How often do most people actually feel well day to day?

[Silvertips]

I am wondering how often do other people feel pretty good i.e. more or less rested, somewhat energetic, a decent or at least even mood, not in any significant pain or discomfort, able to focus and follow though on plans day to day. Alternatively do you tend to feel rubbish, tired a lot of the time and if so why? I am just interested in how common it is to feel pretty good vs feeling pretty rubbish and the reasons for that difference.

To start I am in my 40's, and perimenopausal which is messing with my sleep and energy but I have also had chronic migraines for a long time so feeling good is a bit of a lottery day to day, my habits are mostly good i.e. exercise, diet, no alcohol etc but migraines and perimenopausal insomnia still hobbles me frequently.

I always look at other people and imagine they are feeling good, alert and energetic but then perhaps most people feel rubbish most of the time?

I'm 60s now from when I was maybe 48/49 I've had one issue after another: I'm never rested, wake up constantly at night, I have a balance problem and a weak bladder, poor circulation in my legs, constantly tired. I think being a carer and having an abusive partner has all taken its toll. I'm thinking that if I ate properly, went to bed early, avoided alcohol etc., I'd have more of a chance of feeling ok? It's always on my list to try!

Early 60s, generally feel fine. No pain luckily. Get the odd day where I might feel a bit fed up but I think that's normal.

Really interesting replies everyone! I'm glad that it seems most people are feeling fine most of the time! Its interesting to know if this is the "norm" or not.

Also interesting that a few people mentioned having a positive attitude. I do think this is important in many ways but I do typically have quite a positive laid back attitude but I don't think that ever really helped with my chronic migraine, it might have helped me function better and get on with things on pain free days but happy or sad, busy or not, the migraines just came as they pleased! However a positive attitude is still a good thing to have or cultivate for sure.

I would say I have found perimenopausal insomnia actually harder to deal with mentally than the chronic migraine there has been times when the lack of sleep has brought me very low indeed but then a good night or two and I'm back to feeling positive regardless of the other challenges!

@Morepositivemum It is like someone pulls a plug on you at this age isn't it! Just when you have all these responsibilities piling up too! I do think sleep and the ability / time to catch up on sleep is a huge thing. I appreciate the hug and same to you too!

I just saw what you said about a positive mental attitude op, everyone who has one/ has kept theirs is lucky, hormones do a huge number on you at this age as does a lack of sleep. I went on something (for something else and only short term) that is known to boost those hormones and was shocked at how back to my old positive self I was!!! My friends were laughing at how excited I was to have ‘me’ back- sadly was just for a month!!!!

I’m nearly 62, work full time. I feel totally fine 98% of the time, however by a Friday night I’m pretty wiped out. My mood is also good to excellent. I’m rarely ill, last time was mild Covid 3 years ago.

I’m 46 and feel great/strong every day (any sick bugs aside).
Probably helped by sleeping 8-9 hours a night and my general fitness levels.

I feel good 99% of the time.

I have small children that don’t sleep through so can be a bit tired, but largely deal with that with an early bedtime myself (boring!).

I am very lucky!

@Morepositivemum Absolutely true! Our hormones have a direct impact on our brain chemistry and so at perimenopause and beyond the impact can be significant and not everyone can take HRT. While I think being positive is a great thing I also don't think it can prevent illness and pain as a lot of that is just your genetics and your luck so I'm wary the suggestion that it can protect you when I know first hand it can't always.

I do hear from some older women that once you're out the other side of menopause things level off and you get a bit of your old self back again but unfortunately we can't put everyone who wants a piece of us on hold until then!

I felt fine and actually loved life till I got long Covid and now I feel like I’ve been run over by a bus every day and I still have to get up and work.

I have allergies to every airborne allergen and EDS. I was fine really until 5 years ago. Felt strong, healthy and had fairly good energy. Having an off day was rare. Now I can't really remember the last time I felt well. I have always struggled to sleep, or rather I just don't seem to need much more than 5 hrs, but I think I might actually need more but my brain won't let me! Every day I am wheezy, face pain from sinuses, throat swells randomly and itches, constant itching in ears, eczema, headaches and vertigo. But, I think a lot of this is now dragging me down because of some awful life events that occurred 5 years ago. So although I have had allergies and EDS since forever, I think a positive mindset meant that I could cope, whereas now I have sort of given up and I can't remember the last time I saw a GP.....I have no doubt he thinks I am a picture of health!