Ponder with Pamela

Tag: fitness

  • Coping with Post-Shift Fatigue: My Week in Review

    Coping with Post-Shift Fatigue: My Week in Review

    This has been a really difficult week for me. I was used to getting up and working out, and staying up all day. That DID NOT prepare me for going back to a full 8-hour shift of working.

    The first couple of days were okay, thanks to onboarding and a little time on the floor learning my new job. Wednesday rolled around, and I spent the whole day on the floor, then stood and walked around, bent, and lifted. By the time my shift was done, I was almost in tears because I was so stiff and sore it was difficult to move.

    I couldn’t even go to work on Thursday because I could barely get out of bed. I slept from 8:30 pm Wednesday until 11:00 am Thursday. I was still sore, but took some Aleve and felt a little better. I wound up taking a 2-hour nap after lunch, and then still went to bed early.

    I did go to work on Friday, and did a little better. I was more aware of what all that movement would do to me, so I went slower and took my time getting tasks done, and I sat down whenever I could.

    I was still really tired at the end of the day and a little stiff and sore. I took some Aleve when I got home and laid down for about an hour. I still went to sleep early because I was so tired.

    I slept in this morning, and then took Aleve when I got up, and I’m feeling almost back to “normal.” Thank goodness it’s a long weekend because of Labor Day.

    I don’t know what Tuesday will look like, but hopefully, my body will adjust, and I’ll be okay. If not, I’ll just have to find another job that is kinder to my body.

    Unfortunately, jobs are scarce in my area, and I seriously need the money to get back on track with all of my bills. Even remote jobs have been difficult to find that pay enough and aren’t part-time.

    Check back to see what happens in my daily life!

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Finding Balance: Yoga, Work, and Problem-Solving

    Finding Balance: Yoga, Work, and Problem-Solving

    June 8, 2025

    Today was a pretty good day despite starting with rain this morning. Fortunately, it cleared up in the afternoon, giving us some of that sunshine my body craves. There’s something about seeing blue sky after gray morning clouds that just lifts the spirit.

    Sunday Yoga Success

    I got up and completed my daily routine, and I did follow through with yoga this morning as planned. Adding gentle movement to what was supposed to be my rest day felt exactly right. My body was asking for it rather than needing to skip it.

    A full week of consistent 10-minute exercise sessions, and I’m still amazed at how much better I feel overall. The yoga was the perfect choice for today because it was gentle, restorative, and energizing without being demanding.

    Productive Work Day

    I spent a significant portion of my day working on tests and qualifications for different job opportunities online. It’s encouraging to have multiple irons in the fire now, especially after landing the RWS position yesterday. Building options feels like building security.

    Then I spent some relaxing time doing surveys on Branded Surveys and InboxDollars. I don’t make much money from them, but they’re easy to complete while watching TV with my daughter. It’s the perfect low-energy activity that still feels somewhat productive, quality time plus a little extra income.

    Appliance Adventures

    The universe decided to test my problem-solving skills today: both ice machines in my refrigerator have decided to stop working properly now that the weather has warmed up. We have an ice machine in the door and another one down in the freezer, and both are acting up simultaneously.

    It’s particularly weird because they’re both filling the trays and freezing the ice just fine, but they won’t drop the ice unless you manually hit the reset buttons. Murphy’s Law strikes again! Appliances always seem to break when you need them most!

    Practical Solutions

    I’ll be calling for a repair service tomorrow to get this sorted out. In the meantime, thankfully we have old-fashioned ice cube trays, so we’ve been freezing ice manually. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most reliable ones.

    It’s funny how dealing with minor household inconveniences feels so much more manageable when you’re feeling physically better. A week ago, this kind of problem would have felt overwhelming. Today, it’s just a minor blip that needs handling.

    Flexibility and Adaptation

    Today reinforced some important lessons about flexibility, both in exercise routines and in daily life. Adding yoga to my planned rest day felt right, just like adapting to ice machine problems with manual solutions feels manageable.

    When you’re living with chronic conditions, learning to roll with unexpected challenges while maintaining your self-care routines becomes an essential life skill.

    Here’s to problem-solving, productive days, and the reliability of good old ice cube trays! 💜

    Sometimes the best days are the ones where you handle whatever comes your way while still taking care of yourself first.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • The Benefits of Strategic Rest and Gentle Exercise

    The Benefits of Strategic Rest and Gentle Exercise

    June 7, 2025

    I’ve been working hard to maintain consistent sleep and wake times, so I was up early this morning. This allowed me to complete my full morning routine AND take a shower before heading out grocery shopping with my husband. There’s something so satisfying about feeling prepared and accomplished before the day’s errands even begin.

    The Power of Strategic Rest

    I did wind up getting so tired in the mid-afternoon that I took a one-hour nap to carry me through until bedtime. It was exactly what I needed. It was just enough rest to feel refreshed and make it through the remainder of the day without crashing.

