I guess that puts me in the "non-functioning" category. I can't work, or do much really, though fatigue is only one of the reasons for that, but possibly some of the things that help me deal with exhaustion can be applied to those working, socialising, etc.
Sleep - Good sleep is absolutely vital, try medication if symptoms or anything else is stopping you sleeping at night (not all sleep meds are addictive). Naps during the day are very important to me as well. My sleep is sacred to me. I don't just feel bad physically if I've not had enough sleep, I can't think straight and get in a bad mood. Usually I sleep about nine hours at night and have a one hour nap in the day.
Routine - Keep to a routine, and as far as possible, try to plan your day round your energy levels. E.g. I get tired and often need to nap after meals, and I've seen other people here mention this before as well. I'm also very much a morning person, so I get up early in the morning, go to bed early at night. I go out in the morning if possible, e.g. I go outside with my dog earlier in the day. If you can work out how your energy fluctuates, and what causes the fluctuations, plan round them as far as the flexibility of your schedule allows.
A few other tips I've found: if you're cold, you may feel more tired, so try to keep warm. Medications, as you mention, can kill your energy or give you too much of it, depending on the med in question (prednisone is an example of the latter, for me). Mental stress, and emotions generally, affect energy, though the effects vary from one person to the next. Not eating enough is very likely to cause tiredness. Fresh air can wake you up. Exercise (whatever that means for you - for me it means a slow amble with my dog) often gives an immediate energy boost, though not if you're truly exhausted, then only sleep will do.
I would think sleep would be the most important thing for you to focus on, Danico. If you're not getting that right, it will be hard to find energy during the daytime. What stops you sleeping well?
