TOUCHED BY LYME: How to still have fun when you’re energy-sapped
The CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue) Association of America pulled together a list of low-energy entertainment ideas. See what you think.
The CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue) Association of America pulled together a list of low-energy entertainment ideas. Here’s what they came up with. My comments are added in red.
1. Place birdfeeders in your backyard. (Beware of ticks.)
2. Plant a butterfly garden. (Beware of ticks.)
3. Photography.
4. Go to a local nature preserve. (Beware of ticks.)
5. Walk in the park or in a shopping mall. (Again, watch for ticks at the park.)
6. Do volunteer work. (If you are unable to leave the house, could you help by phone or computer?)
7. Help others with CFIDS via internet or phone. (Can you do phone support for your local Lyme support group? Contact federal legislators about co-sponsoring the Lyme Disease Research bill?)
8. Google “Crochet Stitches” to find youtube.com videos, and teach yourself how to crochet. Teach yourself “Tunisian Crochet” with the help of youtube.com.
9. Do cross stitching.
10. Play online poker. (Not recommended. Save your money for Lyme treatment.)
11. Refinish Furniture found via CraigsList.com. (Work in 15 minute increments.) (Those with sensitivities need to beware of the chemicals.)
12. Make personalized t-shirts using t-shirt transfers from Walmart.
13. Do what you enjoyed doing before the illness, but cut it down into manageable chunks.
14. Read books, when able.
15. Surf the web; play on the internet.
16. Watch movies on DVD.
17. Go water walking in a local indoor pool.
18. Play dominoes.
19. Play cards.
20. Read interior design magazines that have a lot of pictures.
21. Paint or color.
22. Do scrapbooking.
23. Talk on the phone for short periods of time.
24. Create a Dream Book. Include pictures that represent the kind of life you want to have.
25. If you are single, plan your wedding (even if you are not engaged). Go to websites such as TheKnot.com, GetMarried.com, Chapels.com, DavidsBridal.com, BridalGuide.com, WeddingsBeautiful.com, Brides.com, and MarthaStewartWeddings.com. (If you’re not even engaged, this suggestion seems a bit odd, but hey, whatever floats your boat. I guess it goes along with the “dream book” in the prior suggestion.)
So, readers, what’s your advice for someone who’s feeling energy-sapped but still wants to have fun? Drop me a line at dleland@lymedisease.org, and we’ll make up our own list.
VERY nice idea but maybe your background could be another color so we can read better. love the ideas especially lonely with lyme.