Being tired and overwhelmed with a sense of fatigue become part of everyday life for most people with chronic illnesses. However, there are times when symptoms progress past this new normal but don’t make it all the way to a flare.
This is the state I refer to as hitting the wall.
There are so many factors that can contribute to this which make it hard, if not impossible, to avoid. The added exertion from the day before, changes in hormones, overwhelm from all the things we see that we need/want to do, hectic family schedule, changes in meds, holidays, events, etc. The list is endless and is different to each of us as we are to each other.
Although the reasons are unique, there are a few things that can help each of us.
Here are 7 things to do when you’ve hit the wall:
- Remember you’re sick – not weak. Give yourself a break. You might have to throw out any type of to-do list you had planned for today – and you know what? That’s ok! As long as everyone is kept alive (yourself included) think of today as a win. Having to call it quits for the day doesn’t mean you’re weak or lazy. It means you have a chronic illness and you’re doing the best you can each day. If you’ve hit the wall, you have already reached your best for today.
- Dump the guilt. There is always a part of us that feels like we aren’t measuring up. We want to be a better wife, mom, daughter, friend, co-worker, etc. Every person has their limitations – yours just came by way of a medical diagnosis.
- Rest. This may sound like a no-brainer to some or the-impossible to others. Based on our life demands, we may not think rest is an option. However, part of hitting the wall usually consists of depleted energy reserves. Allowing yourself to rest may mean the difference between hitting the wall today or ending up in a full-blown flare tomorrow.
- Take a moment to think. Too often I’ve hit the wall only to remember I forgot to take my d-ribose, vitamins, or meds. You’d think by now that would be standard practice to me, but I find from time to time I lose my head and those things slip. Take a second to evaluate whether or not you’ve taken care of those necessities.
- Exercise some self-care. Now may be the perfect time to indulge in a hot bubble bath, listen to relaxing music, have a hot cup of tea, or sit outdoors to soak in some vitamin d. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish.
- Nourish your body. Make sure you’re staying well hydrated. We can be slightly dehydrated without even knowing it, which adds to our fatigue. Be sure you’re eating healthy food. You’re body’s in need right now and although a plain hot dog bun and a can of cola are the easiest to grab, it’s not the best for your body. (By the way, I would NEVER eat a plain hot dog bun with a cola chaser and call it dinner, no no, that would be crazy. 😉 Ok, yeah, I’ve done that. But it’s still not a good idea.)
- Nourish your soul. You might only have the energy to keep your ears open at this point. Try listening to a sermon by a favorite pastor. I’m loving youtube for the ability to watch preachers from all over. (Francis Chan is my favorite at the moment.) Jump over to a favorite blog that will encourage your heart – try CranberryTeaTime or Joni & Friends for devotionals for the chronically ill. Listen to praise and worship music. Meditate on your favorite passage of scripture.
These are just a few things that can help you peel yourself off the wall and avoid the all-out collision with a chronic flare.
