Tips for Staying Motivated When You Have EDS

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) can lead to fatigue and chronic pain for many patients, making it difficult for them to stay motivated to do things.

Patients may also experience muscle weakness, which can impact their ability to perform everyday physical tasks.

If you have EDS and struggle to stay motivated, here are some tips that may help:

Take it one step at a time

When you are struggling to stay motivated, everything may feel overwhelming. Take it one step at a time. On good days, this might mean taking one day at a time, while on a bad day, it may mean five minutes at a time.

Set small goals

Set small goals for yourself, with time to rest in between. Divide large tasks into small ones that are easier to handle. Breaking the day into small manageable chunks can make everything seem less overwhelming.

Schedule time to rest

Plan time to rest and use this time to actually rest. Don’t think about all the things you still have to do after your rest break but use the time to quiet your mind and be still. Also, take a break whenever you need to and don’t force yourself to push through fatigue if you can avoid it.

Do positive things for yourself

Planning small rewards for yourself can make it easier to stay motivated. Make plans with a friend, take a short walk, or practice self-care. A good support network can help participants encourage and motivate each other.

Be kind to yourself

Setbacks and flare-up of symptoms can make it much harder to do things. Be compassionate with yourself, and remember that setbacks are not the same thing as failure.

Last updated: March 30, 2020

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Ehlers-Danlos News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.