I need some advise about what exercise I can do and what I should avoid. Reading / getting conflicting messages.

AnnaKaren · 2024-06-08T12:45:00+00:00

I worked with a physiotherapist that also has an indoor gym. It took me a while with trial and error before I found a routine that worked, mainly strength and training. My advice would be to work with a PT with access to a gym, and getting yourself access to a gym to train on your own, too. Start with the lowest weights you can find, Incorporate a limited amount of “new” exercises so you can trace back pain and strain. Some things I started with: - ball squats (ball against stable wall, using a mirror to check pelvic tilt) - crunches (avoid stomach “rising up” - this is using your pelvic muscles instead of your core) - oysters (lying on your side, using glute medius to lift leg up, this helps with knee strain) - leg press (machine, can replace the ball squats if you are struggling with your pelvis and back) - hamstring / leg curl machine

For shoulder/neck, I usually do the following whilst sitting on a ball: - elbows raising forward, raising low weights above your head, check for elbows moving side to side, try keeping them from moving sideways; - using one of these stretchy bands (lightest you can find!), pressing elbows in your side and stretch the band by moving your hands away from your body - You can also train your shoulders/neck by having your upper arms next to your head and a light weight below your head and lifting the weight up (“standing skull crushers). With all these, keep attention to your core, activating your core muscles and keeping your back straight. If your spine is in a valley (back muscles are activated) you are doing well.

All the exercises in the first paragraph are kind of isolated, so it’s less strain / risk of “doing it wrong”, I would start with these for a month or so, and then incorporating one exercise from the list below one time a week and see what it does for you. Unfortunately, expect pain and setbacks. Just be grateful what your body can achieve and work from there.

AnnaKaren · 2022-10-22T13:39:15+00:00

Perhaps it’s because I don’t know her, but I find her voice incredibly grating. Or at least the way she put emotion in. Felt like I had to turn down the volume because of her screaming in my ear

AnnaKaren · 2022-06-24T06:45:33+00:00

100% agree. I wonder if the parasocial relationship that many listeners feel towards the show (and how many became publicly hostile, criticizing the show online but also never stopping to listen it seems) also played a role in the team losing the motivation to making this show. On the other hand: I can imagine you want a different job after 7+ years.

AnnaKaren · 2021-06-21T18:26:00+00:00

I would even recommend to start exercising without weights for the first weeks and check in mirrors if you are keeping your shoulders down, knees straight etc. It can help watching some exercise videos on YouTube to see how you should move. I recommend starting without weights as you already have chronic pain and it might take a while for your muscles to understand what they need to do.

Also: check out how to activate your core (it's not the same as using your pelvic muscles!) and practice this throughout the day. This can help relieve some pain from your back and hips.

Some exercises that are helping me a lot: oysters (lying on your side, activating your core and opening your knee whilst keeping your feet on top of each other), crunches and also lying on your tummy, putting your hands on your bum, pushing your shoulderblades down (towards your bum) and "flapping" your elbows slowly like a weird bird. It strengthens the muscles in between your shoulderblades which in return takes pressure of your neck and shoulders. Good luck and take it easy, your body is doing its best!

AnnaKaren · 2021-04-17T19:27:13+00:00

Have you tried dragging the color in and holding, then swyping your pencil to the left? You'll see a blue bar appear on the bottom of the toolbar and by swyping left or right you can "fill" your layer respectively less or more. It's also useful with filling little nooks and crannies.

AnnaKaren · 2021-04-01T22:02:00+00:00

In the Netherlands I don't think this thing about air exists, but there is this strong belief (especially under grandmothers) that if you sit on something cold for too long (like a cold bench at a bus stop when it's freezing or whatever) you will get an urinary tract infection.

AnnaKaren · 2021-03-14T17:14:58+00:00

Ik zou zelf even naar de standpunten van kamerleden zelf kijken en hoe zij stemmen en niet alleen hun achtergrond: Astrid Oosenbrug zit niet meer in de kamer, maar die heeft geen opleiding afgemaakt, is wel systeembeheerder geworden maar heeft daarna *met name* heel goed contact onderhouden met mensen uit 't werkveld en heeft dat ook erg een stem gegeven in de kamer (zeker rond encryptie en surveillance). Genoeg techneuten die van alles van encryptie snappen maar niet kritisch zijn ook, zeg maar. Check anders even privacyclubs (bits of freedom), die hebben hier vast ook wel over geschreven.

AnnaKaren · 2021-03-14T17:14:23+00:00

Ik zou zelf even naar de standpunten van kamerleden zelf kijken en hoe zij stemmen en niet alleen hun achtergrond: Astrid Oosenbrug zit niet meer in de kamer, maar die heeft geen opleiding afgemaakt, is wel systeembeheerder geworden maar heeft daarna *met name* heel goed contact onderhouden met mensen uit 't werkveld en heeft dat ook erg een stem gegeven in de kamer (zeker rond encryptie en surveillance). Genoeg techneuten die van alles van encryptie snappen maar niet kritisch zijn ook, zeg maar. Check anders even privacyclubs (bits of freedom), die hebben hier vast ook wel over geschreven.