    I’m being a lot more forgiving with myself when I feel that I need rest, and my body is responding so much better because of it. Instead of pushing through exhaustion and paying for it later, I’m learning to honor what my body needs in the moment.

    A Week of Transformation

    I honestly can’t believe how much better I’ve felt this entire week! The combination of consistent routines, gentle exercise, and listening to my body’s needs has created this upward spiral of wellness that feels almost too good to be true.

    It hasn’t been easy to build new habits while managing chronic conditions that require intention and flexibility, but the 10 minutes I’ve dedicated to working out each day has helped tremendously. Those small daily investments in movement are paying dividends in reduced pain and increased energy.

    Expanding What Works

    The exercise routine has been so beneficial that I’m actually planning to do yoga tomorrow, even though Sunday was supposed to be my rest day from working out. I figure I’ll just pick either Qi Gong, Yoga, or Tai Chi since I did strength training today.

    Maybe I’ll rotate through all three gentle practices on Sundays, or maybe I’ll just choose whichever one calls to me when the day arrives. The beauty is that I’m not hating any of it, and my aches and pains are slowly diminishing the more consistently I move.

    Sustainable Growth Goals

    I do want to work up to 30 minutes of exercise daily eventually, but I’m committed to not rushing the process. Right now, I’m just taking the wins I’m having and celebrating this incredible week of feeling better.

    The 10-minute sessions are sustainable, enjoyable, and clearly effective. There’s no need to push beyond what’s working just because I feel good. That’s how you sabotage progress, by getting excited and overdoing it.

    Lessons in Self-Compassion

    This week has taught me so much about the power of:

    • Consistent but gentle routines
    • Strategic rest without guilt
    • Listening to my body’s wisdom
    • Celebrating small wins
    • Building on what works rather than forcing what doesn’t

    The combination of better sleep habits, morning routines, gentle exercise, and self-forgiveness is creating a foundation for sustainable wellness that I haven’t experienced in a long time.

    Here’s to taking things slow, honoring rest, and continuing to build on this momentum! 💜

    Sometimes the biggest breakthrough comes from doing less but doing it consistently, and giving yourself permission to rest when you need it.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Building Resilience: Exercise and Routine in Pain

    Building Resilience: Exercise and Routine in Pain

    June 5, 2025

    Rain and clouds brought some familiar pain along with them today, just as predicted. It’s remarkable how accurately my body can forecast weather changes – sometimes I feel like a human barometer when those pressure drops hit.

    Persistence Despite the Weather

    Even though I was definitely feeling the weather shift with increased pain and fatigue, I still got up and completed my daily routine and strength training this morning. That felt like a real victory, especially knowing how easy it would have been to skip it when my body was already protesting.

    Four days into this exercise routine and I’m learning that consistency matters even more on the difficult days. Maybe especially on the difficult days. The movement didn’t magically erase the weather-related symptoms, but it did provide some counterbalance to the stiffness and discomfort.

    Professional Development on a Pain Day

    The rest of my day was spent working on testing and qualifications for various job positions. Trying to focus and perform well on assessments when you’re dealing with increased pain and brain fog adds an extra layer of challenge to an already stressful process.

    But I pushed through and completed what I needed to do. Sometimes that’s what chronic illness management looks like. Showing up and doing what needs to be done even when your body isn’t cooperating fully.

    The Weather Reality Check

    This wasn’t a bad day, but it definitely wasn’t as good as the amazing few days I’ve had recently. The contrast is striking. Just yesterday, I was walking three blocks and feeling energized, and today the simple act of concentrating on work tasks felt more challenging.

    I definitely felt the change in weather with that familiar combination of minor pain increases and subtle fatigue. It’s a reminder that progress with chronic illness isn’t always linear, and external factors like weather will always be part of the equation.

    Building Resilience Through Routine

    What I’m proud of is that even on a weather-affected day, I maintained my new routines. The exercise happened. The work got done. I adapted to how I was feeling without abandoning my commitments to myself.

    This is exactly why building sustainable habits matters, because they carry you through the harder days when motivation alone wouldn’t be enough.

    Tomorrow’s Forecast

    The weather is supposed to continue being stormy through Monday, so I’m mentally preparing for some more challenging days. But I’m also feeling confident that I have tools now. The exercise routine, better planning, and realistic expectations. With these tools I will navigate weather-related flares more successfully.

    Here’s to maintaining momentum even when the skies are gray. 💜

    Progress isn’t measured only on the good days – sometimes it’s most evident in how you show up when conditions aren’t ideal.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Yoga, Family, and Wellness: My Journey to Better Health

    Yoga, Family, and Wellness: My Journey to Better Health

    June 4, 2025

    Today was a pretty good day, filled with gentle movement, quality time, and taking care of our little family. There’s something so satisfying about days that flow naturally from one meaningful activity to the next.

