Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
Classic Quartz Resin Casual Watch Buy Now
Musey Yoga Tank Top Buy Now
Meaningful Beauty Lifting Eye Crème Buy Now
Women's Wide Leg Pants with Pockets Buy Now
Plus Size Colorblock Tank Top Buy Now
COOFANDY Men's Plaid Denim Shirt Buy Now
Cremo Italian Bergamot Body Wash Buy Now
Men's Flat Front Trousers Buy Now
See-Through Beach Floral Maxi Skirts Buy Now
Luxury Big Face Watches for Men Buy Now
6-Port 50W Multi-Device Charging Dock Buy Now
Men's Bomber Jacket Buy Now
Kaliyadi Polarized Sunglasses for Men Buy Now
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix Buy Now
Fashion Casual Slim Fit Sweater Buy Now
Saneen Digital 4k Cameras for Photography Buy Now
Hanes Women's V-Neck Tee Buy Now
Dream Coat Anti-Humidity Spray Buy Now
Golden Hour Men's Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch Buy Now
Men's Straight-Fit Pant Buy Now
MoreBack to News Headlines
To preserve my health, I had to learn to truly do nothing. It's harder than it sounds

To preserve my health, I had to learn to truly do nothing. It's harder than it sounds

CBC
Saturday, April 15, 2023 6:22 PM GMT

This is a First Person column by Anastasia Chipelski, a CBC copy editor and freelance editor/writer, who lives with energy-limiting chronic illness. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.

Every aspect of my life requires planning and effort: Sitting up, standing, walking, digesting food, reading, thinking, scrolling social media, talking to friends or watching shows.

I live with energy-limiting chronic illness, an umbrella term used to skip over preconceptions, stereotypes and stigma of specific diagnoses to get to the key issue: I live with an energy impairment, and it affects every corner of my day.

In the absence of actual medical treatments, I have DIY accommodations. In the morning, I feel like total garbage. Through the afternoon and evening, I gently take care of myself, and if all goes well, I might win a little energy late at night to do some tasks. When 11 p.m. hits, it's my time to shine.

In this late night window, I do what I can to make life easier for my daytime self. Sometimes I'll cook a big soup and freeze half for easy meals. I play catch with my cat to tire him out, throwing toys up the stairs for him to swat down. And I set myself up for the next morning's challenges.

I put on the kettle and scrub a couple of mason jars clean, then fill them with water and lay them out in a black speckled roasting pan with some protein powder and a piece of fruit. I add a cup of tea for the evening, then carry the whole tray up to bed. When I wake up and have to rebuild my energy all over again, at least I have a solid foundation within arms' reach.

Before I got sick in late 2017, I believed rest came after work and it had to be earned. 

While I was searching for a diagnosis, I'd come home from work, collapse on the floor somewhere for a while, then drag myself to the couch. My limbs felt like concrete blocks. Then I'd stare at the empty yellow wall for hours. 

Fewer than a third of people with my primary diagnosis are able to work part-time, according to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Energy impairment limits my income by capping the hours I can work and then taxes those workdays heavily through hours of preparation and recovery.

Now I have zero expectations that my work days will include anything other than labour and rest. When work ends, I climb into bed and pull the blankets over my head. No sound, no light, no music, no moving, no thinking. Total rest for an hour or so, and then I can reheat leftovers, rest again and sleep.

I learned pretty quickly that what I considered resting — like watching a show — was actually an activity. Alternating between types of energy I was using — physical, emotional, intellectual — helped a bit, but I was still doing, not resting.

The cruelest trick of energy-limiting chronic illness is that things that bring joy still sap energy. Laughing, seeing and talking to loved ones, listening to music, even just thinking and dreaming — those get cut too.

I also modify everyday tasks to reduce their energy drain. I sit down to brush my teeth and prop my arm up on my leg so it's supported and not suspended. I don't reach up to brush my hair. Instead, I bend at the waist, bringing my hair toward my arm. 

At home, I've got railings and counters and walls to lean on, and chairs laid out every couple of metres, so sitting is always an option. (And of course, there's always my dear friend, the floor, ready to hold me.)

Read full story on CBC
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
Police investigating Oshawa swarming attack advocates say may have been hate-motivated

Durham police say they are investigating a violent swarming caught on security video that one prominent Muslim advocacy group says may have been motivated by hate.

Multiple Canadian airports hit with delays after bomb threats temporarily ground flights

Multiple Canadian airports faced bomb threats Thursday morning that grounded flights and are expected to cause widespread delays, according to air traffic control manager Nav Canada.

