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I can't seem to find my baseline energy level

Posted , 8 users are following.

Ravenwood
Ravenwood

I have been sick for 11 years now.  It all started with a horrible case of mononucleosis (glandular fever).  I just never got better.  However, since I live in the U.S., I was told to power through and that I would get better: continue to work, excercise, get more rest.  Even after I went through a bunch of tests (not as many as people in the U.K. seem to get 'sigh' ), I was told to keep going.  I worked for 10 hours a day, tried to excercise, went to counseling, etc.  I guess it is no surprise that I just got sicker.  I am now trying to work only approx. 6 hours a day and from home.  No excercise either.  But, here is the problem.  I can't seem to figure out how much energy usage is too much.  The only days I feel good are when I spend day after day doing nothing much at all.  If I work, or go shopping, or clean up around the house, I feel terrible.  But I don't feel terrible right then.  I feel terrible in an hour or so or in a day or so.  So how the heck does anyone figure out what they can get away with during the day?  For me, it seems like a 'all or nothing' scenario.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to determine how much I can do without making me feel sicker?

1 like, 20 replies

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  • ChrissyC
    ChrissyC Ravenwood

    Posted

    Another thing - I see a lot on here about resting involving reading, watching tv, being on the computer etc. I had to do an exercise over a few days judging my activities as high, medium or low energy and how much time spent at those levels. I also had to identify any periods of zero energy (whilst still awake) as well as how much time actually asleep. In those days I slept an awful lot of time but when I presented my results with what I felt were mainly low and zero level activities with a smattering of medium and the occasional high I was told not so. Most of my activities were judged to be at least medium, reading, tv, all of that. I was told I was cognitively exhausted! I said pretty much what others of you have said on here - so how DO I give myself low and zero rated activities during the day without actually sleeping, just blooming well sit? I was introduced to relaxation recordings to listen to with my eyes shut. I was totally sceptical but what do you know, they work! You don't have to lie down though you can, whatever suits you. I just get really comfy sitting upright, try to arrange to be left alone and have silence, 20 minutes to half an hour maximum but even 10 minutes is beneficial and you come out the other side feeling refreshed, better than a power nap having given your body and brain a short relief from the constant stimulus of modern life. Honestly it's worth a try.
    • Ravenwood
      Ravenwood ChrissyC

      Posted

      Chrissy, do you have suggestions on relaxation recordings.  Most that I have seen seem really stupid.  Maybe, probably, it is me not being accepting of my condition and being hard headed.  But, if you have something you think helps, I'll give it a try.
    • ChrissyC
      ChrissyC Ravenwood

      Posted

      I know just what you mean about all the stuff seeming pretty stupid. I didn't think it was my sort of thing at all and that if it worked for some people it was because they believed in it to begin with. There's loads of stuff out there but I hesitate to recommend a particular one, firstly because everyone's different and secondly because there are rules on here about advertising. I personally like the ones with sounds of nature, birdsong etc and especially the sound of the sea on the shore just because it's my favourite place to be. It's not about playing relaxing music as such. Apparently that is still too cognitively engaging! It's about clearing your mind so that you have reset once you get going again. I also like the ones that are about breathing properly. You have to concentrate on your own breathing or maybe do some counting whilst a voice guides you through. As I understand it this is to occupy the brain to stop it doing things like 'I must remember to...' If you have allocated yourself 20 minutes or whatever then for that time there is nowhere else you have to be, no things to do or think, just for those few minutes. And for those few minutes you can sit or lie with your eyes closed and be taken out of yourself. I find it a combination of discipline (it's time for my relaxation now) with an excuse for 'me' time. And that is both liberating and restful. Truly I thought it a load of old claptrap as you probably do. I was asked to be open minded enough to give it a fair try.
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