Hobbies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients

People who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, have low energy levels and a low energy reserve. Physical activity is particularly taxing on a CFS patient. Extracurricular activities are not always an option for many who suffer with CFS. Many have little energy to complete tasks that have to be done, let alone trying to do anything extra. It can become very lonely for CFS patients, as they tend to lose social contacts because they can't participate. Depression often occurs as a result and life can become very mundane.

But there is hope. I have found different activities CFS patients can do that do not require a lot of energy. CFS patients also need activities that do not require long periods of concentration, as "brain fog" is a major symptom of the disease.

Blogging

Blogging is a great creative outlet for CFS patients. I found blogging to be very therapeutic, as I write daily about what it is like living with CFS. Blogging can also help connect you with the outside world when others read and comment on your writing and life experiences. Blogging is something you can do at your own pace and you can write as little or as much as you are physically and mentally able. You can also earn extra money through blogging. There are several online companies that pay bloggers to write product reviews for their advertisers' websites, products and services. Google Adsense can bring in extra money when you place Google ads on your blog.

Associated Content

Associated Content is another great creative writing outlet for CFS sufferers. You can also choose whether or not you want to be paid for your work. I have also found writing for Associated Content to be very therapeutic and it helps to pass the time. If I don't feel well and if my CFS is acting up, then I don't write. I'm not obligated by Associated Content to produce a set amount of work, so it is something that one can do at their own pace. Writing about CFS for Associated Content also provides education on the disease to readers. You can provide a valuable service by writing about your illness and daily struggles.

Scrapbooking

I started scrapbooking a few years ago after I had to give up my career due to CFS. I found scrapbooking to be very relaxing and it helped to fill the creative void I felt after I had to quit my job. It is very important to be organized with your scrapbooking supplies though. You do not want to waste any energy getting out all of your supplies and trying to figure out what to do with them. I learned this the hard way. I organize my pictures, scrapbook pages and accessories as I purchase the items for each page. Then all I have to do is put them together when I get my supplies out to work. I have found that I can comfortably create 2 - 3 pages at one sitting before my concentration level wanes.

Cake Decorating

I took cake decorating classes last summer for something different to do. The Wilton courses are available to take through craft stores such as A.C. Moore and Michael's. There are four courses and each course lasts about four weeks and classes are two hours each. You can take each course at your own pace and it is a lot of fun. If you have severe CFS, I would not recommend tackling a huge cake decorating task such as a wedding cake. It takes hours to do a wedding cake and I personally am not willing to do these. But I find it fun to spend a couple of hours from time to time decorating a cake for a family member's birthday.

These are just a few ideas you can try to help pass the time and to give you something to strive for if you suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Many of us with this illness tend to be overachievers and Type A personalities, so dealing with this type of illness becomes increasingly difficult if we feel that we are not achieving anything. Always remember to listen to your body and do what you can!