Last updated on December 3rd, 2024 at 02:31 pm

Coping with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a Small Business Owner

Introduction

Running a small business is no easy feat. It demands energy, focus, and resilience. But when you’re living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), the challenge becomes even more complex. CFS is a long-term illness that can leave you feeling persistently tired, regardless of how much rest you get. For small business owners, finding a balance between managing their health and their business can feel overwhelming.

This blog post will explore practical strategies to help small business owners cope with chronic fatigue syndrome while maintaining their professional responsibilities.

The information below is not aimed at providing medical information (as always talk to your doctor for anything medically related) but is based on being the husband of a small business owner who has CFS and sees the effects.  I hope that it helps someone, remember you are not the only one to feel like you do.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a debilitating condition characterised by severe fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. It often comes with other symptoms, including:

• Cognitive difficulties, such as memory problems and trouble concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”).
• Sleep disturbances, such as unrefreshing sleep or insomnia.
• Muscle or joint pain without an apparent cause.
• Post-exertional malaise (PEM), where symptoms worsen after physical or mental activity.

For business owners, these symptoms can hinder day-to-day operations and decision-making, making it essential to adopt coping strategies that align with their health needs.

Hitting the Right Balance: The Importance of Self-Awareness

Understanding Your Limits

Living with CFS requires a heightened sense of self-awareness. Overexertion can lead to flare-ups, so it’s vital to recognise your physical and mental limits.

To better understand your energy levels:

1. Keep a journal to track activities, symptoms, and energy patterns.
2. Use tools like the spoon theory to allocate your energy resources wisely.
3. Learn to say no to tasks or commitments that are too demanding.

Listening to Your Body

Your body will often signal when you’re pushing too hard. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or increased fatigue can act as warning signs. Pay attention to these signals and adjust your workload accordingly. By respecting your body’s needs, you can avoid worsening your condition.

Practical Tips for Managing Your Business with CFS

1. Prioritise and Delegate

Small business owners often wear many hats, but with CFS, it’s crucial to focus only on the most essential tasks.

• Identify your priorities: Make a list of tasks that directly impact your business and tackle those first.
• Delegate responsibilities: Consider outsourcing administrative tasks, marketing, or customer service to virtual assistants or freelancers.

Delegation not only lightens your workload but also ensures your business continues running smoothly, even on your low-energy days.

2. Embrace Technology

Technology can be a lifesaver for business owners with chronic fatigue. Here are some tools to help streamline operations:

• Project management apps: Tools like Trello or Asana can help you organise tasks and collaborate with your team.
• Automation software: Use platforms like Zapier to automate repetitive tasks.
• Communication tools: Apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams make remote collaboration easier, reducing the need for physical meetings.

By using these tools, you can conserve your energy while maintaining productivity.

3. Create a Flexible Schedule

Traditional 9-to-5 workdays may not suit someone with CFS. Instead, design a flexible schedule that works with your energy levels.

• Identify your peak energy times and schedule important tasks during those periods.
• Break your day into shorter work sessions with regular rest breaks.
• Avoid back-to-back meetings to prevent mental exhaustion.

Flexibility can help you remain productive without exacerbating your symptoms.

4. Set Realistic Goals

When living with chronic fatigue, it’s important to redefine success. You might not be able to achieve the same level of output as others, and that’s okay. Set achievable goals that consider your health limitations. Celebrate small wins, as they build momentum and motivation.

Looking After Your Health While Running a Business

Prioritising Rest and Recovery

Rest isn’t just important; it’s essential. Make rest a non-negotiable part of your routine.

• Incorporate daily rest periods, even during busy times.
• Create a relaxation zone in your workspace where you can take quick breaks.
• Practice good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and minimising screen time before bed.

Staying Active Without Overdoing It

Physical activity can help with overall health, but it’s essential to find the right balance. Low-impact exercises like yoga or gentle stretching can be beneficial. Always listen to your body and stop if you feel fatigued or unwell.

A Balanced Diet for Sustained Energy

Eating a balanced diet is key to managing energy levels.

• Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Avoid sugary snacks or caffeinated drinks, which can lead to energy crashes.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.

Seeking Support

Building a Support Network

Running a business with CFS can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to:

• Family and friends who can offer emotional or practical support.
• Fellow entrepreneurs with similar experiences through local business groups or online forums.
• Support groups for CFS where you can connect with others who understand your challenges such as these on Facebook (recommended by my wife) :
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/The.M.E.Chat.Room
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/Spoon.Shortage
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/2379871070

Professional Help

Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed. A business coach or mentor can help you develop strategies to manage your workload. Similarly, some healthcare professionals can provide personalised advice for managing your symptoms (sadly others don’t seem to think that CFS is a real thing or believe that it’s a psychological condition, despite articles such as https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/chronic-fatigue-syndrome  and  https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/277 ).

Overcoming the Emotional Challenges

Living with chronic fatigue often comes with emotional challenges like frustration, anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy. As a business owner, these feelings can be amplified. Here are some tips for managing them:

Practise Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. Recognise that you’re doing your best under challenging circumstances. Replace negative self-talk with affirmations that remind you of your strengths and accomplishments.

Seek Therapy or Counselling

A therapist can help you process your emotions and develop coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), in particular, can be effective for managing the mental health impacts of chronic fatigue for some sufferers but is not a cure of the underlaying condition.

Focus on What You Can Control

Instead of dwelling on what you can’t do, shift your focus to what you can achieve. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge the progress you’re making, no matter how incremental.

Long-Term Strategies for Thriving with CFS

Adapt Your Business Model

If your current business setup is too demanding, consider adapting your model. For instance:

• Transition to an online business if running a physical storefront is too taxing.
• Focus on passive income streams, such as selling digital products or affiliate marketing.

Making these changes can reduce the physical and mental strain of your business.

Build a Reliable Team

Invest in a trustworthy team who can manage operations during your low-energy periods. Delegating key responsibilities ensures your business remains stable, even when you need to step back.

Regularly Review Your Approach

CFS is a fluctuating condition, so it’s important to regularly review your coping strategies and adjust them as needed. What works today might need tweaking tomorrow, so remain open to change.

Conclusion

Managing a small business while living with chronic fatigue syndrome is undeniably challenging, but it’s not impossible. By prioritising your health, leveraging technology, and seeking support, you can find a sustainable way to balance your personal and professional life.

Remember, your well-being comes first. A healthier you is a more effective and resilient business owner. Take things one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to adapt your approach as your needs evolve.