COVID-19 has had many negative effects on people like raising anxiety and rates of isolation. For those who contracted the virus, its effects are not only felt while they are sick but sometimes, long after they are better.
Reports have shown that some people who suffered from Covid-19 experience chronic fatigue post-sickness. This is described as constant tiredness that can limit an individual’s ability to function daily for at least six months [https://www.webmd.com].
At its worst, chronic fatigue brought on by Covid can be completely debilitating, hindering you from doing things that you love. That’s why it is important to learn how to pace yourself and adapt your lifestyle to your body’s current needs. Here are just a few ways you can do so to manage your post-viral fatigue:
Post-Viral Fatigue 1) – Get enough rest
Pacing is all about going slow and steady. Instead of jumping right back into your normal routine, you need to focusing on not tiring yourself out. This way, you are not exhausting your body more than it already is because of the post-viral fatigue. Taking breaks between tasks so your body has a chance to recharge itself. It is also important to break up tasks into steps, rather than doing them all at once.
Carve out days in the week where you have no obligations. Use the time to restore your energy to face the next coming days.
Make sure to also get the right amount of rest. Sleep is an important part of helping your body recuperate from being sick, so getting at least 7-8 hours can make a big difference. While ample amounts of rest won’t help you fight off Post-Viral fatigue entirely, it will help in getting your body’s energy back on track in the long run. In addition, good sleep helps optimising your immune system [https://mdhealth.com.au].
Post-Viral Fatigue 2) – Ease your body back into work
An important step in managing your fatigue is by easing yourself back into your lifestyle. If you are a physically active person, don’t try high-intensity exercises as soon as you test negative. You will find you body may be overly fatigue and it will take longer to recover than normal. Your will get there, but avoiding the boom-bust cycle is important.
Opting for something less tiring like walking or yoga initially is a start. If you have chores around your house like cleaning, you can try fixing only one room a day to reduce feelings of exhaustion. Increasing your activity level slowly is important, closely monitoring your fatigue the day after exercise.
At work, create a space that is designed to keep you comfortable throughout a long day. Ergonomic chairs are a great way to maintain posture and reduce bodily aches that may contribute to fatigue. Seats like the Aeron Tilt Limiter and Steelcase Gesture are just a few that are built to support your body [https://www.painfreeworking.com]. Optimising your schedule and workspace will help you manage your fatigue better.
Post-Viral Fatigue 3) Be kinder to yourself
While resting is a big part of self-care, there are other ways people can keep themselves healthy. This includes being kinder to yourself [https://www.everydayhealth.com]. While you may have some negative self-talk because you are feeling inadequate, you also have to remember that this was brought on by an illness. It is not your fault you are feeling fatigued.
You shouldn’t pressure yourself to immediately be at your best condition. Showing some kindness to yourself will help improve your mindset and help take away unnecessary stress that may hinder your body from recovering. Allow yourself to do things at your own pace and don’t let people make you feel bad about it. Taking care of yourself should always be your priority, especially when dealing with illnesses like post-viral fatigue.
Dealing with the after-effects of Covid-19 can be difficult for everyone, but it is more so with those who have long Covid. Post-viral fatigue is just one of its negative long-term side effects but with pacing in the right mindset, it can be managed over time.
Do you have any questions?
- Call us on (03) 9857 0644 or (07) 3505 1494 (Paddington)
- Email us at admin@mdhealth.com.au
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Our clinical staff would be happy to have chat if you have any questions.
