Downward Spiral Towards Gluttony and Sloth

In-er-tia 1. Physics the tendancy of matter to remain at rest if at rest, or, if moving, to keep moving in the same direction, unless affected by some outside force 2. a tendency to remained in a fixed condition without change.

I am a creature of habit. I tend to wake up and go to sleep at the same time everyday; I follow daily rituals in terms of cleaning, relaxing, shopping. Most days my life looks a lot like Groundhog Day. However, the law of inertia gives my habits.

If I am active, eating well, keeping my house impeccably clean I will continue to do so at about the same time everyday. Yet, when affected by an outside force (a disputation in my routine) my habits will alter.

An interruption usually comes in the form of a trip or an event—the first being far more disruptive than the last.

In the past 30 days I have spent 12 days away from home. First I spent 5 days dog sitting and upon returning to my apartment I took one day to relax then jumped back into my rigorous routine. Then I traveled to San Diego for another 5 days for vacation. When I got home I was exhausted from my adventures and gave myself two days to relax and regroup then left to visit with some friends in Pasadena for two days. Then came a tendency for me to stay at rest. Thus began my downward spiral towards gluttony and sloth. Instead of cooking a well-balanced meal, I ran across the street for pizza by the slice. I ceased making my bed daily. I laid by the pool longer than usual.

A week later I was bloated living in a frat house.

This morning I was talking to a friend who bemoaned the fact that he had been inactive for 36 hours and was now overwhelmed by all he had to do and handle and my response was, “Get in action.” Saying that I glanced around to view the unmade bed, the laundry that needed to be put away and tub that needed to be cleaned. My habits and environment were robbing me of vitality and motivation; moreover, I wanted to shut up the little voice in my head that kept telling me that I am a fat, lazy loser.

I needed to heed my own advice. So I got in action.

I cleaned my apartment, I exercised, I ate balanced meals, I updated my schedule and I paid my bills. So once again I have overcome inertia. I am already happier and more fulfilled than I was yesterday.

Does anyone have any advice how to still travel, attend events and be spontaneous without entering the downward spiral of gluttony and sloth? I am committed to ending this cycle.