The part no one really talks about
Some days, I wake up ready to take on everything.
I have a plan.
A list.
A version of the day in my head where I feel like myself again.
And then my body interrupts.
The pain is heavier.
The fatigue sits deeper.
Even the smallest task suddenly feels overwhelming.
Living with endometriosis and adenomyosis has completely changed what productivity means to me.
Because the truth is, my energy is not consistent.
And no planner, routine or “perfect morning” can fix that.
My experience: constantly negotiating with my own body
There’s a version of me that still wants to operate at full speed.
She wants to wake up early, work out, tick everything off her to-do list, show up fully, be present, be social, build a business, grow a brand… all in one day.
And then there’s the reality.
A body that needs more rest.
More pauses.
More understanding.
And something I’ve had to come to terms with is this:
Not everyone understands how much energy it takes just to function.
To go to work.
To meet friends.
To show up and be “on.”
What looks like a simple plan to someone else can feel like a full day’s worth of energy for me.
And that disconnect can feel incredibly isolating.
Because from the outside, you might look fine.
But inside, you’re constantly calculating:
“Do I have enough energy for this?”
“What will this cost me tomorrow?”
The grief no one prepares you for
I don’t think we talk enough about the grief that comes with chronic illness.
Because alongside the pain, there’s also loss.
I’ve had to mourn my body and what it used to be able to do.
The ease I once had.
The version of me that didn’t have to think twice about making plans or pushing through a long day.
And that grief shows up in unexpected ways.
In cancelled plans.
In missed opportunities.
In moments where you realise your life has to look different now.
It’s not just physical.
It’s emotional too.
What I’ve learned about productivity (the hard way)
Over time, I’ve realised that the way we’re taught to see productivity doesn’t work for bodies like mine.
So I had to redefine it.
1. Productivity is not consistency. It’s adaptability
Some days I can do a lot.
Some days I can barely do anything.
Both are valid.
Instead of forcing consistency, I’ve learned to work with my energy, not against it.
2. Rest is not a reward. It’s a requirement
I used to treat rest like something I had to earn.
Now I see it as something I need in order to function at all.
Resting earlier often prevents the full crash later.
3. A “small” day is still a successful day
There are days where my only wins are:
- answering a few emails
- eating properly
- getting out of bed
And that counts.
Because on harder days, those things are not small.
4. Pushing through isn’t always strength
There’s a lot of messaging around being resilient and pushing through discomfort.
But with chronic illness, pushing too far can set you back days.
Listening to your body is not weakness.
It’s self-awareness.
5. Your worth is not your output
This is the hardest one.
We’re taught to tie our value to how much we achieve.
How busy we are.
How productive we look.
But your worth does not decrease on the days your body needs more from you.
A softer way to approach your days
If you’re navigating chronic illness too, this is what’s helped me create a bit more balance:
- Plan your day with flexibility, not pressure
- Have a “minimum baseline” for harder days
- Celebrate what you did do, not what you didn’t
- Build in rest before you feel like you need it
- Speak to yourself with more compassion than criticism
You don’t need to keep proving that you can push through.
Final thoughts
I’m still unlearning a lot.
I’m still figuring out how to balance ambition with a body that needs more care.
But I’m starting to understand this:
Productivity doesn’t have to mean doing more.
Sometimes, it means doing less… intentionally.
And some days, the most productive thing you can do is listen to your body and respond with kindness.
If this resonated
If you’re also navigating life with chronic illness, you’re not alone in this.
I share more of my journey with slow, intentional living, wellness and travel over on LivingInFotos.
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