have more energy

New habit – Monday after work I go to a comedy open mic. It gives me something to look forward to and takes the sting out of Mondays. I like to laugh and to see people who have the guts to do something scary and work on their craft.

I live with a P user, which makes it hard to resist. Today 11/26 is day one of my weekday boycott. I will only use it on weekends.

2 weeks later: so far so good!

My job depletes my energy. I can be energized in the morning and excited about the evening to come, but by the time I leave work all that energy is GONE. I’m irritable, tired, sickly, and have no motivation to do anything. So the question is … what is the problem? I think it is a combintion of these things:
-sitting in a cubicle in front of a computer most of the day
-no window or natural light
-I don’t really care about what I do, it’s meaningless to me
-I have a couple of friends here, but not much social interaction
-no benefits (resentment about this)
-I’m not an employee, so I’m an outsider

This is really an attempt to pull myself out of depression. I’m starting to notice an improvement already. In addition to what I put in my last entry, I am:
-getting more natural light (e.g. opening the blinds all the way, sitting in the sun at the park)
-cleaning/decluttering my apartment (a couple of tasks a day)
-exercise/rehab (a little each day)
-doing fun things that come my way even if I don’t initially feel like it
-stretching/walking throughout the work day
-watching less TV

I’m actually looking forward to going home so I can do my cleaning/decluttering and exercise/rehab.

No daily coffee, sweets, herb, or alcohol. I’ll save these as occasional treats.
healthier snack (fruit instead of chips)
Sleeping longer (8-9 hours!)
Breakfast of complexcarbs/protein/fat (Odwalla Bar)
Reading a book I love
Taking a lunch break away from my desk
Making a date with friends
Drinking lots of water
Planning a real vacation

This article is great.
fhttp://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2006/edition_10-08-2006/So_Tired
0. check thyroid and iron (also blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, not smoking)
1. breakfast of complex carb, protein and fat
2. natural light (or full-spectrum light fixture)
3. pleasure time (soak up life), reduce work/worry
4. accept uncomfortable emotions & let go
5. positive thinking (gratitude journal, love, rethink poor me, exercise, sex, meditation, upbeat attitude especially toward aging)
6. sleep 8-10 hours (half hour no tech before)

Other ideas: prayer, focused breathing, feed passionate hobbies, morning intent, complete one thing, tend neglected important relationships, all day re-chargers, bedtime (calming music, clean/unclutter, bath, massage, journaling, after 2pm avoid stressful conversations or shows/finances/caffeine), replace morning coffee with decaf green tea, walk at work (get up), break a routine, see a friend, express yourself, unclutter, eat healthy every four hours (keep snacks handy), play, relax, avoid alcohol and sugar.