Well-being tip #6: Managing low energy levels

One of the most undesired side effects of chemo is low energy levels, what the doctors might call fatigue. I remember during my first chemo the nurse told me that I was going to feel very tired with the treatment. But I was sure this wouldn't happen to me. I always had so much energy! Some weeks later I realised there were days I was struggling to get out of bed, or to go to work, to cook... Anything felt like a huge effort! There were days, in fact, I felt I didn't have energy to walk from the couch to bed. I felt almost constantly exhausted, and now 5 weeks after my last chemo there are still days I struggle to get through the day. Although there are no ways to avoid it (sorry!), there are some strategies you can use to make you feel better.

Tip #1 Learn to manage your energy levels

While we can't always have lots of energy levels, we can learn to manage our energy levels. How can we do that? We need to learn to prioritise. Unfortunately we can't have energy for everything, neither all the time (sometimes not when we choose either). If you have an event you want to attend, for example, take it easy during the rest of the day. Have a nap before the event if you need to. Watch something you enjoy and have a healthy, energising meal (a meal rich in fats will slow down your digestion and make you feel worse). Then have a shower, wear a nice outfit, put some nice makeup on and your wig (or any hair piece), and you are beautiful and ready, with some energy! If you want to have energy to go to a yoga class, schedule some time to rest after it to recharge. I found meditation was also very good to help me recharge, and so was hypnosis to manage my energy levels.

Tip #2 Be flexible with yourself

Sometimes we can do everything right, rest, save our energy... And we still feel exhausted. Albeit disappointing, slow down and respect your body as it needs time to recover. Remember it is receiving huge amounts of drugs to save your life. Family and friends are usually understanding and supportive, so communicate how you are feeling. Be flexible with yourself. If you are not feeling well, allow yourself to recover. I know it might be hard but reminding ourselves it is okay to feel tired helps.

Tip #3 Ask for help

Something that is very hard for a lot of people, especially women, is to ask for help. I still struggle with it. But cancer treatment is not something you can do on your own. I highly suggest, if you haven't already, that you start asking for help. For example, food shopping, cooking, doing the dishes or the laundry, cleaning, getting to/from doctors appointments and medical tests. If others help you with at least some of these, it will take some pressure of you and you will also have more energy. Remember that those who love you usually want to help but they not always know how to, so communicate what things you would like to get help with.

Tip #4 Do light exercise

It sounds counter active but research shows that exercising increases your energy levels. I initially though I would be doing Pilates during chemo. My main aim was to be able to work, and I soon realised I didn't have energy enough to go to work and go to the gym... So I told myself it was okay to take this time off the gym. But I also walked to/from work (about 1.7km each way) and walked lots inside my building. I would try to take the stairs as much as I could. Most of the days I managed at least 5km. Walking is a great exercise: it's low impact, it can take as long as you want and you don't need any complicated or expensive apparatus to do it. If you don't have the energy to do vigorous exercise during chemo, try to walk to places you would otherwise drive or take public transport. For example, if you need to go to the shops to buy a few items, or if you are going to meet a friend for coffee, walk there instead. Or take the stairs instead of the lift when you can.

Tip #5 Nourish your body well

Having a balanced, healthy diet will help you to feel more energetic (some tips from my previous blog here). There are also some types of food that contain caffeine and will help you keep going (at least for a while). Examples are coffee and English breakfast tea. I am a huge fan of green tea for several reasons, and although it contains significantly lower levels of caffeine than coffee it still contains some to keep you going. I also like to take guarana pills on most mornings, which are basically pure caffeine and help me keep going (as always please check with your doctor if it's okay for you to take it).

Hope these tips will help you feel more energetic and positive!

Fran xx