Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Since starting Paleo about a month ago, I have a TON of energy I've never had before. A typical summer day used to consist of a few errands in the morning, lots of TV or reading, a nap in the afternoon and a grumpy disposition by evening. Now I have energy to do a lot more and little desire to take a nap. My problem is that it's like my brain's desire to DO something hasn't caught up with my body's need to move, so I'm still sitting around not doing much. I can think of a lot of things I could/should do (like clean, go for a walk, play outside with my daughter) but I can't get out of the habit of sitting around.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions?

flag	asked Jun 25 2011 at 21:02 mindi 2,201●5●13

	I am upvoting you for that funny tag. – none Jun 25 2011 at 22:37
	I'm like this too. I figured it was depression. – Sara Jun 25 2011 at 23:29
	Sara, I've wondered that too. Before, I would just eat a bunch of crap and go to sleep, but now I have to deal with stuff. I have a feeling the next month or so may be very interesting. And thanks, Meredith! – mindi Jun 26 2011 at 0:13

pixiedyke · Answer 1 · 2011-10-13 14:52:05Z UTC

I like to make lists (my wife found out about this, and now she makes them for me. Dammit.) Anyway, if I write down things that need to be done the night before, then when I have time the next day, I can pick out the things from the list that sound doable. I can tailor my choices to match my energy level and/or proclivity for the day: like if its nice, I'll pick the outdoor jobs. If there's a soccer game on, I'll install the curtains in the TV room. If I just want to impress people with how many things I've done, I'll choose all the 5 minute jobs like cleaning the toilet and taking out the recycling.

Having that list in front of me focuses my mind and gets me going in a way that non-written things don't. Also, I like crossing things off of lists. With this method, I ALWAYS do at least one thing, and usually I do the whole list.

blsdmomnwife · Answer 2 · 2011-06-25 22:54:48Z UTC

I feel the same way! Especially when I get stressed out. Its so easy to just fall into old habits. Its not like I lack for things to do, just the desire to do them. I recently just started telling myself to get up and do it just so I am moving. Its crazy to sit there, bored, yet jittery with energy. I can't say that the 'object in motion...' thing works for me, but I will get up and move for a bit, sit and check the computer, then get up and do something else.

Good luck to you and congrats on making the switch. After a month of about 90%, I'm convinced for life this is the way to do it. Never felt better!

none · Answer 3 · 2011-06-25 22:29:30Z UTC

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I agree with Biff. Momentum. An object in motion stays in motion and all.

answered Jun 25 2011 at 22:29

none
16.3k●1●11●77

Ah thanks. I love that "An object in motion stays in motion" I'll have to use that someday. – Biff Swaney Jun 28 2011 at 23:45

Biff Swaney · Answer 4 · 2011-06-25 22:05:48Z UTC

You just gotta move. I started taking CrossFit because i was interested in it. Once i started i felt so good i wanted to do it again and again. Now i hate it when i can't do a workout. The only thing i can say is start somewhere, maybe with something you have to do, like clean the garage or wash the car. Then hopefully that momentum will keep you going. Also, enlist a family member of friend to go on a hike or bike ride with . . having someone there to go with you makes it harder to lay on the couch in front of the boob toob.

Glad to hear it's working well for you! Grok on!

How do I change my habits to match my energy level?

4 Answers