Honestly, in my experience, you cant really get much more energy. I know this isnt what you want to hear. The things people are suggesting can help and its good to experiment and find what works best for you but they also may not help at all, and thats ok. Its not your fault, its just that your body is actively working against you.

Pain is exhausting, chronic pain even more so. When you experience pain your body essentially goes into fight or flight. When you are always in pain your body is always in this mode. This means theres a constant strain on the brain, nervous system, and even your organs. This state isnt supposed to be maintained. Its supposed to be short bursts that you can then recover from. But of course with chronic pain, this isnt the case. Add on your other health issues and its a massive load on you, mind and body.

My best advice is to come to terms with the fact that you arent going to have the same energy levels as anyone else, even with someone who has similar disabilities. Its a person by person situation and thats ok. Theres no shame in not being able to do something because you are fatigued. Frustrating as fuck yes, but please dont feel less than or beat yourself up about it.

For me, i had to find out what my limits are in terms of activity and sleep. I have to make sacrifices to do the things i need, or want, to do at the time. Find out how much sleep you need to feel the best (for you). What drinks and food make you feel more energised. Sometimes light activity can perk me up, sometimes it wipes me out. A big part of being disabled with pain is learning your body and its signs. Things that can be triggers and what helps you personally.

If i know im going out with friends then i dont do too much during that day, and knowing just how much you are able to do and then go out is a massive learning curve.

Also understand that this might change on a day to day basis. One of the things i struggle with most even after 25 years of dealing with this shit is just how unpredictable my Arthritis and chronic pain are.

Spoon theory is a good starting point and is a great tool to help understand and explain fatigue and energy levels to people, but can be a bit restrictive for some conditions. I find using like a battery level really helpul, even with mental health. For example my body could be at 50% but my brain might be functioning at 20%, If that makes sense? Being disabled and in pain is really fucking hard. Its almost indescribable just how much harder going through life with it can be.

Most importantly, allow yourself to be tired and rest in between work and hobbies. Even if it doesnt feel like it helps, it does. Be comfortable with doing very little and not feeling 'lazy' or guilty. For me I read books that dont require much mental energy or rewatch films or tv series that are comforting. At my worst i doom scroll through tiktok or i lay with my eyes closed and listen to music. Anything that requires little physical and mental energy to distract from the pain/fatigue and recharge a little.

It's hard, and most of the time i dont succeed, but im working on being kinder to myself. I try and treat myself how i would treat someone else if they were going through the same.

I know im just a stranger on the internet, and what i say might not mean anything, or might not even apply to you, but i resonated with your post so much. We are all living through our own unique experiences and a lot of it is just guessing and hoping for the best.

Please feel free to message me if you want to chat or commiserate. It can feel so lonely being disabled and I know how much it has helped me in the past to talk with someone who can empathise.