Dr. Ruben Mesa, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, has several videos on YouTube that I've shared in other posts. Here's one that offers 10 practical tips to fight fatigue:
10. Work-life balance. I'm lucky to work for someone who has been very accommodating as I've cut my teaching load and taken more hours in the tutoring center. While I plan to start collecting Social Security soon, I hope to be able to work in some capacity for a few more years. I would miss my colleagues. Unfortunately, we don't live in a society that encourages people to take it easy, even if they're sick.
9. Less time on the computer. EVERYthing is on the damn computer these days, from "Breaking Bad" to access and grading my student papers, and I bet this is hard for most people. I find that ...
8. Stretching helps. I have a quickie yoga routine that keeps me going if I remember to do it three or four times a day and not get swept away in the stream of digital tasks. I'm thinking about putting a timer next to the computer.
7. Going outdoors. Yup, this helps, and I should do it more. Last summer we watched the eclipse of the moon outdoors. The Boy even joined us, throwing out fun facts and photos on his smart phone. It made me remember that I miss camping, and should unplug and get more fresh air.
6. Water activities. I have two or three friends who do water activities a few times a week, and they get a lot from it. However, packing up and driving to the pool, never mind being in there with a lot of young lovelies at my age, just isn't gonna happen. I'll stick with my stationary bike to nowhere.
5. Comfortable shoes. Are uncomfortable shoes even an option for someone my age? I'd add that those of us with ET and elevated clot risks should also be careful about their socks. I retain fluid, and I like those non-constricting diabetic socks. You could also ask your hematologist of good-fitting support hose would be helpful to you.
4. Reading. Nobody's had to tell me to read since I was 4 years old. I'd also having something to do with your hands to focus your thoughts. Here's an article from the New York Times about the benefits of knitting.
3. Eating well. I've made a lot of strides in reducing calories, losing weight, lowering glucose, etc. But, as a carb hound, it is really hard to pass up a bakery
2. Walking. I have severe scoliosis (spinal curvature), so walking can be hard for me, but even just a walk around the block limbers things up, offers fresh air, and generally makes me feel better. I find that when I walk in the morning, I have more energy. Walking in the evening jags me up and makes it hard to ...
1. Get a good night's sleep. This is hard for me. I wake up at least twice with hot flashes accompanied by anxiety. I've tried all sorts of non-pharmaceutical tricks, and white noise or books on tape usually put me back to sleep quickly. I always sleep better during term breaks in teaching because I'm not thinking about the more anxiety-producing side of work.
Be well!
Be well!
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ET is a serious disease that requires specialist care. Discuss anything you read here with your doctor. No comments promoting "alternative" or "natural" cures (yes, this includes Rick Simpson's Oil) will be published.