    Morning Yoga Bliss

    I did my morning routine and then followed it with a short yoga practice that left me feeling incredibly relaxed! It’s truly amazing what just 10 minutes of yoga can do for both body and mind. The stretching, the focused breathing, the mindful movement. It sets such a peaceful tone for the entire day.

    Three days into this new exercise routine and I’m already seeing how different types of movement serve different purposes. Yesterday’s strength training built physical capability, today’s yoga brought calm and flexibility.

    Vet Visit and Mother-Daughter Time

    My daughter and I took Zoey to the vet and dropped her off for her 6-month check-up. Having a companion for errands like this makes everything more manageable and enjoyable. Plus, Zoey always does better when we’re both there to reassure her before we have to leave.

    When we got home, we decided to make the most of the beautiful weather and went for a walk around 3 blocks! This was definitely the longest walk I’ve taken in quite a while. My hips and feet were definitely hurting by the time I got home, but it felt so good to be out walking around and enjoying the sunshine and warmth.

    The Balance of Challenge and Comfort

    That post-walk discomfort in my hips and feet tells me I pushed my limits in the best possible way. It’s that “good hurt” that comes from beneficial challenge rather than harmful overexertion. Building up walking endurance takes time when you’re managing chronic conditions, and three blocks feels like real progress.

    The fact that it felt good to be outside and moving, despite the physical feedback afterward, reminds me why gentle exercise is so important for chronic illness management.

    Zoey’s Anxiety and Family Priorities

    My daughter and I had just finished fixing lunch and were getting ready to sit down when the vet called to say Zoey was done and could be picked up anytime. Without hesitation, we put lunch on hold and went to get our little girl.

    Zoey gets so anxious at the vet, and I never want to leave her there any longer than absolutely necessary. She’s family, and family takes care of each other. We warmed up lunch when we got back and ate together. It was a perfect day of taking care of each other.

    Movement and Connection

    Today reminded me that wellness isn’t just about individual exercise routines. It’s about movement, connection, fresh air, and the love we share with family (both human and furry). The yoga grounded me, the walk challenged me, and caring for Zoey reminded me what really matters.

    Even though my body is feeling the effects of increased activity, my spirit feels nourished by a day well-lived. That’s exactly the kind of balance I’m hoping to build with this new approach to health and movement.

    Tomorrow brings more weight training. A gentle practice to look forward to! 💜

    Some days are perfect not because everything goes according to plan, but because love and care guide every decision along the way.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • How Gentle Movement Eases Chronic Pain

    How Gentle Movement Eases Chronic Pain

    June 2, 2025

    Today was a good day, and I’m already seeing the benefits of adding gentle exercise to my routine. Even though I got up late, I managed to ease into the morning with coffee and some reading before tackling my first day of the new exercise plan.

    First Qi Gong Session Success

    I did my first 15 minutes of Qi Gong this morning, and it left me feeling really good! There’s something special about those slow, flowing movements combined with focused breathing. Even though it was gentle, I could feel my body responding positively to the movement.

    The timing worked out perfectly, even with sleeping in. The beauty of having 10-15 minute routines is that they’re flexible enough to fit into your day regardless of when it starts.

    Quality Time and Birthday Prep

    My daughter and I went for a short walk together and then headed to the store to get supplies for her birthday tomorrow. There’s something so special about those pre-birthday shopping trips. The excitement of planning something meaningful for someone you love.

    Being able to do both the walk AND the shopping trip felt like a real win. Usually one or the other would wipe me out for the day.

    The Exercise Effect

    I felt a lot less pain today, and while the sunny, beautiful weather certainly helped, I really think the exercising made a significant difference. There’s something about gentle movement that seems to ease the chronic pain in a way that just resting doesn’t accomplish.

    The Qi Gong movements were perfect for my body. They were challenging enough to feel beneficial, but gentle enough that I didn’t aggravate anything. It’s exactly what I was hoping for.

    Listening to My Body

    By the time dinner rolled around, I was so tired that I actually fell asleep waiting for it. But here’s the thing, it felt like the good kind of tired. The kind that comes from a day well-lived rather than the crushing fatigue that chronic illness usually brings.

    My body was telling me it had used its energy well today and was ready to rest and recover.

    Early Night, Early Success

    I’m planning to call it an early night, which should set me up perfectly for another good day tomorrow, especially since it’s my daughter’s birthday and I want to have energy to celebrate with her properly.

    One day into the new exercise routine and I’m already feeling optimistic about the changes it might bring. If 15 minutes of gentle movement can make this much difference in how I feel, I’m excited to see what consistency might accomplish.

    Sweet dreams and here’s to building on today’s success tomorrow! 💜

    Sometimes the best days are the ones where your body surprises you with what it can do, and gentle exercise opens the door to feeling just a little bit better.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