Ponder with Pamela

Tag: health journey

  • The Benefits of Strategic Rest and Gentle Exercise

    The Benefits of Strategic Rest and Gentle Exercise

    June 7, 2025

    I’ve been working hard to maintain consistent sleep and wake times, so I was up early this morning. This allowed me to complete my full morning routine AND take a shower before heading out grocery shopping with my husband. There’s something so satisfying about feeling prepared and accomplished before the day’s errands even begin.

    The Power of Strategic Rest

    I did wind up getting so tired in the mid-afternoon that I took a one-hour nap to carry me through until bedtime. It was exactly what I needed. It was just enough rest to feel refreshed and make it through the remainder of the day without crashing.

    I’m being a lot more forgiving with myself when I feel that I need rest, and my body is responding so much better because of it. Instead of pushing through exhaustion and paying for it later, I’m learning to honor what my body needs in the moment.

    A Week of Transformation

    I honestly can’t believe how much better I’ve felt this entire week! The combination of consistent routines, gentle exercise, and listening to my body’s needs has created this upward spiral of wellness that feels almost too good to be true.

    It hasn’t been easy to build new habits while managing chronic conditions that require intention and flexibility, but the 10 minutes I’ve dedicated to working out each day has helped tremendously. Those small daily investments in movement are paying dividends in reduced pain and increased energy.

    Expanding What Works

    The exercise routine has been so beneficial that I’m actually planning to do yoga tomorrow, even though Sunday was supposed to be my rest day from working out. I figure I’ll just pick either Qi Gong, Yoga, or Tai Chi since I did strength training today.

    Maybe I’ll rotate through all three gentle practices on Sundays, or maybe I’ll just choose whichever one calls to me when the day arrives. The beauty is that I’m not hating any of it, and my aches and pains are slowly diminishing the more consistently I move.

    Sustainable Growth Goals

    I do want to work up to 30 minutes of exercise daily eventually, but I’m committed to not rushing the process. Right now, I’m just taking the wins I’m having and celebrating this incredible week of feeling better.

    The 10-minute sessions are sustainable, enjoyable, and clearly effective. There’s no need to push beyond what’s working just because I feel good. That’s how you sabotage progress, by getting excited and overdoing it.

    Lessons in Self-Compassion

    This week has taught me so much about the power of:

    • Consistent but gentle routines
    • Strategic rest without guilt
    • Listening to my body’s wisdom
    • Celebrating small wins
    • Building on what works rather than forcing what doesn’t

    The combination of better sleep habits, morning routines, gentle exercise, and self-forgiveness is creating a foundation for sustainable wellness that I haven’t experienced in a long time.

    Here’s to taking things slow, honoring rest, and continuing to build on this momentum! 💜

    Sometimes the biggest breakthrough comes from doing less but doing it consistently, and giving yourself permission to rest when you need it.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Transform Your Morning Routine: Tips for Daily Success

    Transform Your Morning Routine: Tips for Daily Success

    June 6, 2025

    Today was actually not a bad day despite the cloudy skies hanging overhead. We had some rain early this morning, but it’s just been overcast since then. Which is much more manageable than the stormy weather I was bracing for.

    Morning Routine Evolution

    I got my daily routine completed, even with the exciting new additions I’ve made. I decided to expand my morning rhythm by adding journaling and meditation, and I’m absolutely loving how it’s all coming together.

    My new morning flow feels like the perfect way to start each day:

    • 30 minutes of reading and coffee (my original grounding ritual)
    • 10 minutes of journaling (new addition for mental clarity)
    • Today’s exercise: Tai Chi (gentle, flowing movement)
    • Then: settling into work mode

    I really love starting my day this way now. There’s something so intentional and nurturing about giving myself this comprehensive morning self-care routine. Each element serves a different purpose. The reading feeds my mind, journaling clears mental clutter, and the exercise prepares my body for the day ahead.

    Exciting Job News!

    The best part of today: I got a job with RWS! After all those applications, testing, and qualifications, something finally came through. I spent a good portion of the day getting everything set up for this new opportunity.

    It’s only a part-time position, but it’s a steady paycheck every two weeks. It’s definitely better than nothing, and I’m still looking.

    It feels so good to have forward momentum on the career front, especially knowing that I’ve been building sustainable routines that will support me in managing work alongside my chronic conditions.

    Productive Day Management

    After handling all the job setup requirements, I worked through my email backlog. Having that organized morning routine actually made the transition into work tasks feel smoother and more manageable.

    The combination of feeling mentally clear from journaling and physically prepared from Tai Chi seems to be setting me up for better focus and energy throughout the workday.

    Evening Appreciation

    Now it’s almost dinner time, and my awesome husband is making cheeseburger pasta. Which is absolutely amazing, and I honestly can’t wait! There’s something so perfect about ending a productive, positive day with comfort food made by someone who loves you.

    Having a partner who handles most of the cooking makes such a difference when you’re managing chronic illness and building new work routines. It’s one less thing to worry about and one more way to feel supported.

    Building on Success

    Five days into this expanded morning routine and I can already see how much it’s enhancing my overall well-being. The consistency is becoming automatic, and even on cloudier weather days like today, I’m maintaining better energy and mood stability.

    Adding the journaling and meditation feels like the missing pieces that make everything else work even better. Here’s to sustainable routines, new opportunities, and supportive partners who make amazing comfort food! 💜

    Sometimes the best days aren’t defined by perfect weather, but by personal growth, new opportunities, and the love that surrounds you at home.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • From Factory Floors to Freedom: Why Working from Home Changed Everything for Me

    From Factory Floors to Freedom: Why Working from Home Changed Everything for Me

    May 19, 2025

    There are days I miss parts of my old job at Electripack. I miss the routine, the familiarity, and all of the people. However, the truth is that working from home has been one of the best things I’ve done for my health.

    When you live with chronic illnesses, traditional jobs don’t always fit. Pushing through pain, hiding fatigue, and pretending you’re okay when you’re not takes a toll. Now, I can rest when I need to. Work when I feel my best, and give myself grace on the harder days.

    This flexibility has allowed me to do more than just work. It’s also helped me grow. I’ve started a blog, I’m writing a book, and even enrolled in digital marketing training. I’m still hustling, but it’s on my terms now. And that freedom? That’s everything.

    If you’re navigating work and chronic illness, I see you. And there are options out there that support you instead of draining you.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