Energy - feeling tired all the time

[Margee]

Sara -WELCOME! So good to have you! Margee

[Alex]

Exercise and diet are so important to anyone, introverts especially, I think.

I have also learned, through my research into the highly sensitive personality (HSP), that I take on other people's energy. Once I became aware of what I was doing, and then learning how to block other's energy and be true to my own, my energy was not being drained so much. Jenna Avery is a great resource, and a bunch of others on the internet.

Being an introvert means knowing that you need your down time. That means we have to learn to say "no" sometimes. Become aware of your limitations.

Sarah

Thanks for raising this - I was not very aware of this aspect of HSP and it started some thoughts with me. I found the following video quite informative

http://www.youtube.com/user/judithorloffmd?feature=chclk#p/u/10/Oyap0KBouP0

I read a quote somewhere from the same author that it is likely that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers likely also are high empaths. I think I am very emphatic so I can often sense the mood of others very well - I guess due to this I also often have a tendency wanting to please others very much(even strangers) because I can sense their moods and whilst this is not bad per se I can see how it drains my energy - the problem thus becomes that in order to make others happy you can easily come to neglect your own needs. Honestly, I think this can explain this aspect of low energy to a large extent.

[Orion]

Exercise and diet are so important to anyone, introverts especially, I think.

I have also learned, through my research into the highly sensitive personality (HSP), that I take on other people's energy. Once I became aware of what I was doing, and then learning how to block other's energy and be true to my own, my energy was not being drained so much. Jenna Avery is a great resource, and a bunch of others on the internet.

Being an introvert means knowing that you need your down time. That means we have to learn to say "no" sometimes. Become aware of your limitations.

Sarah

Thanks for raising this - I was not very aware of this aspect of HSP and it started some thoughts with me. I found the following video quite informative

http://www.youtube.com/user/judithorloffmd?feature=chclk#p/u/10/Oyap0KBouP0

I read a quote somewhere from the same author that it is likely that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers likely also are high empaths. I think I am very emphatic so I can often sense the mood of others very well - I guess due to this I also often have a tendency wanting to please others very much(even strangers) because I can sense their moods and whilst this is not bad per se I can see how it drains my energy - the problem thus becomes that in order to make others happy you can easily come to neglect your own needs. Honestly, I think this can explain this aspect of low energy to a large extent.

Totally agree. Does it become an existential problem? Do I become less of myself (an empathetic introvert) if I retreat from this empathy? Would I therefore by fighting against my own self then?

Maybe if we accept that our empathy is a function of our brain waves (basically how we work), we can tune in or tune out, like a radio, certain channels we chose to listen to.

It's when people become mentally invasive that task becomes more difficult.

I have yet to solve my chronic fatigue issues, and I feel they are increasing as I make myself more aware.

[Margee]

In the past few years I have wished for absolutely no responsibility whatsoever -  Not to work, not to have to be around people or friends -  not to anything or anybody. That, I thought, would 'fix' the whole problem of low energy for me. I have done my share of isolating and extra sleep only to find that the low-lying lack of energy was still there. (along with a bit of depression)

 After reading Marti's book and also a book called' Adrenal Fatigue' and also after  writing on this forum for the past couple of months, it has forced me to do some research on my personality.

I had another extremely busy weekend. Doesn't seem to go away for me. No matter how much I try to escape from it all - I can't. The word responsibility keeps coming at me and reminding me that it's here to stay!  I did allow myself to get extra sleep this morning and that felt very good.

As I looked over my weekend, I realized that I 'helped' 3 people with 'issues' that they were going through (my nurturing personality) and they were so grateful! This morning I find that I feel o.k. even if it did drain me a bit.

I am finding that as much as I hate the responsibility of being around others (yes and as tired as I get) there is a feeling of serenity that is starting to come over me. I am wondering if this is about my 'mindset'. When I concentrate on how tired I am - I feel miserable. When I concentrate on the fact that I have brought a little joy into someone's  else's life - I feel good about myself. I feel this morning as if I must 'nurture' the little extrovert who lives deep inside of me.(devil she is!) My bigger self is definitely an introvert, but all the isolating doesn't do anything for my energy levels either. I have found that out by all my experimenting.

This is the way I feel this morning. I may change my mind tommorrow.

Alex had said something on another post that made a great deal of sense to me and I thank him for it very much because it has stayed in my mind. That would be the fact that some people in your life deserve your attention, especially if they have been good to you. That is who I have been giving my time and energy to in the past few weeks. People who have been good to me. And as tired as I get - I feel good about it this morning.

I may be way off topic, but I had to write. I have full plans to 'recoupe' today by giving myself permission not to have to be around anyone,not answer the phone and if I feel like it later, to take a nap.

Today - I will concentrate on the good feelings that I have that I gave a bit of myself  to others and try not to look at how tired I am. Could it be that it's all a matter of how we look at things. I am talking to ME  right now - not you folks. If you want to answer that question - go ahead - I'd love to hear your opinion.

 I love this quote :
It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself --- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Is this good feeling I have this morning, (by giving of myself) instead of locking myself up and wishing the world would go away? I am facing the fact that all this 'responsibility 'is not going away and maybe if I can look at it from a different point of view - I may help myself to feel better?

