Fatigue

Support with shopping, meal preparation, lifts to appointments or even some general household chores can be enough to allow you to direct the energy you do have in to doing something that you would like to do. This may include taking part in your favourite hobby.

On days where you find it difficult to prepare a meal you could rely on microwave meals or convenience foods. This way you will still get the vital energy and nutrients that your body needs. You could also consider using a slow cooker or a pressure cooker to save energy.

Meals can be delivered directly to your home from your local authority meal service or other organisations including Wiltshire Farmfoods, Blueberry Hill, Oakhouse Foods.

You may be sleeping more than you usually would. Sleeping throughout the day can mean missing mealtimes. It is ok if you find yourself eating at different times of the day but it is important you remember to eat at another time.

Take something to eat or drink with you

If you are out of the house either at treatment or socially and you know you will be away from home for more than a couple of hours take a snack and a drink with you.

Eat when you feel most awake

Try having a cooked meal at lunchtime and a snack in the evening if you tire throughout the day.

You can get a lot of nourishment from drinks if you do not feel like eating. Click here for some ideas.

If the effort of chewing a tough piece of meat is enough to put you off eating, try soft foods. These will require less chewing and be easier to manage if you are tired. Click here for some ideas.

Continue to do the tasks you feel able to do. Ask for support for the tasks you feel less able to do yourself.

Try walking or being more active around the house. Try hoovering, gardening or dusting.

Being outdoors can help to stimulate your appetite and improve your mood. A short walk around your street or even your garden can improve the way you feel about your tiredness. It can help you feel like you have achieved something even if you do feel tired later.

Contact Macmillan Move More if you are interested in trying gardening groups, seated exercise or walking groups. Visit the Macmillan website or download some free resources to help you introduce gentle movement.

Fatigue is not usually linked to lack of sleep however there are things you can do to improve your sleep routine which may help to improve your energy level.

• Have a snack before bed if you wake up due to hunger
• Limit your intake of fluid for a couple of hours before going to bed to reduce the risk of you wakening to urinate
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary foods and drinks in the evening. These are stimulants and can keep you awake

Speak to your healthcare team to make sure you are on the right medication and dose for you.

You may wish to discuss how you are feeling with someone. Many organisations offer counselling and other forms of support. Click on the what other organisations can help me section to find services that can help you including;

• Peer support groups
• Befriending services
• Professional counselling
• Online or telephone support

Keeping yourself well hydrated can improve your energy levels. Try to drink between 6-8 mugs per day.