I understand that I have to relax every now and then, however I am really struggling with it, being constantly in an endless loop of:

  1. Having a lot of energy and doing a bunch of stuff for a couple of weeks.
  2. Getting exhausted to the point I cannot control my impulsions and wreck my daily routine
  3. Try to rest only to fall in a depressive state for a couple of weeks.
  4. Collect myself up and repeat from step 1.

Trying to do low effort activities like watching a series or playing video games, is addictive, I stay up late without being able to stop, and end up more tired.

The hobbies I like require focus, and that’s what I am trying to avoid. Examples include programming and chess.

Going out with friends is nice but drains my social energy, after a couple of weekends out I need to stay in.

Chores sometimes work, but other times I feel guilty about the state of cleanliness of my home.

So, how do you relax/rest? Got a magic recipe? Are you struggling like me?

Edit: I just want to say this community is awesome, thanks for the support.

  • @[email protected]English
    8•1 year ago

    Part of it is pacing yourself on the energy weeks. Just because I have the energy to work 12 hours a day on a project doesn’t mean I should.

    Another part is ensuring I have a good combination of fun/unstructured time with friends, time with SO and time alone. In time alone I’ll tend to listen to a book and play something stimulating like slay the spire.

    As for rest it took me a long, long time of fighting it but eventually one day it mostly clicked for me: I’m now in bed around 1030 up around 7 and feel good at that level of sleep. I know that if I stop playing games and just watch some TV and pet the dog I’ll start to get tired.

    Yes executive dysfunction makes those deliberate choices harder but it’s not insurmountable. I will say trying to keep myself in sync with my partner has also helped tremendously. I try to go to bed at the same time as them every night.

    • @[email protected]English
      3•1 year ago

      Just because I have the energy to work 12 hours a day on a project doesn’t mean I should.

      Actually I feel I should… My productivity at works comes and goes in phases, I have to make up for it in productive weeks if I don’t want to get fired.