Another year’s work complete. Now for two weeks off, and I can’t pretend I don’t need them. Basically, I’m knackered. I remember last Christmas, it wasn’t until I went back on the radio in the new year that I realised how tired I had got in the runup to Christmas. I have tried to pace myself a little better this year, but I can’t pretend that I’m not tired. I haven’t had any time off since August, and I know people must think that sitting there for four hours a day must be easy peasy. I mean, I get paid to talk. How difficult can that be? I don’t blame people for thinking that, but let me tell you that it’s the most knackering thing I have ever done. Not only does it require intense concentration, you have to be thinking and communicating several things at the same time. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining. I love more or less every minute of it, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that when I get home of an evening all I usually do is fall asleep in front of the TV. Most weeks I start watching Question Time, fall asleep before the end of the first question and then wake up more or less at the end of THIS WEEK. Sorry David, sorry Andrew. No reflection on either of you, I can assure you.
But something has got to change in 2015. I can’t go on like this and let my health suffer. Sitting down for 4 hours a day isn’t good. I bought a pedometer which shows I walk a fraction of the number of steps I should walk each day. I eat the wrong food. I have a sweet tooth, yet I am a diabetic. My work commitments mean I don’t exercise enough. or is that just an excuse?
I have promised myself that things will be different in 2015. I’ve got to make time for things which are important, rather than keep saying yes to everything that comes my way. I have tried to start already. A couple of days ago I was invited to lunch by someone I know vaguely “for a catchup”. I emailed back to ask what was on the agenda. “Oh, nothing in particular,” came the reply. “I just thought it would be good to catch up”. Well I’m not being funny, but with two full time jobs and a home life, I just can’t be as sociable as I might once have been. I felt a bit rude emailing back to say I just couldn’t do it, but I have got to learn to say no. My partner says it’s my biggest weakness. No, Mars Bars are my biggest weakness. But I haven’t bought any chocolate for 13 months now. Or any sweets for 11 months. You see I do have some self control if I choose to exercise it. Sometimes.
I know people always make promises at this time of year to get fit etc once Christmas is out of the way, but I really have got to mean it and stick to it. I’ve been told if I don’t I will have to start injecting insulin and I really don’t want to have to do that, mainly because it apparently makes you put on weight and it can lead to hypoglycaemic attacks. Not good if you are a radio presenter.
So do I join a gym, or take up running? I hate running, but it’s easy to do and doesn’t involve prancing around with a load of muscle marys in front of mirrors. Perhaps I should get a personal trainer. I know somehow I need to force myself to have the discipline to get fit and lose weight. Maybe I’ll make it a feature on the radio show. Maybe a weigh-in every week. Not quite sure that would work on radio!
Anyway, I’ll be sure and let you know. All advice gratefully received.
