Energy, Motivation & Stamina With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Some days, I just don't have the energy to do much of anything. Those aren't my favorite days by any means, but in some ways they're the simplest to deal with - just lay on the couch and take it easy. On days when I do have more energy, I have other things to contend with.

First, there's motivation. It can be easy to confuse energy and motivation, but they're very different animals. Energy gives you the ability to do something, whereas motivation gives you the desire. Some days, I have the energy to clean the kitchen or do some laundry, but I have trouble mustering the motivation. These are the days when I chide myself for being lazy, then have to remind myself that this lack of motivation is part of my fibromyalgia (thanks to low norepinephrine), just like the lack of energy.

On those lovely days when I have both the energy and the motivation to get some things done, I'm usually confronted by my stamina - or rather, lack thereof. At some point, my energy will drop off suddenly, or I'll start having pains from over doing it. And where to I end up then? Back on the couch, taking it easy.

After months of intense fatigue due to sleep apnea, which is now pretty well treated, I've been lucky to have more energy, and even a decent amount of motivation. So now I'm learning my body's other limits, which I'd lost touch with while dealing with low energy and motivation. It's hard, but I'm trying to take it slow, recognize my boundaries, and begin to expand them ever-so-slightly. It all comes down to pacing.

• Pacing 101: Living With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What pacing techniques work for you? Have you been able to keep yourself more functional? Do you have questions about pacing? Let's learn together - post a comment here or in About.com's Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome community forum.

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