topic Combatting inertia in Staying well

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 02:00:44 GMT

I sometimes think I must be the laziest person in the world. I overwhelm myself thinking about things that need to be done, and as a result I
never get started on any of them. I know that strictly speaking it’s not laziness, but it equates to the same result. It took me 2 hours to get out of bed this morning – I had to stop thinking about all the things, and just DO one thing.

I’ve hidden behind laziness for a long time. I’d rather be seen as lazy than as afraid or stressed. One is about being carefree, careless and chill. The other labels you as the weakest link, the one to be picked off first.

Right now I should be painting the apartment. Or at least prepping the walls. Or at least going to Bunnings to get some supplies. The only way I’m going to achieve that is to just stop thinking, hop on the bike and go. I know that, but I’m sitting here stressing myself out instead. My dad
will be visiting next weekend and will expect a certain amount of this stuff to be done. I’m not trying to get out of doing it, I’m not incapable of doing it, I’m just stuck in my own bloody head and it’s not a safe place in here.

I’ve agreed with myself that I’ll leave for the shops as soon as I post this. Even if I can’t face the bike and have to walk the whole way there one foot in front of the other.

How does everyone else tackle the inertia that sets in, whether it be from feeling overwhelmed, lack of energy, anxiety, depression, or anything?

Combatting inertia

Zeal — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 02:57:46 GMT

Hi sparkvark,

You are certainly not a lazy person. Feeling overwhelmed by racing thoughts due to anxiety and/or depression is frustrating. I have anxiety, and find that my thoughts make concentrating consistently difficult. Being afraid or stressed doesn't make you the weakest link. Laziness can be a habit and long-standing behaviour that almost becomes part of someone's personality, and clearly isn't positive. Being lazy doesn't necessarily equate to being relaxed and carefree though. Being anxious or stressed due to mental illness can and often is improved with professional help, which is best complemented with self-help and social support as well. Check-in with your doctor if you need help.

If you don't mind me asking, are you and your Dad close? Does he know about the stress you experience?

Hmm, how do I tackle inertia caused by my anxiety and feeling overwhelmed? I find that seemingly simple things like having a warm shower, washing my face, making my bed and being in comfy clothes helps. Walking around outside in the courtyard or sitting in the sun is nice, as is talking to my Mum when she's home. I come on the forum when I'm avoiding doing uni work actually. Rather than procrastinating by watching YouTube or something similar, I feel that posting here is helpful to others and therefore worthwhile. I also feel less guilty about not doing uni work haha.

Best wishes,

Zeal

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 03:03:52 GMT

Update: So I made it to Bunnings, but realised I'd left my bike lock at home and had to head back with nothing. That's what I get for doing things without thinking haha! Good use of an hour. Contemplating whether to try again or just call it a day. Anyone happen to have a spare caulking gun I could borrow?

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 04:47:16 GMT

Hi Zeal, thanks for your reply.

Luckily I’ve never experienced the ‘racing thoughts’ thing. My experience is more with what I’ll call ‘expanding thoughts’ where a single thought starts off at a reasonable size, then begins to grow and attract other thoughts/emotions through some sort of electromagnetic force until it takes up far more mental space than is warranted. I don’t consider it to be ‘snowballing’ because there’s no translational momentum to the thought, no thought progression. It just expands.

I’d still much rather be considered lazy than have someone know that I was afraid or stressed. I know that neither of them are positive, but laziness is just less of a weakness in my eyes.

I’m not particularly close with my dad in a sharing-emotions sense. Last time I let on I was stressed about something, the unhelpful suggestion was that I needed to toughen up and get on with it. I didn’t take it well and rage-quit from that discussion, and he later apologised but I’m not keen to have a repeat.

Simple things can sometimes make a substantial difference. I’m glad you’ve found some things that work for you Zeal. Haha that’s certainly a way to procrastinate while having a positive effect on others – I appreciate the
time you’ve taken to reply to me and hope it didn’t detract from too much of your uni work. I used to feel stressed at the mere mention of uni, so can completely understand the desire to procrastinate from it although regrettably I never really procrastinated in such a generous way.

Combatting inertia

maxation — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 05:45:46 GMT

Im worse..i dont even try to acheive anything.i dont talk to anyone.i dont go anywhere.i dont relate to anyone or anything anymore .

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 06:34:43 GMT

I'm sorry to hear that maxation, that sounds like a difficult spot to be in. Is there anything that you used to enjoy/want/imagine that you have even a sliver of interest in now? If there is, it's really important to fight for that thing even when that fight is against yourself. If there isn't, there's still a fight that you can win - you may just need some support to figure out where the battlefront is.

