The #InactivityChallenge

So, I’ve heard there is a challenge going on. A lot of women around the world share their bathroom selfies as a celebration to their healthy active bodys. In their swimsuits or workout clothes. To encourage people to workout whoever they are and whatever situation they are in. Because there is no excuse to be inactive.

But the truth is that workout is not for everybody. There are in fact a lot of people around the world that can not tolerante exercise or any other exertion. And if they overexert themselves their health deteriorate. It’s called post exertional malaise (PEM) and the disease is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

People with ME have their own challenge. I would call it the #InactivityChallenge and it is ongoing every hour, every day, for years and decades. We can not push ourselves to get healthy through activity. Not improve our health by workout. And we always have to fight the misconceptions of society. That says inactivity is a sign of laziness and irresponsibility. That everybody can if they only want it enough. 

I don’t even know where I have my swimsuit or my workout clothes, because it was years since i could use them. I have been sick for at least 10 years now, and I have to stick to my bed at minimum 22 hours a day not to get worse. So, no #bathroomselfie from me. But I share a picture of my view when I best take care of myself. Resting in bed. Inactive.

People with ME:

Own your story. Create your own accountability and embrace your inactivity. Take responsibility and try to avoid PEM. Prevent harm and create wellbeing despite the misconception that workout is good for everyone. Be kind to yourself.

Don’t push your limits!

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Join the challenge and show the world how you use inactivity to pace your day without triggering PEM. And what’s happening if you are not. Share this text, or create your own, with a photo of you taking care of your health being inactive. Tag it #InactivityChallenge together with your regular ME-tags and post it in social media.

Please spread the word!