Tori Uncensored

Over the last few blog posts, I’ve explored the complexities of work/life balance. But today, I want to share something more personal why this topic matters so much to me and how I had to make deliberate choices to ensure I could thrive both professionally and personally.

Recognising the Signs

In mid-2023, I started noticing a different kind of exhaustion not the usual tiredness after a demanding workweek or full days of family activities. This was something deeper.

I was struggling to keep my eyes open, my brain felt foggy, and I couldn’t focus for more than a couple of hours before needing to lie down. At work, I found myself asking people to repeat themselves, unable to absorb conversations. Weekends became lost to sleep 14 hours of rest, only to wake up feeling just as drained.

I knew this wasn’t normal.

The Search for Answers

Concerned, I went to the doctor and had the usual blood tests. First, I was told my folic acid was low so I took supplements. When that didn’t help, I tried iron tablets. Nothing changed.

I pushed for a referral, knowing this was affecting my daily life. After more tests (I’ll spare you the details), I found myself taking four months off work, desperately trying to understand what was happening to me.

The final diagnosis: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Rebuilding Balance: The Strategies That Helped

At first, I felt lost. Would I ever feel like myself again? How could I return to work without a plan?

I knew I couldn’t just push through it wasn’t sustainable. So I had to make intentional choices that helped me regain control.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Attending CBT sessions gave me practical tools to manage my mindset, helping me navigate the emotional impact of chronic fatigue.
• Energy Planning: I learned to recognise when I would need additional rest, planning my time accordingly to avoid burnout.
• Communicating My Needs: I explained to my family, friends, and colleagues that I had to prioritise energy levels carefully I couldn’t say yes to everything, and sometimes, I’d need to see people for shorter periods.
• Restructuring My Work Hours: I adapted my schedule, incorporating long rest periods between meetings and reducing my hours. This allowed me to conserve energy, ensuring I could still enjoy family activities without feeling depleted.

These adjustments weren’t just about managing fatigue they were about regaining control over my life in a way that allowed me to function without feeling constantly drained.

Finding Hope in Change

While chronic fatigue changed my life in ways I hadn’t anticipated, it also forced me to become more intentional about balance. I discovered the ME Association, which provided helpful resources, and I found Raelan Agle, who helped me see that recovery was possible with the right approach.

The biggest lesson? Balance isn’t about doing everything it’s about knowing when to rest, when to adjust, and when to say no.

How Do You Manage Your Energy and Well-Being?

Living with chronic fatigue has taught me that balance isn’t just about managing time it’s about managing energy. The choices we make, the boundaries we set, and the way we adapt to life’s challenges all shape how we thrive.

If you’ve experienced chronic fatigue or had to rethink work/life balance due to health challenges, I’d love to hear your story. How do you protect your energy? Have you discovered strategies that have helped you regain control?

Let’s start a conversation in the comments our shared experiences can help support and uplift one another!