Things to do in bed.
Have we had a thread here for showing our art? It would be interesting to see. I am sure many of us who are sick do something creative because being ill makes your mind switch sometimes into creativity due to the boredom. I know for me it has. I am so thankful for making jewelry. Even if it wasn't my business, I would do it anyway just for the sheer joy of making something, especially during my most sick times. It helps me out of my funk and pain even though sometimes it can induce pain. I feel it is worth it because it feeds my soul.
I'd love to hear (and see) more of what people do to feed that part of them
I love that you've found that side of yourself as kind of a silver lining.
I know a few people with CFS who worked in creative occupations, and having to let go of something that was so much an expression of themselves, as well as all the regular positive feedback that can come from creating things that are well received has been very hard.
My GP (General Practioner - MD) recommended spending time doing something creative. My work during the 1990's had involved design and colour, and tutoring the same. I'm not sure if his recommendation came as a general one for all affected by chronic illness or if it was he thought it would be beneficial for me to keep in touch even in a small way with my previous occupation. If I'd been a gardener perhaps it would have been better for me to get a window box or some manageable pots??
My mcs has gradually got worse so I have to use as non toxic materials as possible, and I need to have projects that don't require much set up, time to complete, or any that make a lot of mess to clear up. I still get a lot of satisfaction even though my projects aren't very ambitious. Making things is part of who I am and I'm grateful to have found some light creative projects that I can work on during rest time.
I have the use of a workshop and some assistance for hand-printing when I have the time and energy for that, and lately I've coloured lots of smaller prints in bed. I live in a busy pedestrian street with people streaming past on their way to either the beach or cafes and I open the windows (smell the coffee!) and can happily spend an hour or two colouring/resting and feeling not too disconnected from the world.
A real bonus is that my kids (keen makers of things too) come home from school and look first thing for anything new I've made, and then set about making more things themselves! It's gratifying they see me as something other than a tired person. Actually, I've realised that aspect is probably just as good for my soul as making things.
Happy to get some photos up sometime if there's a dedicated thread.
I played piano and guitar before I got sick. Haven't really looked at either for years but I took up the Ukulele this year to be able to keep up with my children. Easy to practise in bed too
I close the windows if I sing.
This year I've researched our house, and my ancestry. Mostly online. and mostly from the comfort of my bed. Very rewarding. I also learned crochet.....I'm no natural there! (Yay for Youtube's basic tutorials.)
In her PR interview I remember Veronica (Athene) recommended people with CFS do a creative writing course. There are writing groups online. Courses too no doubt.
I read a lot, always have. I can't tolerate much television, but I go through phases of watching DVDs. I do sudokos sometimes, but if I'm too tired I can't tolerate a whole puzzle and the frustration makes it counter productive. For me any "resting" activity needs to have just the right level of challenge and the right level might be different one day from the next.
PS Who mentioned perfectionism? Letting go a bit is SO liberating. :victory: