Energy Saving Tips from a Fatigued Girly

If there's one thing I am quickly becoming good at, it's finding ways to save my energy. There aren't many good things about being chronically ill, but perhaps this new creative quest for energy-saving hacks is one. I have compiled some of my go-to methods for saving energy below. I hope they give you the energy you need. Please feel free to share your energy-saving tips in the comments section too.

Hygiene hacks:

• Buy a shower stool - this has been a game-changer for me. Being able to sit down whilst in the shower, and especially if I am having a longer shower on account of washing my hair or shaving my legs, has made it much easier for me to clean myself without taking up too much energy.

• Cut down on showers - this past winter, I have changed from having daily showers to only showering once every few days. Obviously, this is much easier to do (whilst still maintaining good hygeine) during the colder months. I have found that sponge baths and regular deodorant applications go a long way in maintaining good hygiene.

• Pay someone else to wash your hair - this tip obviously comes with a lot of privilege, but it you are in a good financial position to do so, or can claim it under NDIS, getting your hair washed regularly at the hairdressers can be an amazing tool for saving your energy.

• Ask someone to regularly do your clothes washing and change your bedsheets - if you can, ask a housemate, friend or family member if they can help offload some of your household chores, such as washing clothes and changing bedsheets, in order to save your energy.

Eating with energy:

• Eat microwave meals - even if you don't want to rely solely on these, it can be very useful to have a few microwaveable meals available in your fridge or freezer for high-fatigue evenings.

• Batch prepare meals - on the days that you do have a bit more energy, batch prepare many servings of meals that you can freeze for later consumption on low energy days.

• Have snacks available - make sure to always have a stock of high-enegy snacks available for times when you cannot prepare or eat full meals. My go-to snacks are Up&Go's and baked beans (not consumed together - I'm not that weird).

• Always carry a drink bottle - keep a drink bottle of water with you at all times. If all else fails and you are too fatigued to move and/or eat, at least ensure that you are staying hydrated.

Out and about:

• Use mobility aids if you need them - using a walker on high fatigue days has really helped me, especially as it allows me to sit down whenever I need whilst out and about.

• Sit down on the train - if you are on a busy train with no available seats, be courageous and ask someone to give up their seat to you. I know this is easier said than done. It can be helpful to wear a sunflower lanyard (representing hidden disabilities) or a badge that states "please offer me a seat".

• Suggest low energy activities when socialising - since becoming sick again, I suggest different activities to do with friends. Some of my favourite low energy activities are watching movies, doing crafts together, eating lunch out, and getting our nails done.

Use the mobility aid.