Say bye bye to pity parties

by Lisa on February 8, 2011 · 50 comments

Last week, I talked about how I had let things in my life affect what I wanted to accomplish and who I wanted to be. For the past month and a half (minus last week), I was essentially a walking tear machine. I broke down all the time. I can’t tell how how many bowls of cereal, pieces of toast, and chocolate comforted me on the couch.

All of the chips, toast, sugar and everything else made me feel run down and only exacerbated the problem. I became too lazy to go work out and do what I needed to. I let excuses take over.

Well, as I mentioned in this post, I was ready for my self pity parade to be over. It was becoming too much and becoming ME and I just can’t let that happen. No sirree bob.

So, I did something about it. One of the first things I did was commit myself to eating a good healthy breakfast. Starting your day off on the right foot is important; especially when it became easy for me to be a guest at my pity party and let my emotions take over.

I got into a nasty habit over the past month and it started with breakfast. Typically, I enjoy breakfasts with lots of protein, some fat, and some carbs. In my emotionally crazed state, all I ate was carbs and candy. That’s definitely not filling to me and it left me reaching for the chocolate jar and oreos at work….which led me to more consumption of sugar in the evening…which led me to feeling rundown and icky…which only aided the crying pity party. You get the point.

No more. I’ve had two delicious breakfasts this week. They’ve left me feeling satisfied and ready to start my day. There’s really something to be said for knowing that you are taking care of your body. It helps your mind.

Took a cue from Julie and stole one of her weekend breakfasts. Finally found the Cinnamon Raison bagel thins. Love those things (it’s the only “flavor” of the bagel thins that I like). Oh, and they don’t even taste like bagels.

Vanilla Greek Yogurt with some Grape Nuts and pineapple. So tropical for a cold Tuesday morning.

The gym is also part of the all-around effort to pick myself up off the ground. Therefore, I’ve woken up at 5 am this week to bust my butt at the gym.

Monday

Holy. This doesn’t look hard…low reps, but lots of sets. I lifted fairly heavy. My chest and abs are pretty sore today. Good feeling. I followed up the workout with 20 minutes of intervals. 30 seconds on, 1 minute off.

Tuesday

Today was a training run for my half marathon. I actually did a mid-week run. Who am I?! 4.5 miles in 47 minutes. It was fantastic…except for one minor (ok, kind of major) detail. I was on a treadmill next to a farter. A stinky farter. He farted 4 times. I swear…I was breathing in toxic fumes. Not a fun experience.

It’s time to work! Have a great day!

What are some ways that you pull yourself out of your pity parties?

{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }

Becca February 8, 2011 at 12:29 pm

Ewwwwwwwwww on your treadmill “friend”! Yuck!!! I hate that! We have a girl who eitehr doesnt wash her gym clohtes or doesnt shower who shows up in the AM sometimes and if she gets on a machine near me I’ll often switch becuase the stench is hard to bear!!!

I love your atittude shift! I find that making a healthy (and filling!) brweakfast is a great way to start things out for the day. When I’m home and eating off season style if I have a regular satisfying breakfast I’m so much more likely to carry that healthy mindset for the rest of the day!
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lisaou11 February 8, 2011 at 12:40 pm

seriously? does she not smell herself? I always wonder if those people know they smell or if they are just happily going on with their stinky lives.

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Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles February 8, 2011 at 12:30 pm

Lisa, I’m so happy to hear that you’re going to focus on YOU! I agree with you on the healthy breakfast part – it’s so nice to start the day on the right foot because you want to continue that habit throughout the day!

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Heather (Where's the Beach) February 8, 2011 at 12:36 pm

OMG last Thurs I was on a treadmill next to a farter too! He had it on a super steep incline, hanging on for dear life and stunk SOOOOO bad.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Not So Fun Facts Friday

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Jackie @ Baking Charms February 8, 2011 at 12:39 pm

Good for you!! I try to stay super super busy when I’m feeling like I could cry at any moment.
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Leah @ Why Deprive? February 8, 2011 at 12:40 pm

I used to hate being beside farters at the gym. There were a LOT where I went, and its gross.