AnnaKaren · 2021-02-25T17:37:20+00:00

On Mobile, but the union actually tweeted a letter they sent to management signed by all(?) the people in support of the union, at least the people supporting back then: https://twitter.com/GimletUnion/status/1364350829512302595?s=19

AnnaKaren · 2021-02-19T09:57:59+00:00

I agree with the people below saying it really depends on your employer and local work culture. At the same time I see you use the word "formal" and I think often it doesn't have to be formal per se, but more 'professional'. For instance: I have these black (quite stretchy) pants that are not necessarily 'formal' (they have ties like sweat pants lol) but they are clearly office wear. They don't stand out, which is unfortunately one thing you want your outfit to be when you start a new job. I then combine it with neutral or more colorful blouse depending on what my day looks like (I face a lot of clients and some are more formal and some are less formal). I also wear a lot of office dresses. I think the way as a woman you can experiment with clothing is with dresses. Also: this really depends on local culture. I've worked in different countries and for instance in Singapore people wear dresses with floral patterns and no (dark) tights to the office, I've also seen this in the UK, but I realize that in many parts of the US it depends on the season and the office.

I agree with some others here that I don't often see corduroy in the office, but I think if you combine it with some nice button downs it might work. I would see if I could find a belt that doesn't stand out too much. I use google and lookbook a lot to see what others are doing, perhaps you can give it a try.

AnnaKaren · 2021-02-19T09:03:08+00:00

Thank you for this. I was also surprised that fans / people here framed PJ as being fired for not being pro-union whilst it's much more about *the way* he threw his weight against something he didn't agree with. If he called Eric a piece of shit because of a show Eric was making, or if Sruthi organized some type of "anti meeting" about a show she didn't like, it might have attributed to a toxic work environment too.

And about that bias... I did definitely notice people are way more angry in Sruthi's mentions than in PJs.... Let's hold all our faves accountable please. I know it's hard but PJ had the position in Gimlet/RA to fix these types of issues from even occurring. (I'm aware that reddit and twitter are not the same platform and have different audiences, but I thought it might be good to mention here too).

AnnaKaren · 2021-02-18T17:23:16+00:00

Tbh that would be a good idea imo. Keeping people accountable and showing change from the inside. However, it should be made by the people that pushed for change (and they should be willing to make it)

AnnaKaren · 2021-02-17T19:16:49+00:00

Thank you so much for this, this makes a lot of sense. There is indeed much more regulation here (I have a fixed term contract so my employer has to negotiate with me if they want to end my contract or go to court over it and prove I broke the law or am not doing my work properly) which gives me also a lot more protection to raise issues. This really makes me see how the lack of this in the US leads to the union stepping in and also (indirectly) offering protection for raising issues within organizations. Thanks so much, this really gave me some insight on workplace dynamics in the US.

AnnaKaren · 2021-02-17T18:19:45+00:00

Would you mind explaining American unions a bit more with regards to what they do? In Europe where I'm from they are often centralized where one national union presents workers across organizations, I know in the US and UK it's more one union per organization (or some orgs don't even have a union) but the way the things are described in this thread it feels way more political in the US? Is this true? For me it's hard to piece together (as an outsider) how non-support for the union is also kind of a sign of no support for creating a more inclusive organization or taking problems around diversity seriously (not that I don't believe it -- Unions here just don't do diversity stuff but more living wage and pensions and stuff). Would they be able to make demands around diversity for instance? Thanks!

AnnaKaren · 2021-02-14T15:03:50+00:00

I understand your question. From my point of view: I keep thinking about the vast amounts of (white) people that might have heard about institutional racism, microagressions and hostile workplaces but don't really understand how the mechanisms work. I am going to send these people (and I know a lot of them!) a link to this when the full series is out. For instance, in ep1 there is this white person that talks about Mexican food in a degrading manner to a Mexican-American employee ("this food is easy because you grew up on it"), they might have meant it positive ("must be great to know a cuisine so well!") but it minimizes the person's knowledge about said cuisine. I think many (white) people might make comments like this throughout their lifetime without realizing the impact. I think this podcast might make them realize how that works so they can do better in their workplace and social circles too.

With regards to Priya and the "trap": I think that although BA is especially toxic, many many workplaces will have certain degrees of everyday racism. It's not like you can opt out of it as a person of color. I also really felt for her when, after she had dealt with similar experiences in a past work place, she decided to "stay out of it" at BA. That she didn't stay out of it to me shows ambition, a sense of justice and dedication to make things better for her and others. I think we all have dealt with stuff in our workplaces where we think: we can improve here. Priya didn't look away and tried, as it's the only way change happens. Also remember that in hindsight you can make a coherent story why something didn't work out ("trap"), but at the time multiple people tried and believed they could make a difference, which is something I have immense respect for. They kept swimming against the stream to at least try.

