Thursday 27th July 2023
Hey everyone,
Thank you so much for coming back to my blog. It really means an awful lot to this tired and exhausted Mummy the Fibro Warrior to receive emails that tell me I have a new like, a new follower or a new comment. It spurs me on and gives me energy to create even more content for you all.
Today, has been a really good day. My boy and I went out this morning to our local library and he completed fun crafts there. I made healthy pasta for lunch and, when he was asleep, had some fun crafting a number line, a days of the week poster and a play café for Charlie. I felt super proud of myself.
However, when he woke up, I was really struggling to keep my eyes open. I should have had a Sleep when the baby sleeps. The tiredness and exhaustion I felt was overwhelming. The anxiety then set in as to how I was going to cope until my husband came home at 5:30 p.m. and I was constantly clock watching. At about 4 o’clock, I thought to myself “okay, enough is enough! I need to get moving and motivated. I need an energy boost”.
Walking
So, I decided to take Charlie for a small walk in his pushchair to the local shop to send a parcel back .As soon as I stepped out the front door, the fresh air hit me square in the face and I felt a rush of energy. My tight calves loosened up and it felt good to be moving my body. It was also a great sense of achievement as I haven’t done a walk with him for ages and I really needed to send this parcel back!
Driving
Unfortunately, due to my illness, I have had to become very reliant on the car to take me places. I sometimes cannot contemplate a short walk because of the fatigue and pain I am in and the post exertional malaise that will set in later. Also, I have to think about the cost/benefit analysis. If I do this walk, will I have energy to make tea or if I go in the car I can conserve that energy and put it to good use later. I feel very fortunate to be able to have a car and although some people think I am lazy driving most places, please believe me it is done to help this fibro warrior stay strong!
Combat loneliness
On our walk today, I encountered quite a few happy, helpful people which also gave me an energy boost. From the nice builders who apologised for the mess on the pavement, to the kind dog walkers that held the gate open for me to the lovely gentleman who held the heavy shop door open. It was a chance to see other adults and combat the loneliness that sometimes being a stay at home parent with a chronic illness creates. It was a chance to experience Friendship and Kindness: A perfect pair.
Appreciate nature
It was also lovely to see all the dogs in the park playing and running about and the beautiful flowers, bees and leaves, too. I felt a rush of appreciation for the nature that surrounds us and seeing it through my son’s eyes as well is incredible.
Realistic view
This blog is designed though to be open and honest with you, so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in pain on the way back from the walk and I desperately wanted to get back home. I can’t unfortunately use a walking aid as I have the pushchair to push. However, the pushchair actually supports me to keep upright. Don’t be afraid to use walking aids when you go out no matter what age you are. Also, don’t be afraid to break up your walk. You could attempt 10 minutes, find a bench to rest on and then go again when you feel rested. Or you could increase your time each day. Start small with 2 minutes and build it up slowly by a minute each day. Could you Play that music loud! to help you along the way? I do appreciate there are many people out there who are unable to walk or get far outside the house but anytime you can spend outdoors, moving your body can help. Could you step into your garden and reach your arms up high for a stretch? Could you do 10 steps outside your front door and then 10 steps back? Any form of walking is an energy boosting hack for you.
Mummy the Fibro Warrior Top Tip:
1. When you have hit that afternoon slump and feel like you can’t possibly stay awake any longer, try to move your body in someway. Be it a walk, a stretch, a swim. Whatever exercise you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be long and remember to pace yourself to your own ability. Even though Pacing is hard! we must try to do it.
If there is one takeaway I’d like you all to remember today is that slow, gradual, paced movement could help with your chronic condition, give you an energy boost and give you a sense of achievement. Please do consult your doctor before trying anything new and do not force yourself. Remember It’s okay to stay home sometimes. I need you to know you are doing the best you can, your child/children love you just as you are and you are Mummy the Fibro Warrior.
Until next time,
x.
P.s. Have you got any energy boosting hacks you could recommend to fellow spoonie warriors? Have you managed a walk today or some movement? Please do let me know in the comments below.
That must be so cool. Thank you so much 🙂 I put mine in the living room as it’s the room we are in most of the time.
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