nani
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| Sun Oct 16, 2005 9:18 pm Fatigue: What You Should Know more on part 2 |
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Fatigue: What You Should Know
A Guide for People with Multiple Sclerosis
Main Page
Table 2—Self-Help Energy Boosters
Strategy
Why It Helps and Tips
Stop smoking.
Smoking puts a strain on your lungs, making fatigue worse and compounding the effects of MS. Quit the habit, and breathing and simple activities may not tire you out so much.
Eat a healthy diet.
Eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet energizes your body. Try eating breakfast soon after you get up. Consult with a professional about an appropriate diet.
Plan your day around your natural body rhythms, and establish a regular sleep schedule.
Schedule your must-do activities for your most energetic times. To help you sleep, drink warm milk 30 minutes before bedtime. Keep exercise equipment and TVs out of the bedroom.
If you've been trying to fall asleep for more than 30 minutes, get out of the bed and do a quiet activity until you feel tired.
Adjust your activity levels.
Save energy for what matters most to you. Set priorities, then focus on them. Cut out low-priority tasks.
Take naps.
Naps give tired muscles a break and pump energy back into your system. A nap for 10–30 minutes can help. (See How To Make the Most of a Nap in below box.)
Drink cool liquids.
Chilled drinks, ices, and popsicles help keep your body's temperature in the comfort zone. Make sure you get plenty of water during the day, no matter what else you drink.
Note: Caffeine can prevent you from falling asleep. Alcohol may help you doze off, but it can keep you from getting a good night's sleep.
Stay cool.
Lowering your body temperature helps you feel refreshed. Cool showers, air conditioning, swimming or pool therapy, lightweight clothes, and cooling equipment can help you beat the heat.
Consider an exercise program.
Exercise has been shown to improve problems with MS fatigue for some people, but it doesn't help everyone. A proper exercise program should increase your energy level, not deplete it. Check with your physical therapist, and get an OK from your doctor.
Save your exercise for a planned exercise session.
Don't confuse exercise with function. Take the elevator, not the stairs. Use parking spots set aside for people with disabilities—save the steps and your energy.
Do relaxation exercises.
Deep breathing, visualization (see Glossary), yoga, and tai chi are relaxation exercises you can learn to do at home.
Get help if you need it.
If you're feeling down or people tell you they think you're depressed, see a mental-health professional. |
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