Running really helps pull me out of a funk. Yesterday I was in a horrible mood, so I got on the treadmill and cranked up the speed. I could actually feel the bad mood lift. Its amazing.

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Shanna, Like Banana February 8, 2011 at 12:41 pm

Good for you girl!

I get myself out of pity parties by dressing better, good sweat sessions, and some pampering (like a mani/pedi)
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lisaou11 February 8, 2011 at 12:45 pm

Yes–dressing better is huge! I went and got my hair styled for some dinners last week and I felt fantastic!

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Holly February 8, 2011 at 12:55 pm

ha! I was next to a stinky farter in spin class months ago – I still stay away from him. It happened two times and I was DONE! I was also next to a smelly sweater and have had to stay away, which is too bad because he was pretty easy on the eyes.
Holly recently posted..Can’t Buy Me Love

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Krista (kristastes) February 8, 2011 at 1:01 pm

I love grape nuts in fruity greek yogurt…I thought I was the only one! I don’t know what’s worse: a farter or a BO’er…the other day, I was next to a girl who was wearing a belly shirt w/cutoff sleeves (who wears that to the gym anyway!) and she reeeeeeked. I hope you don’t get any other stink bombs at the gym this week :) and good for getting out of your funk!
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Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin February 8, 2011 at 1:03 pm

Ewwww! So gross to be on the treadmill next to a stinky farter! And I totally agree – starting off your day with a good breakfast helps me a lot to stay on track and be healthy for the rest of the day. I acutally did a breakfast post this morning!
Beth @ Beth’s Journey to Thin recently posted..Running- Friends- and Downtime- The Perfect Weekend

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Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun February 8, 2011 at 1:06 pm

Eating well and exercise do SO much for me too. Keep up that energy! And glad you survived the farter. Ick.
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Liz @ Blog is the New Black February 8, 2011 at 1:06 pm

Glad to see you committing to take care of yourself, girl!
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Holly February 8, 2011 at 1:10 pm

LOL- I hope it gave you some amusement too! :D That would help my mood. But if it was just terrible, then that does suck!
Nice workout! Look @ you go with the half marathon training- keep it up! :) I know you’ll do great!
As for bad moods, honestly, this is like MAJOR cheesy, but I just remind myself at how LUCKY I really am- that I have a roof over my head, food to eat & a nice comfy bed to sleep in…the fiance definitely helps too ;) If I’m really really in a bad mood then I will do something I enjoy- like scrapbooking, or baking! Cooking always helps clear my mind- especially something like pounding chicken- SUCH a stress reliever! Definitely did that last week when I was overwhelmed with some crazy stuff.
Holly recently posted..Catching Up On The Challenge

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Lisa February 8, 2011 at 1:14 pm

That all sounds really good! You are getting back to your normal self and not getting stuck in that depressed, wallowing stage. That’s really good.

I let myself mourn/wallow/cry for about a week and then it’s time to get back to normal. It’s easy to get stuck there!

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Kelly February 8, 2011 at 1:23 pm

Yuck, smelly people at the gym are the worst! Seems like you’re really getting out of your funk. yay!
Kelly recently posted..Target Gets Me Again

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Jess@atasteofconfidence February 8, 2011 at 1:28 pm

Glad you are getting back into your swing of things!
Sorry about the stinky farter- yuck!
Jess@atasteofconfidence recently posted..Day 9- The Future

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Jenna February 8, 2011 at 1:34 pm

I cannot stop cracking up about the stinky farter because that happened to me at the gym this morning… ewww, haha.

This may sound like a general statement, but it does the trick every single time. I stay as busy as possible! Whether it be hanging out with friends, chatting with my mom/brother, reading, cooking/baking, or watching silly tv… helps a lot!

