For those of us living with a chronic illness, there are bound to be days (and maybe many of them) where we feel fatigued and depleted.  That tiredness can include both physical weariness and mental exhaustion from the challenges of day to day life and disease management.  

So what do we do when we are tired?  

The simple answer, of course, is: we rest.  

Yet life is rarely that easy and often we need to include purposeful ways to promote rest even when there are necessities that need to be maintained.  

I once heard from a wise teacher that the best way to address current limitations is to have built a foundation weeks, months or years ago.  Naturally that is not always possible.   Yet we can work to gradually build up a foundation for health and add reinforcements as we go.

One place to start is to really take inventory of what counts as a “must do” and what is actually a “nice to do”.  When our energy is flagging, we can use this distinction and stick to accomplishing tasks on the “must do” side and know that we can get to the “nice to do” list when we are feeling more replenished.  For example, grocery shopping may be on the “must do” list but sorting papers from the mail could be put in the “nice to do” list – you might generally prefer it to be done but it can wait when necessary.

If we can do it, it is helpful to be open to recruiting others for those necessary tasks.  Our partners, siblings or friends may be able to ease the load and often will appreciate a specific directive such as “please help with the laundry this week” to know how they can best support us.  

You likely already know the impact of good sleep, adequate nutrition, and pleasurable movement.   If not, please check out this link from CERN: Sleep, nutrition and exercise: your mental health’s best friends

Beyond that, we can also strive to become aware of the unique factors that nourish us and those that drain us.  During those times of fatigue, we can try to stack our time with nourishing activities and pursuits and save those that drain us for when we are more full.   These factors are very individual so be sure to spend some time (before you are in a low energy state, if possible) reflecting on what really works for you and your circumstances.  

It must be noted that the conditions that contribute to fatigue and distress are often the result of unjust and biased systems.  It can be helpful to name that when it is true.  By acknowledging this component, we can start to shed the burden of self blame which can accompany the low place we are in.  

Remember, these lower energy times are often temporary.  Be kind to yourself and honour your experience with care and gentleness.