How do you plan your day and conserve energy? Are you a Spoonie?

Hi, absolutely! Not exactly a spoonie, but right now, today my body will give me 3-4 hours of work a day and I am spent. But, yes I am definitely pacing. I have had long Covid a few times now and unfortunately it just has gotten worse. I was diagnosed last week with my 5th autoimmune disorder/disease. I have to pace and not push myself to the edge, but instead I stop short of exhaustion and take a nap. I'm tired of all of this. I really am. It's not just my body that can wear me out, using my brain for complicated processes leads me to exhaustion as well. About 4 hours and my brain just goes offline and doesn't return without rest. Yeah, I attended a class on living with long Covid, but never got the visual of spoons. My energy is such, that I am on or off. I wish I had like 4 spoons a day and could stretch out my strength and endurance throughout the day but it doesn't work for me that way. I'm on or off. But, that's ok, because I know how to manage my symptoms which is the point, yeah? Journaling helped me find the patterns I needed to be more efficient with my illness and establish boundaries with those around me who were used to me doing more. I know they miss my energy, but what's the point in running myself into the ground and then needing help and care from those around me? I prefer to protect my energy, be responsible to myself and the best I can be to others from there. It's such a an adjustment and emotionally uncomfortable. I'm sorry 😔

Yes! I have to be careful and do things in stages. Even showering. One shower wash hair, body. Next shower shave arms, next shower shave legs. I bought an electric razor for the legs so that's one less thing to do in shower.
Meals requiring prep - do a thing, rest - do a thing - rest.
Memorial day weekend I still did too much despite getting help from my partner and taking breaks. I slept most of today. I too feel like I lost a lot. Somedays I'm more accepting of that than other days.

It's difficult for my mind to be healthy and my body to be so very sick. I don't know how many dozens of times I have to over-commit (and then need to cancel) to learn. I'm good for planning to have guests over... clean 4 days before ... shop and set table 3 days before ... finish cleaning and prep food 2 days before ... rest and small details one day before... cook and get myself ready day of. I have to do this. I suppose the last part is plan nothing for the day after as I will be useless except to rest. It all does suck--but I don't have the energy for anger. I use everything I have to live into this new normal. It does take planning. Hope good things for you. < 3
PS I have Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA)

I love that! " I don't have the energy for anger". I totally understand that! I don't have the same fear of death after feeling like I was living with an unknown gun to my head. So funny now, when I reflect. And how grateful I feel every day to be on this side of the earth.

I live like you all have described, with 3-4 hours a day of being productive, and limited at that. I have found alternating easy and difficult tasks helpful. Also doing many tasks sitting or even lying down, like phone calls. I am pretty worthless in the afternoon so plan activities and work for morning. I have lowered my standards and eliminated unnecessary things like making the bed since I get back in it for afternoon rest. I cook more simply, shower less often, only have guests for times drinks and simple snacks, not meals, can be served. and pace throughout the day with rest in between tasks. I try to include some want to’s daily for my mental health and take preventative rest before any big social event. The spoon theory is great, and I have shared that many times. I try to focus on what I can do, not what I can’t do. We have to keep living with a smile and experiencing some joy.