
Chores: Never! Well, a sense of accomplishment after, but never during the chore.
Exercise: Most of the time I like exercise, but I love the feeling afterwards.
People-interaction: Love! Love! Love!
5. Build up gradually - Check!
6. Involve others - "David, the 7-step program says you HAVE to clean the bathroom today!" :)
7. Visualize my goal - OK, I'll keep my eye on the prize!!
I'll keep working on it!!!
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