Good Morning Lovelies,

Six years ago, I sat in my doctor's office and begged for help. I had become addicted to exercising, which was leading to my body shutting down. Right then and there, she told me I had to stop. After doing a number of tests, she stated that if I didn’t my heart would make me do so. In other words, I wouldn’t be here. Something that is terrifying to hear. 

Whilst it was incredibly hard to do, I did it. The only thing I remained doing was walking. Not a lot but just short distances until I was stronger and able to go a little further. Yet, I never stopped missing it. Everywhere I went, I would see people in workout clothes or doing something to stay fit. Even during the pandemic, I would see runners and want to join in. And I hate running. 

Over the years though, I have managed to get that need under control. My body has gotten a little bit more prepared to do it again and so this year, with help from my mental health team and guidance of my mum, I started exercising again. In a more gentle and careful manner. 

Unable to do the hard hitting workouts I used to, as I am still unable to run or jump, I have found a soft approach with low impact workouts that last for only 15 minutes in the morning, followed by a calming stretch or yoga based one in the evening. Both of which I have found to be incredibly helpful when it comes to dealing with my mental health and my wishes to make my body a little bit stronger. 

I won’t lie, I was scared out of my skin to try and do it. I couldn’t tell if it was the right thing to do or not. On the first morning, when I did those 15 minutes for the first time after all those years, I could feel my body wasn’t used to it, but I enjoyed it. My mind felt at ease and I felt a little bit more confident. Like I was ready to cease the day. 

After a few weeks, I have continued to follow the same pattern, as right now that is where I feel safe and like my body is prepared for. I have seen little changes that I am pleased with and my body feels less tense and more relaxed. Something I wanted to happen to help with the stress and restlessness that my autism, anxiety disorder, eating disorder and combined ADHD create. 

If you are like me and worried about getting back into exercising after such a long time, I completely understand the feeling. I am in no way saying that you should do it if you don’t feel ready. A simple walk around the house can make a difference and is still in many ways my favourite form of exercising. Especially when I pop on a good playlist or podcast to walk along too. 

Yet, if you feel ready then try lovelies. A slow low impact workout could make your day a little bit easier if it works, yet, again, please don’t worry if not! Just do you and everything will fall into place! A bit like me when I get a move wrong aha! I promise you though that everything will be okay! One small step can make a huge impact! 

Joey X