Conserving Energy

By Gramma Louise

1 min read

I don't know if this has been brought up... When I have several things I want to accomplish I think of all that energy. How can I do all of them? Or even can I do them all? I evaluate the energy each one needs.

By trial and error, I learned to do the easier ones first. They are the ones that don't exhaust me. Usually, I rest in between tasks to rejuvenate myself. Sometimes there is enough energy to do a portion of a big task.

When I would try to do the big thing first, many times I couldn't complete it, let alone do anything more. Then I would rest for the remainder of the day. I would feel depressed and worthless.

When I do the easier things first I can feel that I have done something. Sometimes the resting between tasks gives me enough energy to do more than I thought possible.

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Gramma Louise Member
I find that I do a lot of planning ahead. Then I allow myself to adapt to the circumstances. I have learned to forgive myself when I'm not able to do what was planned. 
1. kaitlynsutton Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Gramma Louise" user-id="4189948"/> Thanks for sharing your routine with us. Planning ahead but adapting as you go is key, we agree! - Kaitlyn (Team Member)
Gramma Louise Member
Before I go to bed at night I make a list of things I would like to accomplish the next day and prioritize them. When I get up I evaluate energy levels and what fits and what doesn't. The list stays on my table--where I can see it and be reminded about what I want to do. Sometimes I nap, but usually I enjoy reading and I have a few TV game shows I enjoy while I rest. As for getting big tasks done I rarely make a timeline because that stresses me.-- A lot of analysis can come into play. I think of what are the things that are needed to do the job. I break them down into small tasks. Doing laundry is an example. First, I gather the clothes. (Do I have energy to take them downstairs (I use a stairlift) to the washing machine or need to rest?) Even if I can't take them downstairs I have accomplished gathering the dirty clothes.. If I'm at the machine I'll sort the clothes into designated containers--then rest? yes or no--if no, I make a small load so I can be successful instead of exhausted when they are finished. While that is running, I sit at the computer that I keep nearby and play a game while resting.
Jodi Enders Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Gramma Louise" user-id="4189948"/> I like that you do what requires less energy first, so you don't have to feel defeated and give up early. What do you do during your rest to rejuvenate your energy and not forget what needs to be done? How do your big tasks get done? Do you put a strict timeline on them? - Jodi, Team Member