Managing energy is extremely important. I had a difficult time understanding this phase of healing in the beginning of my fibromyalgia recovery. For a large part of my life, I had done some form of exercise or played sports such as soccer, basketball, running, and lacrosse just to name a few. When I was in the midst of my fibromyalgia, I could barely go for a walk without being winded. I was really discouraged over what my life was before fibromyalgia and where my life is now. I read some posts of people saying, “I just went out to garden and came in to take a nap” or “I was exhausted just to taking a shower.” I began to ask myself, “Why is it that fibromyalgia just seems to suck the energy of life right out of us?”
Vital information
As I began to research why this is occurring. I found a couple of essential pieces of information.
An article by Adrienne Dellwo written in May of this year, explains further the reason why. As any of you can attest, our energy levels just seem to be depleted after doing simple everyday somewhat monotonous tasks.
Now that you have a little bit of a better understanding from the article of why this is happening. What can you do about? Tami Stackelhouse of the founder of “The Fibromyalgia Coaching Institute” refers to this on her Fibromyalgia podcast many times and her book about keeping an “energy bank”. “You have to think of your energy as money and if you’re expending more than what’s coming in, then you’re going to feel the effects.” I know this sounds tricky, but it’s really not.
How do I do this?
According to Tami, you need to find some type of device that tracks your steps. Whether it be a pedometer, Fitbit, Samsung, apple or other smart watch. You have to be very deliberate of how many steps you can go during the day and where your limit is. Once you find out where the sweet spot is, stay there for a time. You have to allow your body to use the precious energy you have to heal itself, rather than using it for so many other activities during the day.
This is very difficult at first, especially if you have an anxious brain that wants to be constantly on the move. If you do, then you also have to deliberately slow yourself down and set boundaries with yourself and other. This can be hard with friends or family members who want you to be somewhere or do something, but you’ve already reached you’re allotted steps for that day.
Begin to push yourself
Over time though, you can slowly begin to increase the number of steps you take each day. If you overexert yourself, that’s okay. Rest up and keep trying to manage your energy level day by day. There will be many days of trial and error but finding your step rhythm is an important for this healing process.
External Help
To help your energy level by giving it a boost of a supplement try D-ribose or a Vitamin B-complex. As always, talk with your doctor before starting any new supplement. An energy management team is a vital part in healing.
#energymanagementisvital#you’reworthit#onestepatatime