Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Strategies For Daily Life When You're Feeling Lousy

jumpingjuniper

Recommended Posts

jumpingjuniper Rookie
jumpingjuniper
Posted

Hi,

I posted another thread about how I've been sick lately, after ten years of being completely gluten-free, if you want some background.

Anyway, I'm curious to hear what kinds of strategies people use for getting on with daily life when you're feeling lousy. I find I cannot wrap my mind around much right now, my focus is terrible, and I'm tired. But this has been going on for weeks now and I can't just accomplish nothing!

So, what are your strategies for getting things done when you've got brain fog and it feels like you have cotton balls in your brain?

I've been thinking about -

- cutting back on internet time (this usually adds to my brain fog feeling, I don't know why)

- trying to do work in 15-30 minute increments with breaks in between

Thanks in advance for any ideas you share!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


jswog Contributor
jswog
Posted

Can't help, but I'm looking forward to reading others' suggestions!

pondy Contributor
pondy
Posted

How about a short walk outside?

If not that, what about art? For some reason, doodling helps me focus. I've been doing these things called "Zen Tangles" - which is really just "focused doodling". Don't know how or why, but it helps me a little...

sandsurfgirl Collaborator
sandsurfgirl
Posted

I'd like to hear those responses too. I have small children and it takes so much out of me to take care of them.

T.H. Community Regular
T.H.
Posted

The short increments of time to be 'active' is something I do, too. For a while, I made a list of chores, sorted by 'quick, medium, and long,' in terms of how much time it would take to do them. When i'm feeling awful, I would just take care of the chores in the 'short' category, and leave the long ones for later, or just do them a teeny bit at a time. It worked for a while there, but it wasn't perfect.

cooking-wise, I have been trying to cook double batches ALWAYS, so that I freeze half of ever dinner I make. That way, whenever I feel awful, I always have something I can just heat up and eat, and it's not an issue.

At least, that's what I've just started doing - I don't have much of a store built up, yet!

Paper plates and plastic silverware were another thing I did for a while, to cut down on dishes when I'm feeling blah.

Bubba's Mom Enthusiast
Bubba's Mom
Posted

I find I have to make lists..things that need to be done, errands (including names of the stores and what to get there), foods I have on hand and meal plans, etc.

I can't seem to rely on my brain to remember anything.

I tend to sort out what to do by what is the most urgent or important on my list that day.

Strawberry-Jam Enthusiast
Strawberry-Jam
Posted

I second the taking a walk thing. The only times when I ever think to myself, "huh, I'm not really that tired right now" is when I'm out walking somewhere. When you're done with your short walk, use the momentum and energy from it to get some things done. If you sit down to rest after the walk, you won't get up again. I know I won't. But if you absolutely must rest after the walk, you may have overexerted yourself.

Rationing energy, like you mentioned, is good. Resign yourself to getting less done than usual/normal people. Prioritise like crazy. sleep a lot and rest when you need to.

I've always suffered from really low energy levels. and while my energy is a lot better now that I am gluten-free and exercising regularly, I'm having a relapse too (like I mentioned to you).

computer makes your brain fog worse because of all the artificial light bombarding your eyes. computer hurts my head too.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


mbrookes Community Regular
mbrookes
Posted

I'm a list maker.

List the things you need to do. Then prioritize them. Cut the list from the bottom. Then you have left what absolutely must be done. Do the rest IF you feel like it.

Be sure the top of the list includes some pleasant stuff..(sort pictures of grandchildren is a good one for me).

I sometmes eat a bowl of ice cream as a reward for finishing a task.

T.H. Community Regular
T.H.
Posted

List the things you need to do. Then prioritize them. Cut the list from the bottom. Then you have left what absolutely must be done. Do the rest IF you feel like it.

That is such a good idea. I don't know why I don't think of doing that, but I really usually don't. That really jives with the 'spoon theory' I read once. Just looked it up, for anyone interested who hasn't yet seen it: Open Original Shared Link

It's just the way this gal thought of to describe what it's like to live day to day with lupus, but I remember thinking that it was a great way to describe days for anyone who has a chronic illness, on the day when you are just knocked flat.

Basically, this gal grabbed a handful of spoons, handed them to her friend, and told her that for everything she had to do that day, it was going to cost her a spoon. So...what would you do, if you KNOW you only have a certain number of spoons to spend today? If you know by the end of the day, you can cook food, or do dishes, but not both? If you can spend time with your kids, or time with your friends, but not both?

It's hard for me to prioritize like that, I think, because I just tend to try to do it all, and then stall out and feel like I've failed if I can't get everything done that I think I should be able to. I've gotten better at just accepting I'm at my limit when it hits, but planning for that limit, prioritizing intentionally, is something I never quite managed. And it seems much smarter, and...I believe I'll be doing that, soon!

