Managing Fatigue After Cancer Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may find yourself dealing with feelings of fatigue or weakness. This can be a troublesome problem that has a detrimental effect on your everyday life. Experts note that feelings of fatigue may be caused by the cancer itself and its effects on the body. However, it can also be caused by treatments. Here are some tips for managing fatigue that will help you live more effectively in your daily life.

Table of Contents
Nutritional Counseling
Massage Therapy
Short Naps or Rest Breaks
Exercise Regularly
Psychological Counseling
Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Nutritional Counseling

Managing Fatigue After Cancer Treatment

The foods you eat can have a direct effect on your energy levels and physical well-being. Your normal diet may not be giving you the additional vitamins, minerals and other components that can reduce symptoms from treatment, such as fatigue. A dietician can help design a workable diet to ensure you have the nutrients you need to reduce fatigue and help you feel more energetic.

Massage Therapy

Many individuals find that a massage can reduce feelings of fatigue when you are undergoing treatment.

Short Naps or Rest Breaks

Many patients find that long naps are less effective in recovering from fatigue and may increase grogginess during the day. Schedule a short nap or more frequent rest breaks to recharge your energy during the day.

Exercise Regularly

Managing Fatigue After Cancer Treatment

Light exercise can help to increase blood flow throughout the body to help you feel more energetic. You may have to adapt your normal exercise routine to suit your physical condition.

Psychological Counseling

Emotional well-being can affect your feelings of fatigue. If you have anxiety or depression related to dealing with your illness, a counselor can help you with a number of techniques to reduce these issues.

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Managing Fatigue After Cancer Treatment

Sleep experts recommend maintaining a regular sleep schedule every day. In addition, you can improve your sleep patterns by taking a few actions:

  • Make a habit of stopping the use of computers, smartphones and other digital devices, which give off light that can interfere with sleep hormones.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing and ensure that your mattress and bedding promote comfort.
  • If ambient noise bothers you, consider a ‘white noise" device to cover the sounds.
  • Create a ritual that prepares your mind and body for sleep, such as brushing teeth, setting our clothes for the morning, reading for a while or listening to music.
  • Check your room temperature for a comfortable night’s sleep.
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals late in the evening. If you feel hungry, eat a small amount of protein, such as a piece of cheese or yogurt.

With a little planning and extra TLC, patients undergoing cancer treatment can minimize their feelings of overwhelming fatigue, so they can enjoy their usual activities with greater energy.