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Hello Rebel Souls,

Living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) brings its own set of challenges, and one of the most overwhelming symptoms is fatigue. But what is fatigue, and how is it different from being “tired”?

When you’re tired, a good night’s sleep often makes you feel refreshed. Fatigue, however, is something much more profound. It’s not just physical exhaustion—it’s a mental and emotional weight that makes even basic tasks feel impossible. For me, it’s one of the most debilitating symptoms of FND because you can’t simply ignore it and “push through” it.

The Impact of Fatigue on Daily Life

Fatigue isn’t just about feeling sleepy; it affects every aspect of life. Simple things like getting out of bed to take the kids to school can feel like monumental tasks. By the end of the day, when I need to pick them up again, I’m forcing myself off the couch with every part of my being begging me to just lie back down. Housework doesn’t get done, and dinner becomes a free-for-all. My husband, after a full day of work, often has to come home and cook dinner, start the laundry, and manage household tasks. Fatigue doesn’t just take a toll on me—it impacts my whole family.

Choosing Your Battles: Prioritize and Ask for Help

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of choosing your battles. Ask yourself: What absolutely has to get done today? Focus on those few tasks, and let the rest go. For me, this has meant leaning on others and asking for help. Whether it’s getting someone to pick up the kids or having pre-made meals ready in the fridge, I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for assistance.

Cooking ahead has been a lifesaver. I keep ready-to-heat meals in the freezer for days when cooking is impossible. And there’s nothing wrong with buying microwave meals. My kids, now 12 and 14, are also able to use the air fryer, so I keep things like wraps, frozen chicken strips, and cheese slices and salad on hand so they can make themselves a meal when needed.

Supporting Your Body and Health

There are also small ways I support my body to feel a little better when fatigue hits hard. One is a warm bath with Epsom salts. The magnesium in the salts can help relax muscles, reduce stress, and promote a better night’s sleep. I also find that gentle stretching helps me ease some of the physical tension caused by fatigue. Staying hydrated is another simple but effective way to support yourself. On fatigue days, even an electrolyte drink helps restore my energy. I use a fitness watch to remind me to drink water regularly, which makes a big difference.

Energy Pacing and Planning for Rest

Energy pacing is a tool I use daily. It’s about planning activities in a way that conserves energy and prevents burnout. I use a daily planner to map out my tasks for the day, but I also schedule rest times. If I wake up and realize I can’t manage all the activities on my list, I shift things around. Giving yourself permission to move tasks to another day is key.

Balancing rest with obligations is something I’m still working out. It’s different for everyone, but I’ve started scaling back on commitments and deciding which are truly important. Saying no has become part of my self-care routine, and I’ve let go of any “FOMO” (fear of missing out) I may have had in the past.

Communicating with Family

Communication has been critical for my family. On the days when my fatigue is intense, I let my husband and kids know I’m not as available to them. This has become part of our routine, and while it’s hard, my husband and kids understand and respect it most of the time. Of course, their ages (12 and 14) make this easier, but for those with younger children, managing fatigue can feel like an entirely different battle.

For moms with little ones, here are three tips:

1. Create independent activities – Prepare a basket of toys, coloring books, or quiet-time activities that your child can do alone while you rest.
2. Embrace screen time when needed – Sometimes, allowing a little extra TV time is a form of self-care.
3. Use your support system – Don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member to help out with childcare when you’re feeling drained.

Maintaining Emotional Wellbeing

Fatigue can take a toll on emotional health, too. I’ve found that incorporating a simple gratitude practice helps me stay grounded. On tough days, I remind myself that even small victories—like getting my daughter to school—are achievements. Distracting myself with a podcast, audiobook, or relaxing music also helps me feel a bit lighter on days when I’m feeling weighed down by fatigue.

It’s Okay to Rest

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from living with FND and fatigue, it’s that rest is not just okay—it’s necessary. Communication is crucial, and teaching your family what fatigue looks and feels like helps everyone understand why you can’t always be on your A-game. More importantly, it’s vital to remember that this isn’t forever; it’s just for now.

Fatigue can be overwhelming, debilitating, and just plain hard. But it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to take care of yourself. And it’s definitely okay to say no.

Take care of yourself,
Linda x