Combatting inertia

Wendinsky — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 12:42:10 GMT

I've tried a new approach to inertia and have stopped struggling. I just stay in bed until I feel I can get up. Sometimes I don't get up at all for two or three days, but I'm finding this better than fighting with myself and feeling ashamed of my depression. I'm 74 and feel very alone sometimes even though I have supportive friends. When my depression lifts I'm a cheerful and positive person but I've no idea were this blackness comes from. It descends, unexpectedly, and each time I feel it will never go away. It's exhausting. My cat keeps me relatively sane.

Combatting inertia

Elizabeth CP — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 01:16:07 GMT

One of the issues is feeling overwhelmed and trying to do the most important thing. This leads to wasting time deciding what is most important or trying to work out the best way to do something. I tried writing a list of things I wanted to get done. I broke up most of the things into doable sections. I then would give myself a set time (use an oven timer) & work on anything from the list. Then you can stop & do something else (including relaxing activities) & later do something else from the list. The aim is to give yourself the +ve boost from doing something rather than feeling bad about wasting time.

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 09:28:23 GMT

Thanks Wendinsky - it's good that you've found something that's working for you. Sorry to hear about the dark times. Do you have ways to remind yourself of the good stuff - your cat, friends, and your cheerfulness and positivity - to remind yourself that the blackness will indeed go away? You might want to check out the pets thread (in the same section as this one) to have a chat with fellow pet parents.

Cheers Elizabeth CP. I do often tend to get caught up in the idea that if I start something, I have to keep going until it's complete... Which rarely eventuates. Setting a time limit might be a good idea! 🙂 Sometimes I find visible to-do lists to be somewhat stressful to write, and "writing the list" may have to be its own activity haha.

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 20:13:52 GMT

I made a tiny bit of progress yesterday. Not enough before I caved, crying over nothing and who knows what.

Combatting inertia

Zeal — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 22:31:22 GMT

Hi Sparkvark,

A little progress is still progress 🙂

I found your comment on 'expanding thoughts' interesting. It's amazing how complex the human mind is!

You said you used to also get stressed at uni. If you don't mind me asking, what did you study? I'll finish studying a psychological science degree in three weeks time! I'm 23, and I'm looking forward to finishing undergrad now. I'm hoping to get into a postgrad counselling & psychotherapy course at my uni next year.

How's your week been so far Sparkvark?

Best wishes,

Zeal

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 07:55:26 GMT

Hey Zeal,

I suppose it is still progress, unless the goop I opened to do my minimal-effort-work all dries up and sends me back to the shop!

Haha yes the mind is quite interesting, and does some strange things at times. With your undergrad degree it sounds like you've spent a great deal of time studying it! Does your course go into neuroscience stuff like neurons, chemical signals etc. or is it more about the way people think/behave?

I studied mechanical engineering at uni. Finished my bachelors 4 years ago and couldn't get out of there fast enough 😛

Congrats on almost finishing your undergrad and best of luck for the next 3 weeks! 🙂 That postgrad course sounds like it would be pretty cool - do you want to become a counsellor/psychologist or do you have other plans after that?

My week has been ok so far thanks. Other than self-inflicted issues 😛 How about yourself? Knocking all the exams out of the park? :)

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 11:53:59 GMT

Looks like the forum gremlins may have eaten my post - I'll see if it comes through tomorrow or if I'll be retyping/rewording it 😛 Guess it depends whether the filter is hypersensitive or if there was some other issue.

Combatting inertia

Zeal — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 03:11:08 GMT

Hey Sparkvark,

I've lost a few posts before due to me accidentally pressing keys or clicking something! It's not a nice feeling, and it's tough to rewrite the post.

We have studied neuroscience, though learning biochemical content is not my forte. More of the material we learn reflects how people behave. That's cool that you studied mechanical engineering. I struggle with the pure sciences and pure maths, so engineering is something I couldn't handle. I used to love English in high school, and I have been choosing English/humanities subjects as electives throughout my psych degree.

To become a qualified Psychologist, I would need to complete Honours in Psychology and then do a two year Masters in Psychology. I originally wanted to become a Psychologist, until I learned that even established psychologists must contribute to the scientific research literature throughout their career. Next year I'm hoping to study postgrad counselling for 6 months, before doing the two year Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2018. I'd like to hopefully work at the same time, so that I gain experience. I also would like to move out in a year or so. Thanks for the good wishes - that is much appreciated 🙂

If you don't mind me asking, do you work in engineering now, or a different area? Sorry if you have already mentioned this!

My first exam is November 7, which is terrifyingly close! I've still got one assignment left, and some quizzes. Swot vac week is when I will start officially studying, which starts on Oct 31.

If you need to talk about the self-inflicted issues, you are welcome to. Only if you feel comfortable doing so though 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 10:33:40 GMT

Hey Zeal,

Seems like the post came through after all. You're right though, it's such a pain when a post gets lost forever.

