Feeling Tired and Run Down

[HausofAriella]

I don't know what's wrong with me, but lately I have been sooo tired. I just feel a bit run down and burnt out. I just can't find the energy to get things done anymore. I'm not in school at the moment and, while I've had a steady stream of orders, I haven't been inundated with them. Now is when I should be at my most productive - I certainly have ideas (and even the supplies in some cases) for new items, plus I have my own wedding stuff to do - yet I can hardly summon the energy to type half the time. Have any of you ever gotten to this point? How do you recharge when you just feel run down?

[Former_Member]

when i go through all my supplies and reorganize, it helps me get some motivation going. i just sit and put all my "things" out and get everything in its place. it makes me feel new again.

[Former_Member]

Maybe take a day or so off. Don't even think about Etsy or making anything, and just relax. Enjoy a bit of summer.

[Former_Member]

Etsy is suprisingly stressful and draining - even if you dont notice it! Sometimes I sleep terribly because ive been working on etsy at night, and cant get the thinking brain to stop!!
Try taking a couple of days off - go to a movie, see some friends.. It'll refresh and inspire you, and you'll come back far more productive than before!!

Also, what inspires you? When I feel stuck I go to an art gallery, go for a bush walk, get outside and away from the computer. Remind yourself what makes you excited! And of course, get plenty of sleep :)

[Former_Member]

I think is human to get tired of things. I've been stressing out about hurrying up and adding more items to my shop. The pressure got to me last week. I love what I do and don't want to get to the point where is something else on my to do list. I want to enjoy it. So I took a few days off, went to the beach, did absolutely nothing, I didn't want to do. The good thing about taking days off; it recharges you and gives you a better attitude to do what you love.

[beatroad]

I get this way constantly - like umm, right now. ;) When I'm busy, that's when I have the most energy and motivation and I can barely sleep. When things are slow (like right now) I feel incredibly sluggish, both physically & mentally, and never stop feeling tired.

If you aren't up to being productive, then let it be. Read a book, take a walk, watch a movie... don't feel pressured to do ANYTHING creative if you're not up for it. Sometimes you have to take advantage of the Internet and let it sell your items for you, and wait for the mood to pass.

[Former_Member]

I always try to have days off from Etsy. That is I don't think about it, I don't work on it, I pretend it doesn't even exist. I do something completely different, like going to lake or movies etc. I think your body is telling you that it's time to take a rest!

[LittleAcornToronto]

If I start feeling rundown I step away from the computer for a day or two and do a little detox. The human body is amazing and it's telling you it needs something. Everybody is different, so the exact same symptoms can mean very different things.

Stretch, do deep breathing, go vegan for a few days, drink loooooads of water, take tons of vitamin C, sit in the sun, get 8 hours of sleep...etc. Listen to your body!

When you're refreshed, you'll feel so much better!

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Give yourself a kick in the butt!

[Former_Member]

First thing that came to mind: take a couple days off! You deserve it, you've been working hard with school and with your shop, give yourself a breather! :)

[Former_Member]

I know that it sounds weird, but when I feel like that....I hop on a treadmill and get my blood pumping...ALWAYS works. Nothing feels better than doing something good for your body and taking care of yourself!!!

[HildesJewelry]

I feel as you do now. No energy and a lack of the interest for my hobby. But I know it will pass ;-) The best advice is to take breaks.

[PICFiberArts]

I just went thru the same thing and I took off for a hike for the day and hit a botonical garden that had 21 acres and just enjoyed the day outside the house. I find if I am home I am thinking what needs to be done, so I needed to get out and get some vit. D.

[HausofAriella]

Thanks for all of the advice! At least I'm not the only one. Perhaps I should take a day REALLY off from both Etsy and wedding planning. My fiance tells me I'm too wired (I may be slightly addicted to technology) and maybe he has a point. Perhaps we should take a day trip and ditch the smart phone so I'm not constantly checking my email and looking things up while I should just be enjoying myself.

Andrea - I'm actually starting a fitness bootcamp thing on Wednesday. I was kind of dreading it considering how I've been feeling, but maybe it's just what I need.

Bea - Maybe I do need a good kick in the butt ;)

[AuntBsAttic]

Hold off on that kick in the butt: for just a bit. First - try to determine if you're mentally wiped out, physically worn down - or BOTH. Knowing what your body is trying to tell you is the first step toward fixing the problem ! Luckily, no matter which for me - the fix is generally the same. . . a good hike through the woods to the waterfall and creek, working in the dirt in the garden, or a good run. Get AWAY from the computer for a whole day (or at least 12 hours!) - the world will not come to an end if you're missing in cyberspace for just one day. Make sure you eat enough protein - I'm the world's worst in a balanced summer diet - mostly fresh fruits & veggies from the garden . . . gotta have that protein to sustain energy. Sit on the porch & close your eyes - listen to the sounds around you - and let your mind clear. After a day of good exercise, relaxation, and balanced food - I bet you sleep WELL - and wake up feeling energized !

Take care of Yourself FIRST - and you'll feel up to taking care of everything else with enthusiasm. Also - I suspect having the wedding a done deal will really help. Wonderful time in life - but stressful !!

Good Luck - and enjoy your day off !!

[Former_Member]

I was starting to feel real tired but I was getting dehydrating. It has been so so hot. I could focus my body was telling me to stop and rest. Did that for two days and back to nOrmal!!!!

[Former_Member]

Your body is trying to get your attention. You are in need of rest or food or water or a few days away from everything.

If none of these work to revitalize you, then please see a doctor to rule out any physical reasons for your fatigue.

Take good care of yourself.

[ShadyLaneDesignz]

I am pretty much always tired too, because of working a full time job and attending to a house with husband, kids and dog. Add to that, my Etsy and craft show preparations. It's all too much. When it gets bad, I usually have to take a break from crafting/painting because I can't quit my day job! After a short break I am usually antsy to get back at it!