As someone living with an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, one of the symptoms I can experience is chronic fatigue.
Everyone can relate to feeling lethargic or worn out. Fatigue is different. It’s an overall feeling of constant tiredness, weakness, and lack of energy. It’s nearly impossible to motivate, it can be physical and/or mental, and it limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities.
I have a vivid memory from a sunny summer day in 2014. I was running errands in Manhattan (I live in Brooklyn so I needed to take the subway and do some walking). My fatigue that day was overwhelming and after a few errands, I thought I was going to collapse on the streets of NYC.
I was unable to finish my errands. I had zero energy and no strength to walk even a few blocks to the subway. I hailed a cab and crashed once I got home, feeling disappointed, anxious, and defeated. Was this how it would be from now on out?
This memory is significant because it was when I began to learn to listen to my body and understand the varying limits of my energy levels. I also taught myself to not judge myself by what I’m able to do or accomplish compared to what I was able to do, even yesterday.
Since then, with nutrition and lifestyle changes, my fatigue has significantly decreased while my energy levels have vastly improved. Hooray!
Even still, we can be hard on ourselves when our bodies (and brains) don’t comply with our expectations.
How often do you judge yourself in comparison to what you did or accomplished yesterday or a few months or years ago?
This is very common with my clients, and I help them work through self-judgment and self-criticism. I guide them to release unrealistic and out-dated thought patterns that keep them from living vibrantly and I teach them to be mindful and practice self-compassion, which brings about wellness.
If this is something you need help with, let’s talk. Reply email me to schedule an exploratory call.
Love, Your Wellness Coach,
Alyssa
P.S. Tune in to podcast episode 68, “Doing Your ‘Best’ Looks Different Every Day (And That’s Okay)” for more support and inspiration.
April 13, 2022
