Fatigue, fatigue, fatigue! Where do we start with you? Fatigue is categorically one of the biggest challenges a chronic condition warrior has to face. Fatigue is an all consuming physical and mental exhaustion that takes over not only your body but also your mind. Many healthy people will use the term fatigue to describe tiredness but fatigue is more than that as it interferes with your daily life and affects your ability to complete everyday tasks successfully.

To read more on my feelings towards fatigue and other people’s perceptions read my post titled I’m not Lazy, I’m Fatigued here.

My own experience

Fatigue for me is my biggest enemy this is because it is the one symptom I feel I cant get a handle on at times no matter how hard I try. The one symptom that robs me of achieving what I want to achieve and being who I want to be. I find it can be a combination of many things that make my fatigue worse from overdoing it, to getting too much sleep, not enough sleep, having too many sensory things around me, having to concentrate for too long and even having conversations with others.

I have tried many different things to help with my fatigue and whilst I have never found that one golden thing that solves it, I have found some little things that have made a difference of sorts.

Tips for managing fatigue – Remember to always check with your doctor before trying any new tips.

• Pacing – Trust me if there is only thing you take away from my blog – pacing should be it. For more information on what pacing is and ideas on how to do it check out my pacing post here.

• Establishing a bedtime routine with good sleep hygiene – Getting your body into a routine before bedtime will allow your body to anticipate sleep at the times you need it to. Good sleep hygiene which are essentially good sleep habits include making your sleeping space as comfortable as possible by looking at the temperature in the room, the bedding you use and the colour of your décor to make it a relaxing space. Going to bed the same time and getting up the same time regardless of what has gone on throughout the day or night. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine several hours before bedtime as they are simulants which can interfere with sleep. Avoiding clock watching as this will only remind you that you are not asleep yet so instead get up and go back to bed when you are sleepy.

• Relaxation periods – Find a period of the day in which you can have time that is just for yourself to do something that you enjoy. This doesn’t mean you have to sit and meditate (although this is great if you can) it can be as simple as reading a book or taking a bath, the key is it just needs to be something you find relaxing. By introducing a relaxation period in your day, you are giving your body and mind a break which with fatigue it desperately needs.

• Drink more water – I have to say I am guilty of not doing this enough at times due to stomach issues but you need to try to keep hydrated as much as possible. Also look at your diet and try to eliminate anything that causes a dip in energy because this will only contribute to your fatigue levels.

Sadly there is no quick fix where fatigue is concerned just trial and error and whilst something may help one day it may not on another . There is no doubt fatigue is one of the most difficult symptoms of chronic illness to manage but hopefully by reading this article alongside some of my other fatigue articles you will find tips and tricks that you can try.

Next week’s symptom: Dizziness