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Sophia @ Raven Waves February 8, 2011 at 1:36 pm

So glad to hear that you’re doing better! I definitely think that getting out of my house to even run errands help me get rejuvenated. Just doing things can really help sometimes.
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Stephanie @ The Cookie Battle February 8, 2011 at 1:43 pm

I keep BUSY. The less time I have alone with my thoughts to dwell on things, the better off I am. I spend time with friends, go to events, hit up the gym, whatever, so long as I’m not just sitting there wallowing in misery.

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Rachel @ The Avid Appetite February 8, 2011 at 1:57 pm

Good for you! I agree that I am completely thrown off if I don’t have a good breakfast. Kind of like today. I used to not eat breakfast ever, but now that I do, it is essential to making my day a good one!

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Kacy February 8, 2011 at 2:07 pm

I hate it when that happens! So gross, and you can’t run away from it!

I’m hoping the snow holds off so I can get out to the gym to run tonight!

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lisaou11 February 8, 2011 at 2:17 pm

Sorry. I’m hoping the snow just keeps coming! I have a test tomorrow that I haven’t studied for one bit….

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Hope February 8, 2011 at 2:14 pm

I’m so glad that you are doing better! :) When I’m feeling down, I love to blast a good song that I can dance to and make my own dance party in my house. :) Or if I don’t feel like dancing, I love to bake. That makes me feel better.
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Clare @ Fitting It All In February 8, 2011 at 2:17 pm

Way to go on getting back on track! That’s definitely hard to do. I try to do the same with a healthy breakfast after some indulgent eats, even if I’m still stuffed. It’s the best way to start the day!
Clare @ Fitting It All In recently posted..Blast From The Past

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Kristina @ spabettie February 8, 2011 at 2:18 pm

so happy you’re turning around – eating good definitely helps feel better all over!

I let myself “wallow” a bit, sometimes it is needed… then? I take care of myself! get a massage! a pedicure! buy a new top or dress in my favorite clothes! go out with friends! exercise (in clean air)! :)
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Dawn (HealthySDLiving) February 8, 2011 at 2:47 pm

Ewww HAHA I hate when that happens at the gym! ICK!
So glad you’re getting on track and doing you! Ummmm cinnamon raison bagel thins? WHAT? I need to find those!
Dawn (HealthySDLiving) recently posted..Busy Busy

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Naomi(onefitfoodie) February 8, 2011 at 2:53 pm

i could not go a day without breakfast!!! it really does start my day off right and its my FAVORITE meal of the day so of course I look forward to it!

oh those bagel thins taste nothing like bagels but they are tasty :) I had one a while back!

glad you are back into the swing of things!! xox

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Michelle @ Living Learning Earning February 8, 2011 at 3:29 pm

Oh my gosh, I just about died when I read the last part of this post. That is the WORST!!
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Geraldine February 8, 2011 at 3:33 pm

Exercising and music! I love blasting out songs that make me happy and make me want to dance. A boogie around my bedroom does wonders whenever I feel really sad. Ditto singing those songs into my hairbrush :-)
Glad you’re getting back on track!
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Heather February 8, 2011 at 3:38 pm

Glad to hear the sun is shining for you again! Good for you :-) .

I always journal and meditate when I’m feeling I’m at my pity party for too long. It helps me to get my thoughts organized and focus on what makes me happy.
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fittingbackin February 8, 2011 at 3:53 pm

bye bye pity parties! Great job getting yourself out of one. I hate funks – but tend to get myself out by making a plan and going and doing it – the plan usually involves something that makes me happy like going to exercise, making a new recipe, taking a shower (even if it is the 2nd one that day) or buying myself (yet another) dress. True story!
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Sarah February 8, 2011 at 4:09 pm

I agree that the food choices we make effect our minds. Now if only I could remember than when I’m craving a bucket of ice cream :-) .
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Grace February 8, 2011 at 4:09 pm

Sometimes I just need to cry so I let myself have a girl night and watch a sad movie eat some pop corn and cry it out. Then make a pact that the next morning I’ll start fresh!
Grace recently posted..Indulgence

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Cyndie February 8, 2011 at 4:31 pm

It’s okay to wallow for a while, but it’s good that you’re getting back on your feet! I might try that flavor of “bagel” thins…I’m in a toast rut.

