[labyrinth572]

My T helped me to start moving forward by scheduling my days with strict timing of work, breaks, and exercise. I'm unemployed so I really need the structure. However, I found out pretty quickly how boring it became, especially since I mostly don't see anyone else during the day.

Since I'm looking for work, I don't actually have to socialize with anyone most days (until the interviews ). I don't have even a few friends who I could see regularly. The few girls I know have very busy schedules so I can't rely on seeing them.

I got bored by this schedule, which then made me feel depressed over the uselessness of the exercise, and how I'd be unhappy even if I got a job (since I have no career aspirations or dreams anymore).

This might not have been a problem, except that the very next day, I went totally off schedule and nursed my depression by watching tv and movies all day and eating sweets.

How to I stick to my T's plan, and also set up things to look forward to? Life feels pretty bleak at the moment.

Also, without a dream for myself I consider myself a waste of space. It's hard to stay on track when you're a worthless thing.

[jelly-bean]

Well, you most certainly NOT a worthless thing! Have you thought of doing some kind of volunteer work until you find a job? There are so many places that would love to help you even if it was for one or two days a week. That would give you something different to do and to look forward to doing. It might help you stick to your regimen as well.

[hvert]

I also find it really hard to stick with a healthy schedule. For some reason, going out every day makes a big difference. Could you find some sort of project that gets you out the house, like walking on every street in your town? There's usually a lot of free stuff going on where I am, at libraries, museums, universities.

[kim_johnson]

i find it next to impossible to stick to healthy routines without something external to act as a 'compass', too.

you have identified your sticking point: social interaction.

is there some regular thing you could get into a habit of doing that involves you interacting with people? martial arts springs to mind... because people get REALLY INTO it and train, like, many times per week...

you have also identified that you need something to feel passionately about... do you have any ideas about how you might find one for yourself?

[labyrinth572]

Thanks! I have thought often about learning Kung Fu. I really long for the kind of discipline it requires. I used to do ballet, but I worry that it's too thin-oriented & I'd feel terrible looking at myself in the mirror.

I guess the thing that's stopping me is I don't have a car. But I do have access to NYC... so maybe I could take class there...

[Verity81]

I feel the same since losing my job. Its like 'what's the point, I may as well sit here eating and wallowing!'
I really need some structure in my day, I think it would help me a lot but I can see that I would also get bored, especially if the stuff in the schedule felt meaningless.
I think it would be a good idea to look for meaning, so doing something voluntary that helps people or animals, also definitely try the kung fu as exercise is supposed to release those feel good hormones! I might look around my local area for a martial art, its at least something might enjoy rather than slogging it out at the gym which is quite boring!
Fill your day with things you enjoy as well as the job hunting as job hunting can become quite demotivating at times. The more you fill your days with things to look forward to the more you'll be able to complete the essential yet boring tasks like chores!
You may find your aspirations through something new you try and have never thought of before.