Ah ok, well learning about how people behave is pretty cool. Haha I was the complete opposite - high school English destroyed me and I never wanted to write another sentence again!

Wow, I didn't realise that qualified psychologists had a requirement to publish things as a routine activity. Cool, that sounds interesting but pretty intense trying to work and do Masters at the same time. Hope you get in to both courses 🙂 Can I ask what made you interested in counselling/psychology?

Yep, I work in engineering now. It's so different to the uni atmosphere and I think it was a good choice for me professionally and socially.

Eeek that is pretty soon. Let me know how you go getting the assignment and quizzes out of the way. 🙂 Sounds like you're pretty good at planning out your study time, is that right?

I'm doing alright at the moment. Made a horrific attempt at the first coat of paint in one area, like anyone who sees it will legit laugh at it. Guess I can't expect to be a natural at it first try haha 😛 Still have to clean up and make dinner, if I can be bothered with the dinner part. And somehow get to bed before 11 because my sleep schedule really isn't working for me. But that's about it for today.

How was your day?

Combatting inertia

Zeal — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 05:35:12 GMT

Hey Sparkvark,

It's nice that we both know our strengths, opposite as they are!

Thanks for your kind words. I became interested in psychology after I was in hospital for two months with an atypical eating disorder. I learned a lot about myself and others during that time. I was in that ward for hours and hours on end, and it was eye-opening for me. I had a sheltered childhood, and this extended into my teen years. I didn't like going to parties, never drank alcohol (which is still the case), and I lacked the drive and confidence to venture outside of my comfort zone. I want to become a Counsellor so I can help others overcome their fears and issues before these dominate their life.

When it comes to being organised with study, I am an enigma. I am organised in the sense that I write down all my due dates clearly in my diary and keep neat notes, but I am also someone who struggles with procrastination and avoidance. My concentration also isn't brilliant, which is sometimes influenced by my OCD (I've had since I was 13).

Good on you for doing your own painting. What's your favourite dish to cook for dinner, by the way? I don't cook as such. My idea of a quick dinner for one (when my family are busy or out) is to put a rice cup in the microwave and throw random veggies and other stuff together with the rice! Getting to bed before 11 is pretty decent, at least in my opinion. As a uni student, my sleep schedule is unsurprisingly far from perfect. My average bedtime at the moment is 1am. One day I would like to go to bed at about 11pm too. My cousin works full-time and used to go to bed late like me while he was studying engineering at uni. Now he is in bed before 11 every night, because his job is mentally tiring.

My day has been decent, thanks. I went to uni for two tutorial sessions. As of now, I have no more uni to attend until my exams start. I have three exams which I'll start studying for this Monday (start of swot vac week). I finish on November 15, so I'm keen for that!

I hope you're having a good day 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 08:33:34 GMT

Hi Zeal,

That's an inspiring story about how you decided to become a counsellor. Although I'm sorry to hear about your eating disorder and hospitalisation. It's cool how you took that experience and built a goal from there.

I think issues with procrastination/avoidance are pretty common. At least you've got the right idea with the 'having things organised' part, and you've obviously made it this far through so you've got the right stuff 🙂 Nov 15th is super close - on the home stretch now! 🙂 Do you have any 'reward' planned for between the assignment/quiz and starting exam study?

I don't really have a favourite thing to cook, since I've become increasingly lazy. Pretty sure the only thing saving me from a diet of takeaway food is that I wouldn't be able to afford it. 😛 Haha when I was living with my parents my 'home-alone' dinner was instant noodles. 11pm is still too late for me even when I manage to meet that - I get up at about 5:30 on weekdays unless I'm too tired and it drifts closer to 6. Wish I could do the same on weekends, but I'm not giving myself enough sleep and I think it's been having some negative effects. Ah yes, I remember the 1am nights although for me that was mostly once I'd finished uni but before I got a job, excluding the obligatory uni assignment nights 😛

Glad to hear that your day was alright, and it's awesome that you went to your tutorials. 🙂

Today for me unfortunately has become a day of failure and not measuring up. I am trying not to think my way into a larger problem, and to retain willing accountability over my thoughts and actions. Hopefully I can hold out until my phone is charged, then go to play pokemon go before it starts raining. I fail at that too, but maybe I can forget for awhile.

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 11:25:05 GMT

I don't want to deal with this anymore. I need to not be awake.

Combatting inertia

Zeal — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 11:54:17 GMT

Hi Sparkvark,

I was worried when I read this. I hope you are okay. If you need or want to talk about what's going on, you can do so here. You can also call Beyondblue's 24/7 helpline on 1300 22 4636.

Best wishes,

Zeal

Combatting inertia

sparkvark — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 19:50:14 GMT

I'm ok-ish, thanks Zeal.