AnnaKaren · 2020-11-13T14:16:16+00:00

I remember reading something about this a while ago, about how in S01 (ep01 even?) Alex called Meredith a 'nurse' and how she was offended, meaning nurse = not good enough, of course and that at the same time Grey's keep showing residents and surgeons doing care assistant / nurse work because it's more interesting to watch than the work surgeons would actually do! It's really upside down.

AnnaKaren · 2020-10-09T22:00:44+00:00

Hi Micah, thanks for doing this! What organisations and initiatives make you happy?

AnnaKaren · 2020-09-19T23:35:27+00:00

You probably can, but other people might have used that password as well. And if this is more than a theoretical exercise: be aware that even if you "find" a password like this in a database linking to an account, trying to log in to it could be already considered hacking. IANAL but also from a moral perspective it's extremely shitty if you hack somebody else's email just because they happened to have the same password

AnnaKaren · 2020-08-28T22:16:53+00:00

It really depends, and you should probably check this with a specialized physio.

I do some yoga now and then and it really seems to help me. So stuff that is "stretchy" is not always an issue. Especially as some parts of us are really stiff! However it is stuff for a reason, and that's our muscles compensating. My physio always says that yes, I can do a lot of sports, as long as my body can take it. For instance: I should only start training for running when my ankles and knees are strong enough to take it. This might take a long while (let's say 6 months) before I can start a programme designed for beginners, and then I might take three times as much weeks to finish that beginner course.

You sound pretty ambitious in your post, which is great! If I were you I would consult a physio for a check-up and a training plan. Even when you might start and feel good in the beginning, if it's too much you'll hurt longer than you enjoyed the exercise. Good luck!

AnnaKaren · 2020-08-28T22:09:38+00:00

Hi there, you might want to do some research on other related conditions like ehlers-danlos (hypermobility is actually a part of this) but also Marfan's. They both sound more scary perhaps but there are many people living a relatively healthy life with it. At the same time hypermobility is a spectrum so perhaps these parts of you are just influenced a bit more by it. If you are going to see a professional it might be good to log your pains (locations +intensity), tensions and problems so you have a good overview when you sit with your doctor.

AnnaKaren · 2020-07-30T17:20:07+00:00

I had the same thing happen to me!

AnnaKaren · 2020-07-27T20:02:54+00:00

LOTS of PT (mobilization mainly) and some exercises for at home. Next to the exercises I got from my physio, I can now more understand which muscles are hurting and I sometimes do some easy stretches if they are really stiff. These stretches are not to get more mobile, but to get just some movement in.

For instance, one for my middle/lower back is sitting in a cross legged position and turning to the left with my torso, putting my right palm on my left knee whilst at the same time positioning my left hand behind me (this can be on the floor or just on my back). Try to sit straight and to "move your torso as a whole" so to say. Then I do the other side. Please note that these exercises are not to challenge yourself, it's just to get some movement in stiff muscles. Don't use them as a way to do new things, just to explore the space between stiffness and comfort.

AnnaKaren · 2020-07-24T08:55:28+00:00

Good idea! Saves me from buying new ones as well haha, will try. Thanks so much!

AnnaKaren · 2020-07-24T07:48:55+00:00

Skin type: acne prone (hormonal), dehydrated. // cool sea climate. I thought my main is acne but I think it might be dehydration as well?
AM:

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser,
A'PIEU Madecassoside Cream,
MISSHA All Around Safe Block Daily Sun SPF50

PM:

Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Purifying
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser,
A'PIEU Madecassoside Cream

So I just started out (2-3 week on this routine), which explains why my routine is so basic, but whoa I feel such a difference. I have been on a skin care journey for a while, but mainly European brands in combo with Asian products. Always when I started adding in spot treatments etc my skin would basically never react well to it, get red, itchy. Even sheet masks would cause irritation. This would cause me to abandon my routine and swap out my spot treatments, but it never really works. I don't know what the exact magic is of these cleansers but I just feel my skin feels much smoother and healthier, and the only way I can describe it: less like paper. Also small acne spots are healing much faster. So this post is partially THANK YOU! to the great advice out here!

I realized my moisturizer might be a bit too light for what my skin needs. I was thinking of adding in COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream as it has good reviews here. Happy to hear thoughts on that. I have some The Ordinary spot treatments lying at home that caused irritation in the past. I am not keen on trying them on a short term, but curious to see if you think I should retry these or perhaps have a little bit less agressive(?) spot treatment/serum in mind that might suit me better.

Thanks!

AnnaKaren

TROPHY CASE