As I've mentioned I work crazy hours in retail. Sometimes I get up at 7am and get home at 4. Sometimes I work 6pm to 11pm. Over a year of this has taken a toll on my body and health. My doctor said my lack of sleep makes me crave unhealthy comfort foods. My blood pressure and cholesterol have increased and I have fat all over my mid-section and thighs. I don't drink enough water and I've been getting migraines. I do not workout at all anymore.:( I'm on my feet all day and I'm too tired to come home and go for a run. I also eat out of boredom when I'm not even hungry.

When I was out in California I noticed how bad it was. Out there I got up around 9am, ate a healthy breakfast and kept myself occupied. I had lunch, walked around a lot with family then had dinner. I got to bed around midnight. I felt great when I was out there. I wasn't bloated and I lost about 5 lbs.

A few days ago I decided it was enough. I changed my availability at work. I'm not closing anymore. I'm leaving that store everynight by 9pm. I need to establish some kind of normal sleep schedule so I can get my health back on track.

Anyone have any other tips or advice? Thanks

If you find yourself snacking out of boredom anyways get healthy foods to snack on instead of junk food. Might help.

Now that you'll be home around 9, jogging in the evening isn't out entirely.
But maybe get a cardio/aerobic workout that you can do at home too.

I'm gonna try and run in the mornings like I used to. Maybe I'll do yoga or pilates at night since my lower back as been hurting.

I bought some Lara bars today to keep in my locker at work.

I agree, I like to snack on things like baby carrots and sugar snap peas anyway. You can also generally find so many more healthy and better tasting snacks in the grocery stores these days (if you have a Trader Joe's near you I love going there for healthier foods)

Also, with the migraines if you are taking something for them be careful. Even OTC stuff isn't meant to be taken everyday and some prescription stuff is really bad. When we moved my migraines got so horrible that my new doctor sent me to a neurologist and he told me the medication I'd been prescribed for the last 7 years (both Fiorinol and Fioricet) were really terrible and had been causing more migraines and had been banned in Europe but it is something I would still definitely see a doctor about, although it definitely sounds stress related the only way to be sure is to see someone about them.

I hope you start feeling better:)

Yoga and proper stretching should really help your back.
And make sure to have a good pair of running shoes. :)

Yay for Lara Bars!

I should get some new running shoes. The ones I have now are New Balances from high school.:o

I should get some new running shoes. The ones I have now are New Balances from high school.:o


yay for new shoes!
they'll do wonders for your feet, knees and back while you run. :)

I agree with everyone else! I loooovee Larabars, they are seriously the best I've come across. What is your fav flavor? I like the cashew one.

Maybe your family can help out-I requested that my mom start buying healthy snacks for me (lots of fruit, celery and peanut butter), and not buy AS many junk food items. My dad and brother still like their chips and whatnot so I can't tell everyone to eat healthy. I really try to stay focused and reach for grapes instead of ice cream or something. It isn't easy, but so worth it!

I got some pink and sliver New Balance running shoes today.:D I'm also getting some new earphones for my Ipod.
I did a quick run yesterday and I feel better already.

I think being on a routine will help you feel much, much better. I know for me personally, I always feel better when I'm on a routine. My schedule is kind of crazy right now, but I try to be in bed the same time every night (11ish) and get up about the same time, or within a reasonable amount of time (usually 8-9). I have more energy from getting enough sleep, and I feel like I'm more alert and productive during the day. Now if only I could figure out something with my eating habits LOL. My schedule really sucks for that since I'm away from home a lot.

I've exercised everyday for the past 3 days. My lower back pain has gone away.:) I guess my energy is a little better. My sleep has not improved. I didn't sleep AT ALL the night before last. I was butt-tired at work and I came home and passed out from 6pm-11am. But that's kinda early so I've stayed up, I went for a walk, did some exercises with weights.

I'm going out to Applebee's tonight with a co-worker and seeing Superbad. I'm definitely gonna eat something not too healthy and have some alcohol. But I've been chugging water so it won't be bad.

Just make sure to not OVERSLEEP, which is just as bad as getting too little. Oversleeping leaves you groggy and tired. Shoot for 8-9 hours at the most.

I'm in a similar situation, Rachel. I've been putting on weight since my dad passed away. I'm 130 pounds at the moment, wich is something I'm terribly ashamed about, and I know I shouldn't, but I gained 20 pounds in the last 4 months, over eating every single day.
A week ago I got really sick of the situation and myself and I though, okay, I'm gonna start a plan or something, I need to.
At the moment, I'm taking 3 ballet classes and a modern dance class every week, trying to fit in a pilates class and also stretching. I have a really hectic shcedule as well: I'm taking 9 courses at school, so it's like 20 hours of classes per week, rehearsing for a play and 4 scenes for school, 25 more hours, and then those dance classes, wich add up to 8 hours- So I basically leave my house at 8 am and return at like 11 pm. And I walk a lot, I almost never take the subway/bus.
My advice is to to things that you love. I love dancing and I enjoy and I do not for one second dread going to those classes. If you love running, you'll put much more passion into it and you'll actually want to do it better every day. I tried to take aerobics classes and I know they are better for you than dancing, but I just despise them.
So, pick something that you love and stick to it.
As far as food goes, we all know that a calorie is a calorie and you should learn what's your BMI and make a meal plan according to it. If you eat less calories that you spend, then you lose weight. But you should exercise instead of lowering your food intake.

Anyways, I'm glad you are getting back on track!! good luck and please let me know how you are doing!!:D