How do you cope with fatigue?

I’ll be honest, I don't always cope with fatigue very well. I usually push myself through the fatigue until I’m crying to take a break like an over exhausted toddler. The times I am able to take control, I usually have to also take control of my environment. I need to find a quiet, hopefully dark, place to let my mind rest. I get brain tired to the point I forget my own name, so I know I need to give my brain a chance to relax and recharge. Sitting in a slightly hot bath in the dark listening to the water splash is my ideal setting to do this. I also need to go to sleep. No, not after this TV show, not after I do this, that, and the other thing, NOW! Sometimes to do what’s best for your body, you need to be a little selfish and put off a few tasks. I call is “Unselfish Selfishness”. And, my own personal advice to anyone reading this, don’t overdo the coffee if you can avoid it. When you are fatigued, your body wants and needs to rest. Coffee is like throwing a crying baby with a drum into a library. It’s not helping anybody.

I’ll be honest, I don't always cope with fatigue very well. I usually push myself through the fatigue until I’m crying to take a break like an over exhausted toddler. The times I am able to take control, I usually have to also take control of my environment. I need to find a quiet, hopefully dark, place to let my mind rest. I get brain tired to the point I forget my own name, so I know I need to give my brain a chance to relax and recharge. Sitting in a slightly hot bath in the dark listening to the water splash is my ideal setting to do this. I also need to go to sleep. No, not after this TV show, not after I do this, that, and the other thing, NOW! Sometimes to do what’s best for your body, you need to be a little selfish and put off a few tasks. I call is “Unselfish Selfishness”. And, my own personal advice to anyone reading this, don’t overdo the coffee if you can avoid it. When you are fatigued, your body wants and needs to rest. Coffee is like throwing a crying baby with a drum into a library. It’s not helping anybody

Honestly, I don't always cope with fatigue very well. I usually push myself through the fatigue until I’m crying to take a break like an over exhausted toddler. The times I am able to take control, I usually have to also take control of my environment. I need to find a quiet, hopefully dark, place to let my mind rest. I get brain tired to the point I forget my own name, so I know I need to give my brain a chance to relax and recharge. Sitting in a slightly hot bath in the dark listening to the water splash is my ideal setting to do this. I also need to go to sleep. No, not after this TV show, not after I do this, that, and the other thing, NOW! Sometimes to do what’s best for your body, you need to be a little selfish and put off a few tasks. I call is “Unselfish Selfishness”. And, my own personal advice to anyone reading this, don’t overdo the coffee if you can avoid it. When you are fatigued, your body wants and needs to rest. Coffee is like throwing a crying baby with a drum into a library... It’s not helping anybody.

To be perfectly frank, I don't know that I do it well. Some days I over caffeinate myself. Most days I just power through. Fatigue was one of my earliest symptoms with IBD and it's plagued me since as other autoimmune diseases join the party. I did a lot more yoga and meditation when my child was much younger. But then as I got sicker, and had to really budget my energy just to shower or change diapers, my routine fell off. Recently, my physical therapist suggested I try it again. I have so many excuses. I just need to stop making excuses and make the time for myself. Coffee is not the answer. True rest, turning the brain off and centering myself is a better answer. And as a single mother, I need to be at full battery power for this whole ship to operate properly.
-Brooke
(Team Member)