Guest post by Rob vanSpronsen
Hi, I’m Rob — Agnes’s husband. Normally, I’m behind the scenes supporting her writing and the life she shares here with you. But this week, Agnes has been down with a massive head cold. She asked me to step in and share some of the strategies we’ve been using at home to help her conserve energy and give her body the best chance to heal. My hope is that by sharing what has been working for us, you might find one or two ideas that serve you the next time illness hits on top of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.
1. Lying Flat to Conserve Energy, Sitting Up for Digestion
The body heals best when energy is protected, and for Agnes, lying flat has been the most restorative posture. It minimizes strain, helps her nervous system settle, and allows her to fully rest. At the same time, she builds in short periods of sitting upright — especially after meals — to aid digestion and keep circulation moving. This balance helps her recover without burning unnecessary energy.
2. Soaking Up the Sun
Every day, she spends time on our deck, letting the warmth and light of the sun reach her. Fresh air and natural light help regulate circadian rhythms, lift mood, and signal to the body that healing is underway.
3. Staying Nourished With Nutrient Support
Even when swallowing feels uncomfortable, Agnes continues taking her supplements — a way of saying to her body, “I will give you what you need, even when it’s hard.” She has also leaned on NingXia Red to provide concentrated nutrients that support her immune system and overall resilience. On days when she needs a gentle lift, she’ll combine it with a can of Zyng for a natural energy boost. Together, these supports help sustain her body through illness without tipping her into further depletion.
4. Gentle Hygiene Practices
Illness can make basic hygiene feel impossible. Still, Agnes has made time for a sit-down shower and simple body wipes. This isn’t about vanity — it’s about refreshing her nervous system, lifting her spirits, and giving her body a small boost of dignity and care.
5. Cold Packs for Migraine Relief
The pounding headaches that came with this cold were relentless. Cold-gel packs applied to her head provided moments of relief, lowering inflammation and helping her endure the worst spells with less strain.
6. Eating With Energy in Mind
During these days, food has been kept simple and easy to digest: squash, chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots. These meals conserve energy both in preparation and digestion while still offering nourishment that comforts and sustains.
7. Essential Oils for Soothing Pain
Natural remedies are part of her toolkit. Basil, Ylang Ylang, and OrthoEase massage oil have eased muscle and joint pain. Digize, Peppermint and Fennel oils have calmed her stomach. These aren’t just physical supports — they’re rituals of self-soothing that bring comfort to body and mind.
Final Thoughts
What I’ve witnessed over these four days is that saving energy isn’t passive — it’s intentional. Each small choice Agnes makes becomes a way of protecting her limited reserves so her body can focus on healing.
While this is certainly about choosing supportive practices that honor the body where it is right now, it is also — and sometimes more importantly — about carefully managing energy and relying on natural supports in order to help the body avoid the crash that often follows illness for people struggling with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Take what serves you, leave the rest, and give yourself permission to protect your healing energy without guilt.
You can order the following Young Living Oils here: Digize, Basil, Peppermint, Fennel, OrthoEase, NingXia Red, and Zyng. (search for them under Products tab)
You are not alone.If you’re looking for a safe and encouraging place to explore this kind of healing, you’re warmly invited to join our Facebook group: Unfinished Journey… because God’s not done with me yet.