While cancer treatment is essential to fighting the disease, it can come with side effects. One of the most common side effects is fatigue. You might find yourself utterly exhausted and unable to do anything during your treatments. If this happens to you, there are things you can do to make yourself feel at least somewhat better as you get through your treatment.
Eat Well
Your body needs fuel in order to function. If you’re not eating healthy food, it doesn’t get that fuel. You might feel nauseous or have less of an appetite through your cancer treatment, so it is important that you are deliberate in your food choices. Choose nourishing foods with plenty of protein and carbohydrates. These macronutrients will give you energy and help you feel less fatigued.
Rest During the Day
Sleeping soundly at night might not be enough to cut through the cancer treatment fatigue. Give yourself time to rest during the day. If you’re busy, you might need to actively schedule this time into your day. If you feel like you need sleep, then prioritize getting some sleep. But even if you don’t, your body is battling cancer and needs to relax. So take that time to do a soothing activity, like reading a book or listening to music. By taking some time to rest, you can save your energy for your most important tasks.
Do Gentle Exercise
Exercise is a great way to boost your energy levels. If you’re feeling fatigued, you don’t need to run miles every day in order to get the benefits of exercise. Instead, incorporate gentle exercise into your routine. This might include taking walks or doing yoga. Find something you enjoy doing and do it at least a few times a week. Regular exercise makes your body feel better and helps fight fatigue, so keep it consistent during your cancer treatment.
Talk to Your Doctor
Your doctor can give you specific advice based on your own situation. They might test for other conditions that can add to your fatigue or they can give you specific parameters for the advice above. So be open and honest with your doctor as you go through your treatments.
Fatigue is a very common side effect of cancer treatment and it can have a major impact on your life. By taking a few extra steps each day, you can give yourself more energy and feel better as you recover.