I’m watching Felicity right now. I just watched the one where she breaks it off with Ben and cuts off her hair. I forgot how many wise words are spoken in that episode. I love it! Thanks for reminding me of this great show.
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Melissa @ TryingToHeal February 8, 2011 at 5:55 pm

way to start feeling better! i def try to stay busy and get in some good runs to make sure i feel better soon!
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Denise February 8, 2011 at 6:02 pm

Life for you is about to become AMAZING:)

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Caitlin February 8, 2011 at 6:47 pm

I definitely agree on getting a good start to the day – clean breakfast is a must. Working out always helps along with taking time. I am always SO rushed to get everywhere – I am that girl who is always late – so when I can take my time to get ready and put a little extra effort into what I look like, I definitely FEEL it and get out of that slump.
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Jamie @ Food in Real Life February 8, 2011 at 7:06 pm

Great job on the run! And getting yourself set up for success (mentally and physically) by taking care of yourself. A good breakfast is always a great idea. You haven’t been alone in the sugar/carbs etc on the couch. That was me all last week. Onward and Upward we go!
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kathleen February 8, 2011 at 8:09 pm

it’s so true about food affecting your mood.
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Karen February 8, 2011 at 8:14 pm

So glad that things are looking better! Getting back into my healthy habits always helps me feel better!
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Mel (Mmm Stories) February 8, 2011 at 8:16 pm

Get it girll! I’m really glad you’re feeling like yourself again! I’m sure there are great things to come (ala your horoscope)!

Here’s the oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookie recipe I tweeted you about! I’ve never tried it but it looks sooooo gooood!!
http://bunsinmyoven.com/2011/01/19/oreo-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookies/

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Katie @ peacebeme February 8, 2011 at 8:44 pm

Going swimming definitely helps me feel better! And sometimes I just need to say, “I can take care of MYSELF, no matter what happens.”
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Ayla February 8, 2011 at 9:13 pm

Yay for good food and good exercise!! Working ALWAYS helps end my pity parties and it makes me feel amazing. Some pampering is nice too – hot shower or a relaxing bath (tea, candles, book, bubbles), getting my hair done, getting cozy with a book or movie, cuddling with my puppy, eating healthy, nourishing and delicious food.

I’m so glad you’re starting to feel better, Lisa! You are beautiful and it’s no fun being sad.
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Katie February 8, 2011 at 9:38 pm

2-3 minutes plank hold! You go girl! :)
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Heather February 8, 2011 at 11:19 pm

I am all too familiar with the pity party cycle. I think what pulled me out of it was just going outside and walking. One walk led to another, which led to a jog, which led to a love of running (for myself…not exactly a long distance runner yet). It’s amazing what physical activity does for the mind and body!

Dude, while helping a patient up out of bed at the hospital the other day, I totally got a big stinky fart in the face! Ugh! Talk about toxic fumes!! x-P
Heather recently posted..Keeping It Short &amp Sweet

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Christine @ Merf In Progress February 9, 2011 at 10:19 am

It’s so easy to let pity take over, isn’t it? And I know what you mean about how as soon as you get lazy and start sitting around and eating crap, it gets so much harder to pull yourself out of it. Good for you for declaring the party over!
Christine @ Merf In Progress recently posted..Light At The End Of The Tunnel

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Lindsey @ Cardio Pizza February 9, 2011 at 12:28 pm

OMG the farter haha! That’s awful!
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Caree @ Fit-Mama February 9, 2011 at 12:33 pm

EW, that would be so gross to run next to that!! And how could she keep running through that and not be extremely embarrassed?!

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