Cope With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Successfully living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) requires developing strategies to cope with the disease. Many patients suffer from depression and apathy upon being diagnosed with this lifelong illness. However, after a period of adjustment, most find that actively participating in a wellness plan is an important part of treating CFS.
Instructions
1. Look for simple solutions. Drugs prescribed for CFS are generally targeted at relieving a specific symptom. Think of coping strategies in the same way. Mechanisms to cope with CFS do not have to be elaborate or answer all of the problems presented by the disease. They need only to make your life more comfortable and easier.
2. Become a note taker. CFS often causes memory loss, inability to concentrate and the feeling of operating from behind a cloud. Writing things down helps overcome these symptoms. Not only does note taking give you written reminders, the very task of writing something down can help you to remember it.
3. Invest in earplugs. Sensitivity to sound and light are two common symptoms of CFS. Buy a pair of earplugs to cut out distracting noises whenever necessary and to use when it's time for bed. There are ear plugs available which eliminate specific noise ranges without blocking out important noises, like emergency alarms.
4. Hang room darkening shades and use a sleep mask. Sensitivity to light, difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep are three problems faced by many CFS sufferers. Curtains that block light not only aid in sleep, but can also decrease headaches caused by light sensitivity. Sleep masks make it possible to sleep more soundly for longer periods of time.
5. Plan and prepare meals in advance for days when your energy levels are low. Nutrition is an important part of treating CFS. Some days you may not feel up to fixing a proper meal. Having something tasty and quick to prepare in the freezer eliminates work while still supplying the important nutrients your body needs.
6. Learn from each episode of CFS. Recognize when you are doing too much. Scale back on activities that you know will cause anxiety and stress, which often lead to CFS relapses. Knowing your limits and not feeling guilty about living within them is important.
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