Sincerely, Margee

[Jonimom]

Sarah,  Do you have any tips that help you block other people's energy?

[Margee]

Good evening my friends! I just got back from a wedding and I thought I'd write a few thoughts before I 'retire' for the night.

I think this topic of 'energy' could go on forever!

 Today, as I sat out on my patio enjoying the sun and reading 'The Introvert Advantage' again - I really am putting some of my puzzle together. Marti mentions that we introverts are 'sensitive ' to Dopamine,  which is an excitatory neurotransmitter to the brain. Most protein foods will cause a dopamine  'rush' to the brain.  Any strong aerobic exercises causes the same. And loud music!

 Now, Here I have been sticking to a high, high protein diet for 25 years and not even allowing myself  the real good complex carbs to give ME that nice 'serotonin' feeling.    No wonder i was ready to have a 'melt down' when I first joined this forum!

Anyway, you all know that I have been doing extra magnesium in my food plan and I have added wonderful healthy complex carbs back in my life and I feel so good. I did just wonderful with all the people tonight at this wedding. I have been doing this experiment for a month now.

I am doing some things to cause the dopimine 'rush' to get me motivated and also doing the things that will create the serotonin in my brain to relax. i am taking nice walks again to boost my energy. It's quite amazing - this walking - It really does make you come alive!!  

 I guess we need both, and the trick is learning how to balance them properly.

Marti suggests a good balance between Dopamine (which will get us moving!) and serotonin to help us relax.I am experimenting and I am having so much fun with this. I almost feel normal tonight (whatever that means??? I have energy tonight!! (and it's late!)

Anyway, I am reviewing the book again to see what other pointers will stick out at me, since I read it the first time. Good night to all!  

Sincerely, Margee

[radames]

Hey Margee,

It's interesting that you mention that you had a high, high protein diet which is sort of what I am doing as well.  I consume around 175g of protein each day which should help my muscle recovery after I work out as it contains plenty of essential amino acids which are the building blocks for protein synthesis.  I used to get around 250g of protein when I was doing a very disciplined diet, after which I lost fifty pounds in four months with the completion of a very strict, high protein, water manipulation diet.  It was sort of like a detox diet but supplemented with plenty of vitamins and minerals and water.

My energy levels during this diet skyrocketed because I was eating very purely and consuming plenty of essential vitamins.  In addition, I was losing lots of weight and feeling more energetic.  After a lot of exercise, during the cool-down period, I feel very relaxed and even tired.  Therefore, I guess that my serotonin levels were normal.  Unfortunately, my stress levels were pretty high when I wasn't exercising (as I was driving a truck for a living).  It is as if my muscles thank me after I finish working out.

[Margee]

Geeeeez Radames, I went to bed at 12 midnite and woke up 'bright eyed and bushy tailed' this morn at 7!!    Maybe the brown rice and other complex carbs are really worth eating! I haven't eaten these foods for a long, long time!  Everyday, I seem to be feeling better and better! (I am also eating very good sources of protein)

 Check out these couple of articles on 'food and mood' - they are so interesting!

http://www.faqs.org/nutrition/Met-Obe/Mood-Food-Relationships.html

http://www.thefactsaboutfitness.com/research/dieting.htm

off for a Sunday morning walk.............................................

Sincerely, Margee

[radames]

Hey Margee,
I picked the brain of a very intelligent fitness and nutrition researcher who lived close to me when I lived in Kentucky.  His name is Jamie Hale and he really has helped me gain a better understanding about the scientific aspects of health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition.  His website is www.maxcondition.com; his picture (with a shredded physique) is on the front.

[Margee]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU -  Radames!!

 I have already read 3 articles this morn, and they make soooooooooooooo much sense to me. I found the article on the foods that 'satisfy' ( The Satiety Index) VERY interesting, because these are some of the foods that I do find keep me happy and satisfied! (that was great to see cause it confirmed my 'gut intuition')!

 I am now reading the 2 part article on his opinion on 'low carb' dieting. This helps me sooo much. I am trying everything in my 'research power' to put the puzzle together for my health. My goal this year is to feel better than I ever felt before!  Radames, I thank you for the link.  

For anyone interested

The Satiety Factor of Foods Article:
http://www.maxcondition.com/page.php?13


 "The Satiety index of foods": P.S. anything above 100 satisfies more!

http://www.mendosa.com/satrank.htm


Sincerely, Margee

[Alex]

Hi Margee,

Nice to see a picture of you ;-)

/Alex

[Margee]

Hey Alex!

I wondered if anyone would notice my new picture!! I was actually going to put my own face on this form so you guys would know that I am a real person, but then I  found this one - and believe it or not - I have a picture of myself that looks exactly like this one - 20 years ago!!!!  

Oh well - add a few wrinkles and it would look like me!!  

P.S. looking at that picture makes me feel young and alive again!!!!!

I love the picture because she seems to be saying,'Hey guys!!' It's me  - Margee!! LOL

Have a great day to all!
Sincerely, Margee

[radames]

Glad to be of assistance Margee.  Jamie has helped me a lot over the years.  Now I have to find a way to get back into a moderate level of the discipline that I had before I got married.     Yet his website and all of his links are very valuable for the person wanting to get into good shape on many different levels.