So glad you made that comment, mbrookes.

AVR1962 Collaborator
AVR1962
Posted

I find if I jump start my day with even just a small brisk walk outside I will have a more productive day. Not always easy as it is more tempting for me to sit at the computer so I have to make myself at times.

Also, I a terribly sluggish without D from the sun, and live in an area with nlots of clouds and rain, feel like I could hybernate for the winter. I have found going to a tanning salon a few times a week and only spending 10 minutes in a bed helps. I have recently found a place that has UV lights where you can sit and read so am thinking of trying that.

My B12 and D levels are in the toilet so I also know I have to be more careful with my diet. I love sugar but it does not do much good for my energy level overall. So I try to fill my diet with more foods with B12 and D. Not the funnest choices but itdoes make a difference in how I feel.

jumpingjuniper Rookie
jumpingjuniper
Posted
  • Author

These are good ideas, thanks. I forgot about that spoon analogy, it is apt.

I agree that a walk, but not too much of one, helps, that is good to remember.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Mari
      - Mari replied to Jmartes71's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      15

      My only proof

      Years ago a friend and I drove north into Canada hoping to find a ski resort open in late spring,We were in my VW and found a small ski area near a small town and started up this gravelled road up a mountain. We got about halfway up and got stuck in the mud. We tried everything we could think of but an hour later we were still stuck. Finally a pickup came...
    2. Rejoicephd
      - Rejoicephd commented on Jefferson Adams's article in Gluten-Free Cooking
      1

      Your Complete Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Plan: Recipes, Tips & Holiday Favorites

      Wow what a helpful article!! I am just seeing this now but I hosted a small group of family for Thanksgiving at my house this year and I did some of these things- got a butterball gluten-free turkey, got gluten-free stuffing, had a few gluten-free sides, and a gluten-free nothing-Bundt-cake. I had other non gluten-free things there too for others, and I also...
    3. Scott Adams
      0

      Rainforest Cafe Fined After Child's Severe Allergic Reaction: What It Means for Gluten-Free Safety

    4. marion wheaton
      - marion wheaton replied to marion wheaton's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      3

      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?

      Thanks for responding. I researched further and Lindt Lindor chocolate balls do contain barely malt powder which contains gluten. I was surprised at all of the conflicting information I found when I checked online.
    5. trents
      - trents replied to marion wheaton's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      3

      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?

      @BlessedinBoston, it is possible that in Canada the product in question is formulated differently than in the USA or at least processed in in a facility that precludes cross contamination. I assume from your user name that you are in the USA. And it is also possible that the product meets the FDA requirement of not more than 20ppm of gluten but you are a...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,422
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    HAUS
    Newest Member
    HAUS
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Mari
      My only proof

      By Mari · Posted

      Years  ago a friend and I drove north into Canada hoping to find a ski resort open in late spring,We were in my VW and found a small ski area near a small town and started up this gravelled road up a mountain. We  got about halfway up and got stuck in the mud. We tried everything we could think of but an hour later we were still stuck. Finally a pickup came down the road, laughed at our situation, then pulled the VW free of the mud. We followed him back to the ski area where where he started up the rope ski lift and we had an enjoyable hour of skiing and gave us a shot of aquavit  before we left.It was a great rescue.  In some ways this reminds me of your situation. You are waiting for a rescue and you have chosen medical practitioners to do it now or as soon as possible. As you have found out the med. experts have not learned how to help you. You face years of continuing to feel horrible, frustrated searching for your rescuer to save you. You can break away from from this pattern of thinking and you have begun breaking  away by using some herbs and supplements from doTerra. Now you can start trying some of the suggestions thatother Celiacs have written to your original posts.  You live with other people who eat gluten foods. Cross contamination is very possible. Are you sure that their food is completely separate from their food. It  is not only the gluten grains you need to avoid (wheat, barley, rye) but possibly oats, cows milk also. Whenever you fall back into that angry and frustrated way of thinking get up and walk around for a whild. You will learn ways to break that way of thinking about your problems.  Best wishes for your future. May you enjpy a better life.  
    • marion wheaton
      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?

      By marion wheaton · Posted

      Thanks for responding. I researched further and Lindt Lindor chocolate balls do contain barely malt powder which contains gluten. I was surprised at all of the conflicting information I found when I checked online.
    • trents
      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?

      By trents · Posted

      @BlessedinBoston, it is possible that in Canada the product in question is formulated differently than in the USA or at least processed in in a facility that precludes cross contamination. I assume from your user name that you are in the USA. And it is also possible that the product meets the FDA requirement of not more than 20ppm of gluten but you are a super sensitive celiac for whom that standard is insufficient. 
    • BlessedinBoston
      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?

