Explain what fatigue is like for you
Fatigue may affect your body, your thinking, or both. Tell your therapist when it is most noticeable, what you were doing, and how you feel afterward. Your medical team can also assess new or changing fatigue.
We want to understand the whole routine: getting ready, attending appointments, concentrating, doing tasks at home, and recovering between activities.
Make everyday tasks more manageable
Occupational therapy can help you look at the order, setup, and effort of daily tasks. Your plan may include simplifying a routine, using an aid, sitting for part of an activity, or planning breaks before you become exhausted.
Thinking and conversation can use energy too. Speech therapy may help you organize information or reduce the demands of a communication task.
When activity makes you feel worse later
Some people with Long COVID or ME/CFS experience post-exertional malaise, or PEM: symptoms worsen after physical or mental effort, sometimes after a delay. Tell your therapist if this happens.
A standard plan to keep increasing exercise is not right for everyone. Rehabilitation should account for your symptoms and response to activity. Discuss pacing and any changes with your care team.
Fit practice and rest into your life
Your home plan should be realistic alongside your other responsibilities. Tell us what you can manage, what feels like too much, and which activities you most want to keep.
Daily schedules and sleep routines may also be part of the conversation. This is support for everyday habits; concerns such as sleep apnea or persistent insomnia need medical evaluation.
Common questions
Does conserving energy mean I should stop being active?
The right balance depends on your condition and how you respond. Work with your therapist and medical team on meaningful activity, appropriate rest, and adjustments that fit you.
Can I bring a record of how I feel after activity?
Yes. A brief record of activities and symptoms can help you explain patterns. Ask your therapist what would be useful so tracking itself does not become a burden.