Price tag, timeline for N.L. Hydro expansion questioned in new report

A new independent report calls into question the price tag, timelines and demand forecasts underlying nearly $2 billion in construction projects proposed by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Cochrane, Ont. declares food insecurity emergency after food bank sees 'historic' number of clients

In the small town of Cochrane, Ont., upwards of 100 new people a month are using the community's food bank. The Cochrane Food Bank says over the last three years, data shows its usage rates have increased by 106 per cent, highlighting a growing food insecurity crisis.

Fredericton's Pride board steps it up after troubles that marred festival last year

After Fierté Fredericton Pride 2024 almost didn't happen last summer, a new board is in full swing for the upcoming 2025 Pride festival. 

Scott Gillingham will seek 2nd term as Winnipeg mayor

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham says he will seek a second term in 2026, when the city holds its next general election.

Saskatoon police release sketch in hopes of identifying man found in river

Saskatoon police are asking the public for help identifying a man found dead in the South Saskatchewan River on June 22.

Judge denies bail for 2 men accused of looting during wildfire evacuation in La Ronge, Sask.

Two men accused of looting in La Ronge, Sask., during the recent wildfire evacuation last month are staying in jail.

BGC Prince County hoping to expand women's shelter in Summerside as demand grows

BGC Prince County is planning to add more shelter services for women and children facing homelessness in the Summerside area, but first, municipal council has to rezone a portion of the city to allow it.

Child-care centres are popping up all over Edmonton. But not everyone is in favour

When Wanda Johnston first learned that a home in her quiet Canossa neighbourhood in north Edmonton would be converted into a child-care centre, she was upset.

Peach farmers in B.C.'s Okanagan optimistic for 2025 after years of climate disaster

Two peach farmers in B.C.'s Okanagan region say they're optimistic for the upcoming harvest after years of climate disasters wreaking havoc on their crops.

Niagara Dog Rescue, Manitoba groups work to re-home strays and dogs surrendered after wildfires

Ernie the dog has a home thanks to the efforts of rescue organizations in Manitoba and Ontario.

Windsor police chief's discipline for racist remarks 'doesn't amount to anything': Black Scholars Institute

WARNING: This story contains racially offensive language.

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Federal, Yukon gov'ts announce $17M to help reduce wildfire risk

The federal and Yukon governments are putting more money toward reducing wildfire risk in the territory.

Army investigating members allegedly involved in 'abhorrent' Facebook group, Canada's top soldier says

The Canadian Army is investigating members who allegedly shared what the country's top soldier called "abhorrent" content within a private Facebook group.

Alberta Prosperity Project releases fiscal plan, predicts surplus in billions within 1 year of separation

The Alberta Prosperity Project's new draft fiscal plan is projecting Alberta's economy could double within 20 years of separation.

Work almost finished on Charlottetown Yacht Club's new 'bulletproof' seawall

Repairs to the seawall around the Charlottetown Yacht Club are almost complete, much to the relief of Island sailors, visitors and business owners in the area.

Alberta reaches settlement with 2 coal companies over policy change

Two coal companies that sued Alberta over its decision to change the rules around coal mining have reached a settlement with the provincial government.

Sparks from RCMP trailer ignited wildfire near Lytton, B.C., say police

Sparks from an RCMP trailer are responsible for a wildfire burning near Lytton, B.C., police say. 

Inuvik's youth centre to stay closed until end of August

The Inuvik Youth Centre will remain closed until late August due to financial constraints. The centre closed its doors in March and stopped its programming.

Carney's major projects bill passed. Now he says 'the real work begins'

Now that Bill C-5 is the law of the land, Prime Minister Mark Carney says "the real work begins" to fast-track major projects. Here's what comes next — and what experts say needs to happen.

What you need to know as the 2025 Calgary Stampede parade hits the streets

The Calgary Stampede is saddling up for 10 days of action, kicking off Friday as the 113th annual Stampede Parade winds its way through downtown Calgary.

New charge laid against Quebec mother accused of abandoning toddler last month

The mother of a toddler who was missing for more than three days last month is facing a second charge in connection with the disappearance of her daughter. 

Settlement reached between Bell Media, ex-CP24 personality in human rights complaint

A well-known Toronto television personality says she's reached a settlement with Bell Media in response to a human rights complaint, in which she alleged "a systemic pattern" of racism, sexism and discrimination.

Cleanup efforts continue on Highway 402 near London after acid spill

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Middlesex County say Highway 402 westbound near Strathroy remained closed Thursday after a serious crash between a tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle led to a chemical spill.  

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us