Hi everyone, I am here looking for advice/support to make a major change in my life. Here is some basic info about me. I'm a 23 year old guy, I am in college and I work almost full time. I have finally been able to admit that I have several addictions, and now that I have realized these addictions I want to make some major changes to rid myself of them.
First, I have been smoking cigarettes for probably 3-4 years. I will admit that I do enjoy the relaxation from smoking, but I have come up with far more reasons to make me want to quit smoking than I have reasons to keep smoking. The main reason I want to quit is my dad was recently diagnosed with emphysema from smoking, and the image of him laying in that hospital bed struggling to breathe has stuck in my mind. Even months later, he still struggles to breathe just trying to do the simplest of tasks. Plus there is the cost (big factor for me), smell, constantly searching for areas where smoking is allowed, and the list goes on and on.
Second, I tried smoking marijuana a couple years ago, and found that it was one of the few things that would really help me sleep at night. Before long, I found myself getting high nearly every night, as a crutch to help me sleep. I have always had problems sleeping at night, and I have created a dependency on marijuana to sleep. With getting high came the binge eating, which typically was fast food and other junk foods. Again, the cost is a big factor too.
Third, and I think the most severe, about two years ago I went to a local crooked doctor who prescribed me Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse, in stupidly large amounts. I did this to combat my own laziness. I know I don't need the stuff, but I admit that I am lazy and wanted some "motivation" to do schoolwork and basic chores. The doctor has been giving me 60 of the 20mg Adderall pills along with 30 of the 70mg Vyvanse XR pills every month. After a while, I started taking these like candy. I not only used them to focus and get stuff done, but eventually I started taking one just if I was tired. That soon turned into staying awake for two, occasionally even three days at a time. When I would start feeling tired, I would just pop another pill. Now that I realize I have a problem, I see how stupid and idiotic this is, and will only lead to severe health problems. Plus the Adderall makes me want to almost chain smoke cigarettes.
I am not happy and don't like where my life is headed. I want to quit using all three of those things. I am also in horrible shape, sometimes finding myself slightly winded just from walking up stairs. My hope is to replace my addictions with a decent workout plan. I don't want any added stress with the end of the semester and final exams, so my goal is to quit those three things and start exercising in two weeks after school is out for the summer.
I have never really exercised or attempted to get healthy in my life. I'm not looking to become a bodybuilder, but I do want to get rid of the small gut that I have and add some definition and muscle. I know I need to start with some simple cardio, but I am clueless on where to start, what to do, etc. There is an obstacle though. I can't afford a gym membership. I do have access to a Bowflex Xtreme anytime I want, and plenty of room to walk/jog/run. I want to change my life for the better, but I'm not sure what to do and where to start.
I am really tech savvy, so is there any software (computer or Android phone) that will help guide me to a better and healthier life? I would greatly appreciate any sort of support or advice. Even if you just want to say I am an idiot for what I've been doing, or tell me the damages I have been doing to myself, that will help provide extra motivation too. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have. I'm open to any suggestions and need some help getting pointed in the right direction.
Thank you to everybody.
First, I have been smoking cigarettes for probably 3-4 years. I will admit that I do enjoy the relaxation from smoking, but I have come up with far more reasons to make me want to quit smoking than I have reasons to keep smoking. The main reason I want to quit is my dad was recently diagnosed with emphysema from smoking, and the image of him laying in that hospital bed struggling to breathe has stuck in my mind. Even months later, he still struggles to breathe just trying to do the simplest of tasks. Plus there is the cost (big factor for me), smell, constantly searching for areas where smoking is allowed, and the list goes on and on.
Second, I tried smoking marijuana a couple years ago, and found that it was one of the few things that would really help me sleep at night. Before long, I found myself getting high nearly every night, as a crutch to help me sleep. I have always had problems sleeping at night, and I have created a dependency on marijuana to sleep. With getting high came the binge eating, which typically was fast food and other junk foods. Again, the cost is a big factor too.
Third, and I think the most severe, about two years ago I went to a local crooked doctor who prescribed me Adderall (amphetamine) and Vyvanse, in stupidly large amounts. I did this to combat my own laziness. I know I don't need the stuff, but I admit that I am lazy and wanted some "motivation" to do schoolwork and basic chores. The doctor has been giving me 60 of the 20mg Adderall pills along with 30 of the 70mg Vyvanse XR pills every month. After a while, I started taking these like candy. I not only used them to focus and get stuff done, but eventually I started taking one just if I was tired. That soon turned into staying awake for two, occasionally even three days at a time. When I would start feeling tired, I would just pop another pill. Now that I realize I have a problem, I see how stupid and idiotic this is, and will only lead to severe health problems. Plus the Adderall makes me want to almost chain smoke cigarettes.
I am not happy and don't like where my life is headed. I want to quit using all three of those things. I am also in horrible shape, sometimes finding myself slightly winded just from walking up stairs. My hope is to replace my addictions with a decent workout plan. I don't want any added stress with the end of the semester and final exams, so my goal is to quit those three things and start exercising in two weeks after school is out for the summer.
I have never really exercised or attempted to get healthy in my life. I'm not looking to become a bodybuilder, but I do want to get rid of the small gut that I have and add some definition and muscle. I know I need to start with some simple cardio, but I am clueless on where to start, what to do, etc. There is an obstacle though. I can't afford a gym membership. I do have access to a Bowflex Xtreme anytime I want, and plenty of room to walk/jog/run. I want to change my life for the better, but I'm not sure what to do and where to start.
I am really tech savvy, so is there any software (computer or Android phone) that will help guide me to a better and healthier life? I would greatly appreciate any sort of support or advice. Even if you just want to say I am an idiot for what I've been doing, or tell me the damages I have been doing to myself, that will help provide extra motivation too. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have. I'm open to any suggestions and need some help getting pointed in the right direction.
Thank you to everybody.
. That should be enough to cover your strength buildidng needs. As for cardio, just pick which appeals to you the most. Running, biking, swimming, team sports is also a good option that will keep you engaged.