Fatigue management ...

Over the years I have had lots of ups and downs with fatigue. I still remember the time when I realised in a general conversation with a friend that it wasn’t ‘normal’ to have to go to the toilets at work in the middle of the day for a snooze and set an alarm to wake you after 20mins. Yes at times my fatigue is that bad! I’ve definitely got better at managing it but it still has a habit on sneaking up on me.

Unless its hiding really well I don’t think there is a single magic trick to making it disappear but below are a few things which I have found helps: 

  1. Regular bedtime and ‘stocking’ up on sleep - I have got over my feelings of thinking it isn’t ‘cool’ to go to bed before 10pm. I still struggle to convince myself that pre 9pm is reasonable but at times its just that my body needs it and I should listen to it. I am essentially like a baby with sleep and routine is everything

  2. Exercise – yes it sounds slightly counter intuitive but doing exercise does give me energy. I have a few theory’s about it – not sure if any of them are true but that is for another post 

  3. Diet – I have ups and downs with this one. About 10 years ago I followed a gluten free diet – then ‘soften’ it. Now I am back on it. I have found that it helps me but not on its own. Non-processed seems to be more important that gluten free although I generally find they often go hand in hand with how I eat

  4. Pacing myself – managing my FOMO! I have weeks where I am lucky enough to have things on multiple evenings with friends alongside a fairly full on day in the office. Do I always look at my diary and say no when I know I should because I need a quiet night in … no. But … I’m better than I used to be and its always good to have something to work on 

  5. Water and hydration – Another one where I have a few theories but I do find that often when I’m drooping a large glass of water can help perk me up (so far I am essentially like a flower and a baby … not sure where this is going?!?!?)

At times it feels like a continuous game of cat and mouse with fatigue so sure there will be future posts where I’ve hopefully found more things to put into my backpocket …

PS - family and friends do not quote these at me when I’m not following them!

Lis Rideal