When will I learn?

[Liz D.]

Hi all,

I was feeling great for the last month and decided I could conquer the world.  Did huge projects around the home, ran a million errands every day, had company for dinner a couple of times, helped my mother in law with projects, etc.  The list can go on.  Well, wham --  Thursday night smacked down in a horrible flare.

I guess I deserve it for not knowing my limitiations.

Any tips from you guys of how NOT to overdo it when you are feeling alright??  It is almost like since you don't feel that great that often, you grab that time to get as much done as you can -- but then always pay the price!!  When will I learn?

Liz D.

[Shani]

Lol, I wish I had one of those days!But I hope you feel better soon again though.
I sadly don't have any tips, bu tI am curious to know what other people will post.=)

[Seeker]

Howdy Liz, I can only let you know what I do.  See if you can apply it to your life style.   First I take

frequent breaks.  Frequent quiet time breaks are the best for me.  I'll sit alone in my chair slowly breathing  

in and out letting my mind rest.  When I know I am going to be busy, busy, busy, I take an energy drink.  

Five hour energy is my favorite.  I also drink lots and lots of water.  With us becoming dehydrated is very

easy.  That seems to be on of my triggers.  Eating small high Protein meals through out the day is help
full.

Last but not least, get plenty of sleep.  Take a nice hot shower before going to bed is a good Idea.  

I hope some of these suggestions will help.  

Seeker

[Epson]

Any time I feel like taking on a real big project, I find the most comfortable recliner, take a painkiller and wash it down with some good Canadian whiskey, the urge will quickly pass.

[Daisy1234]

I'd love a nice glass of wine myself if I could only have one!  But seriously, what I do when I have a good day (the last good day I had was in January) is go and spend it doing something I love to do.  The housework and projects can always wait until another day.

[ynevar]

Oh my gosh I could have written your post Liz! 

I don't seem to learn either!  I go go go when I feel okay (not too often) and then I pay for it... in a big way later that night or the next day.  It is heartbreaking to NOT do what I used to be able to do.... *sigh*

Hard to learn limitation setting.  I think the problem is I set my limits based on what I used to be able to do, not on what I can do now....

Good thing to think about.

-Y

[Prairie Gal]

Liz, I've learned to pace myself and not do too much for too long for more than two consecutive days.  Otherwise, I'll feel like the proverbial wet noodle.   I guess it's a bit like the old joke:  how do you eat an elephant?"    Answer:  one bite at a time.   So I've learned to limit my number of daily  "bites" to be able to keep going.

[Cheryl]

Liz,
  I also overdo on days when I have the energy to do so.   I love the "normalcy" of working all day on a project, even though I know I will have to pay for it later.   It's a trade-off.
Cheryl

[ynevar]

Okay--- I am very guilty of that today.... had a garage sale with my son (well did some work and watched over him all day).... Helped the hubby stack wood, cleaned the house a bit, ran to the store, dealt with my teenagers (who really were rude and disrespectful--very frustrating to have their father's influence - no communication and rudeness!!!!!) and made a great dinner.  I am hurting now and think I should get comfy and relax the rest of the night.

ARGGGGG!!!!!

[Suzie]

Ah well, we all do it! How stupid are we?  

I know I'm over-doing it, when I'm doing it, and I do try to stop myself and rest. But it's so hard! It's so horribly rare that I enjoy anything I'm doing that when I do find I'm having a good time I just want to keep on going, never mind the headache and pains. I know that those are my warning signs but still... I want to live life, not lie down on the sidelines!

Sometimes it's worth it to keep going, then for the next couple of days when I'm laid low I lie back and re-live the fun times in my head. I know I'm gonna feel like crap every single day no matter what.

Feeling exceedingly physically crappy, but also having good experiences is what keeps me alive.