May 8, 2023
Let me start by saying a few important things. Though I will be speaking a lot about myself in this post (unfortunately) the goal of this post is NOT self-centered but rather a desire to help others who may struggle with the very same issues that I do. Also, in no way am I seeking to give medical or psychological advice to those who may be struggling physically and mentally. I am simply sharing from my perspective some tips and tricks that have helped me over the years.
For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with lower energy. Nothing in my bloodwork or doctor’s appointments over the years has indicated any underlying medical conditions, so I have come to accept my body and its abilities as simply God’s choosing for my life.
Most days I struggle with some level of fatigue though I have many more good days than bad days. I am not incapacitated to the point where getting up out of bed and doing my daily work is a problem. It’s just a somewhat continuous feeling of lethargy that remains a fairly constant companion.
Around my time of the month, I struggle the most and have even had to lay down in the morning to regain some strength. So all this to say, I am in no way an invalid (many others struggle much more than I do), but I do not have the strength and endurance that an average physically-fit, healthy female my age has.
I shared all the above just as a point of reference for you, not to seek sympathy or pity. There may be others out there who struggle just as I do, and those are the very ones that my heart wants to encourage. You may not struggle with lower energy (a blessing!), but perhaps you just feel overwhelmed by life. The following concepts can be a great help to you as well, my friend.
I want to share my thoughts and ideas for living with lower energy in two main categories: things I do and things I do not do. Hopefully, I can keep my thoughts organized and understandable for you in this way! This week I will focus on the things that I do not do as a person with lower energy and in a future post I will share things I do.
Things I Do Not Do
Join a homeschool co-op
I have had several thoughtful and well-meaning friends mention to me that perhaps joining a homeschool co-op will be beneficial for my children and me. A co-op would certainly give us social context and provide us with the fellowship that we crave.
Yet, I have chosen not to join a co-op, and my health is a primary factor. I simply do not have the energy to teach my children, run our household, and cart them to another location all in a day. Would I consider a co-op in the future? Absolutely, I would especially consider one when we reach subjects that I am uncomfortable teaching. For now, my plate is full with teaching my children, starting a small business, and running our household.
Clean my whole house every week
This may come as a shock to some of you! For as long as I can remember, my mother has cleaned her entire house every single week, usually on Friday nights and/or Saturday mornings. My mom can clean incredibly fast and efficiently!
I have slowly come to accept that in this season of life with young children, I simply cannot get to everything in one week. Certainly, I try to clean the whole house every week, but invariably I cannot get to everything. I am learning to relax and accept that this is okay.
Is my house going to win the next award for cleanliness and tidiness? No, but it’s truly okay. I do the best I can with the energy and time that I have.
Although I have put this statement in the “things I don’t do” category, I greatly struggle with this statement. I put this statement in the “don’t” list because it is something I should not do.
Many times I have observed another lady’s life and have marveled at all the things she was able to accomplish, all without seeming winded or tired. As I pondered how efficient and diligent she was, I felt like my life was a failure in comparison or that I was downright lazy compared to her.
Yet I am learning that God has different paths for different people. What God expects of one person He does not always expect of another person. What God asks me to do, He may not ask someone else to do. If I am accomplishing what God has called me to do, I am not lazy and I do not need to fret about what others are doing. Focusing on what God wants me to do with my life will bring stability and peace and allow me to smile at the accomplishments of others without feeling intimidated.
Use my low energy as an excuse to be lazy
Have I struggled with laziness in my life? Yes! I look back at specific incidents and remember them with shame as I think of how lazy I was. There were many times in my life when I let a lack of energy take over my mind and body and keep me from accomplishing what I should have accomplished. Yet, God has graciously worked in my life, and I truly hope that the word “lazy” is not one that would characterize my life now.
When dealing with low energy, I have had to develop a persistent mindset, one that focuses on mind over body. I cannot listen to what my body often tells me because if I do, I will never get up and get going. Just like when a vehicle is in motion it’s easier for it to continue moving, once I get going, it’s easier to keep the momentum going.
Pack my schedule full of constant activity
This one is challenging especially when others place heavy demands upon our lives. “Why are you not coming to every birthday party? What do you mean you can’t come to xyz event? Why can’t you join this committee or group? What do you really do all day anyways?”
There can come a point when we pack our schedules so full that we are not doing anything well. When life reaches that point, we need to take a step back and sift through the frivolous and only keep doing what is truly valuable in our lives.
I’ve learned that God has entrusted me with a limited amount of time and energy, and I am accountable to God and my family with how I use that time and energy. I am not accountable to others for what they think I should be doing with my life.
Hard-core, full-body sweat, intense exercise
Partaking in extremely intense exercise is just not realistic for me. Honestly, doing a hard-core hour-long workout every day would wear me out to the point that I would have to stop and rest just to finish the day. That’s not practical or feasible. Walking and appropriate aerobics have been the best workout routines for me, but I’ll share more about that in my next post.
Do you struggle with low energy? If so, what are some of your strategies for tackling the day and still accomplishing what’s required of you? Perhaps you are bounding with energy like some of my sweet family and friends. If that’s true of you, perhaps you can look around and see someone who’s struggling. She may need an encouraging word or even better yet, a helping hand.
Have a blessed week, friends!
-Ashley
I took all the pictures of flowers around my home today!
Comments