I am going to start swimming again. I have "caregiver stress" and it is catching up on me lately.

[CTyankee]

It's getting tougher to de-stress. My big "go to" is food and I have gained unwanted weight. I think it is time to swim it out.

Thank goddess I have an Olympic sized pool nearby. My alma mater in town has one and offers an alumni rate of $48 a month. I used it, for free, when I was attending classes there in pursuit of a Masters in Liberal Studies.

I'm not a fast swimmer so I have to put up with frustrated swimmers (usually male) who plow through as if in competition. They probably think I'm a slacker. My body, my choice.

Here's hoping this makes life seem a little easier...

[msongs]

1. dont they have a lane dedicated to slower ppl? nt

[CTyankee]

2. If they do, I forgot. I am going to ask.

[blm]

3. ((CT))

[Just_Vote_Dem]

4. Good for you doing something positive

I was a caregiver for a very long time, and afterwards I put on a ton of weight and had a heart attack. I'm doing better now, but I'm glad you understand that you have to take care of yourself as well as those you help.

[Phoenix61]

5. Swimming is such a great exercise.

There’s something so relaxing about floating in warm water.

[MuseRider]

6. In some ways I am glad

that my caregiver years were all over by the time I was 48. All gone. It gave me more time with my kids and for things I wanted to do. If I was having to do it now I think I would be a mess. My father would be 99 this year but died at 53, my mother 89 but died at 65. I am too tied to even think about that.

You take care of yourself. It is harder that can be imagined until you are doing it yourself. Swimming sounds perfect. I am glad you have that. Relax and enjoy. 💖

[Simeon Salus]

7. Don't feel alone

I was experiencing similar symptoms before mom died last fall.

I felt trapped but unwilling to face my frustrations. Found a local support group. That was useful.

Exercising better this year, eating a bit better (portion size). Less TV. Sleeping MUCH better. The exercise definitely helps.

Not over it yet. Still feel guilt and regret. But I'm moving forwards these days.

Thanks for saying something.

[CTyankee]

9. Yeah, I have regret that I didn't do more. It comes and goes.

But we can't regret ourselves away. I am working hard to get rid of the past altho I have bouts of anger about how my first husband treated me. But I have some very good friends/neighbors who are helpful right now and I must learn to live always in the present.

And I do get to see my grandkids several times a year, so there's that!

[Ohiogal]

8. Good for you!

I swim laps twice a week and love it. Wish it were more often!

Yes, sometimes those real strong big dudes who make a big splash swim way too close. I wish my pool had ropes up between the lanes, but they don’t. Do they rope off the lanes at your pool? It’s a wonder we haven’t had a crash when the pool is crowded.

[CTyankee]

11. Yes, there are ropes. It's quite big and what I have to do is find the times of day the (usually)

macho males are not there (my guess is weekdays mid morning or mid afternoon).

I will consult the pool director...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

10. That sounds like a great idea!

I'd swim, too, but I worry about being harpooned.

[rzemanfl]

12. I started swimming laps, for the first time since Kennedy was President, in 2015.

I was terrible, but I had a coach who worked with me. Two years later, for my 70th birthday, I swam a mile a day for ten days in a row. Then it stormed and I couldn't use outdoor pool. Good luck.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

13. Ooooh - do it. That's what I do to keep sane - a mile a day (like a pill) + stretches.

Some days are easier than others, but I don't really give myself a choice - gotta do it to stay healthy in my old age.

Our pool has such an eclectic group of swimmers, that everybody accommodates each other. I know you'll fit in perfectly.

Remember: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step - Confucius. I did the power of 2: swim my limit & do two more, until I got comfortable with 1600 to 2000 meters. AND make it fun: eggbeaters, breast, back strokes. AND it's a great way to join a community with like interests.

Also I joined an online "swimming for cardio" group where we record our mileage - which makes it fun to see the progress.

[CTyankee]

15. Actually, what you do is way too competitive for me. I need the de-stressing of just being and

moving through the water, the repetition and the feel of the water. Also, the feeling of floating and the feeling of being in that moment.

[safeinOhio]

14. Is there a fitness watch for swimmers?

Took up jogging last year and got one for Christmas. Really helps me keep track of distance and time. Also heart
rate. Now up to 5 to 7 miles 3 time a week. Clears my head.
Good luck.

[CTyankee]

16. That's a whole other category that is great for some folks.

I know that for my age, my blood pressure is lower than it's ever been and I am told my heart is strong. That means a lot to me because I have struggled for YEARS with my b.p. and now it's really, really good.

At one time I used to meditate. I am thinking that might be a good thing to start doing again...

[safeinOhio]

17. I've had high BP for all of my life.

My problem now is that my pulse is too low. Resting is 42, I thought I must be in great shape. That wasn't the reason. Have an AV blockage and now have to watch that. BP is normal now. At 70 that is good. I've been meditating since I was 18 and running seems to be a form of that.

[CTyankee]

18. I can understand that about running and I think it's called "runner's high."

Swimming is a different experience, at least for me. It does calm me.

[safeinOhio]

19. Exercise and diet seems to be the key.

I skipped that for about 50 years. Never too late....I hope.