For those who are not able to work

[Sea otter]

I am housebound and I want to feel useful but on the other hand I don't have idea what I could do with this condition. I was thinking on some kind of "hobby" which I can do when symptoms allow me, maybe something that I can get paid for. Do you have some "POTS friendly" jobs/hobbies? 

[Pistol]

@Aleks - once I was able to get out of bed and do things again I was able to volunteer for this forum, and later I picked up a few hobbies. Learning Cherokee language, knitting ( mostly gifts but I am getting very good at it ), making my own candles,  and reading. I used to LOVE gardening and restoring old wooden furniture but can no longer do that 😒, so I spend time watching birds ( either from my porch or from my window ). I bought several books, and I use the binoculars if I have to. I never thought any of these things would bring me joy, but they do! 

I also volunteer for my church to send cards to people for birthdays, anniversaries or other occasions. --- There are so many things we can do! Photography, playing an instrument, volunteering to make calls or input data from home etc. Whatever you have an interest in you can probably find something useful you can share with others. The good thing about being housebound is that we have time, and most other people dont, so doing something that others find no time to do is always appreciated! 

 

[Sea otter]

Thank you so much for your reply. After I got diagnosed I have translated one book. 

As you have said, there is a lot of free time, so I am trying to find what to do. Before all that I was very active, so I struggle little with interests. You said very well that other people don't have free time and we do. 

[Pistol]

@Aleks you are doing a wonderful job at putting your skills to use! What a wonderful idea to translate a book! I know someone in Germany that has his own business translating books, texts or documents, and he makes a decent living. 

[Sea otter]

I have translated book for free. 😊 

I am trying to find what to do and maybe get paid for it. 

 

[MikeO]

I participate on a Classic Car forum. I find it enjoyable helping folks with their projects (fun group as well and very chatty more that just cars) i also have my project Camaro to work on restoring (i have enough sitting bench work items to work during my bad days).

Warmer months i will go to various community events (car shows, strawberry fest, fairs etc..) I also enjoy watching the wildlife that visits my property and cooking. For now i am choosing activities that will keep me active (i have been caught up in being sedentary I don't want that to happen again or for as long as i can avoid it)

[Pistol]

@Aleks I know of someone who became disabled and now earns a living putting items on ebay for people unable to do so. Someone who is computer savvy could do all kinds of things for people. 

I really used to enjoy gardening and had wonderful flower beds. Since I am no longer able to put in the work required to keep them maintained I now enjoy an array of house plants - they are much easier to care for but give me a lot of pleasure. I also bake my own bread when able.