      By BlessedinBoston · Posted

      No,Lindt is not gluten free no matter what they say on their website. I found out the hard way when I was newly diagnosed in 2000. At that time the Lindt truffles were just becoming popular and were only sold in small specialty shops at the mall. You couldn't buy them in any stores like today and I was obsessed with them 😁. Took me a while to get around to checking them and was heartbroken when I saw they were absolutely not gluten free 😔. Felt the same when I realized Twizzlers weren't either. Took me a while to get my diet on order after being diagnosed. I was diagnosed with small bowel non Hodgkins lymphoma at the same time. So it was a very stressful time to say the least. Hope this helps 😁.
    • knitty kitty
      My only proof

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Jmartes71, I understand your frustration and anger.  I've been in a similar situation where no doctor took me seriously, accused me of making things up, and eventually sent me home to suffer alone.   My doctors did not recognize nutritional deficiencies.  Doctors are trained in medical learning institutions that are funded by pharmaceutical companies.  They are taught which medications cover up which symptoms.  Doctors are required to take twenty  hours of nutritional education in seven years of medical training.  (They can earn nine hours in Nutrition by taking a three day weekend seminar.)  They are taught nutritional deficiencies are passe' and don't happen in our well fed Western society any more.  In Celiac Disease, the autoimmune response and inflammation affects the absorption of ALL the essential vitamins and minerals.  Correcting nutritional deficiencies caused by malabsorption is essential!  I begged my doctor to check my Vitamin D level, which he did only after making sure my insurance would cover it.  When my Vitamin D came back extremely low, my doctor was very surprised, but refused to test for further nutritional deficiencies because he "couldn't make money prescribing vitamins.". I believe it was beyond his knowledge, so he blamed me for making stuff up, and stormed out of the exam room.  I had studied Nutrition before earning a degree in Microbiology.  I switched because I was curious what vitamins from our food were doing in our bodies.  Vitamins are substances that our bodies cannot manufacture, so we must ingest them every day.  Without them, our bodies cannot manufacture life sustaining enzymes and we sicken and die.   At home alone, I could feel myself dying.  It's an unnerving feeling, to say the least, and, so, with nothing left to lose, I relied in my education in nutrition.  My symptoms of Thiamine deficiency were the worst, so I began taking high dose Thiamine.  I had health improvement within an hour.  It was magical.  I continued taking high dose thiamine with a B Complex, magnesium. and other essential nutrients.  The health improvements continued for months.  High doses of thiamine are required to correct a thiamine deficiency because thiamine affects every cell and mitochondria in our bodies.    A twenty percent increase in dietary thiamine causes an eighty percent increase in brain function.  The cerebellum of the brain is most affected.  The cerebellum controls things we don't have to consciously have to think about, like digestion, balance, breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, hormone regulation, and many more.  Thiamine is absorbed from the digestive tract and sent to the most important organs like the brain and the heart.  This leaves the digestive tract depleted of Thiamine and symptoms of Gastrointestinal Beriberi, a thiamine deficiency localized in the digestive system, begin to appear.  Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Beriberi include anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, headaches, Gerd, acid reflux, gas, slow stomach emptying, gastroparesis, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation, incontinence, abdominal pain, IBS,  SIBO, POTS, high blood pressure, heart rate changes like tachycardia, difficulty swallowing, Barrett's Esophagus, peripheral neuropathy, and more. Doctors are only taught about thiamine deficiency in alcoholism and look for the classic triad of symptoms (changes in gait, mental function, and nystagmus) but fail to realize that gastrointestinal symptoms can precede these symptoms by months.  All three classic triad of symptoms only appear in fifteen percent of patients, with most patients being diagnosed with thiamine deficiency post mortem.  I had all three but swore I didn't drink, so I was dismissed as "crazy" and sent home to die basically.   Yes, I understand how frustrating no answers from doctors can be.  I took OTC Thiamine Hydrochloride, and later thiamine in the forms TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) and Benfotiamine to correct my thiamine deficiency.  I also took magnesium, needed by thiamine to make those life sustaining enzymes.  Thiamine interacts with each of the other B vitamins, so the other B vitamins must be supplemented as well.  Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.   A doctor can administer high dose thiamine by IV along with the other B vitamins.  Again, Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.  Thiamine should be given if only to rule Gastrointestinal Beriberi out as a cause of your symptoms.  If no improvement, no harm is done. Share the following link with your doctors.  Section Three is especially informative.  They need to be expand their knowledge about Thiamine and nutrition in Celiac Disease.  Ask for an Erythrocyte Transketolace Activity test for thiamine deficiency.  This test is more reliable than a blood test. Thiamine, gastrointestinal beriberi and acetylcholine signaling.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12014454/ Best wishes!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.