How to cope with fatigue and get your energy back

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When you have a chronic illness, you’ll usually get extreme fatigue for free, whether you like it or not. It sounds neither fair nor fun but unfortunately, it simply comes with “the package.” I have been coping with this extreme fatigue for as long as I was diagnosed with Vertigo.

Please note that my ginger cat, Sintra (pictured) is fortunately NOT suffering from any kind of disease – chronic or otherwise – but he does suffer from severe laziness 24/7!

So, not only does my extreme fatigue come inconveniently with the package, but there is also no escaping from it, except coping with it and trying to get my energy back as soon as possible. In order to do so, I, categorize this extreme fatigue into two categories.

1. Fatigue after Vertigo’s attack (Post Fatigue)

A full-blown Vertigo attack takes almost all of my energy. And when the attack subsides after a few very long minutes or hours, I would feel like there is no single drop of energy left in my body. My brain would shut down and would stop functioning properly.

The next few things I am capable of doing: cancel my appointments for the next 2 – 3 days by email or text, refill my cat’s pet feeder, drink a lot of water, refill my water bottle, and place some bananas next to my bed and then go to sleep for about 2 days (with bathroom breaks).

There is no fun in just sleeping but my body demands it and I have no choice but to obey. After 2 or 3 days – it depends on how severe my Meniere’s attack is – I usually get my energy back and would be able to resume my daily activities. Until the next Vertigo attacks.

2. Fatigue without Vertigo’s attack (Sudden Fatigue)

I find this sudden, extreme fatigue a little bit tricky to cope with because it occurs suddenly and unpredictably. Last week, for instance, I was feeling fine on Monday and Tuesday and I was also able to get things done. Enthusiastically, I was about to start my workday behind my computer on Wednesday morning, when suddenly, this extreme fatigue struck.

The tricky part of this sudden fatigue is that I am usually not as exhausted as after having had a Vertigo attack but somehow, my body and brain refuse to get things done. So, nevertheless, I have no choice but to cancel my appointments, shut down my computer, and do the following:

2.1. Drink a lot of water

Drinking a lot of water prevents dehydration. It can also help maintain my fluid balance and help increase my alertness and my concentration.

2.2. Eat fresh superfruits

Superfruits such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, and good carbs, which give me a little energy boost and help me regain my focus.

2.3. Listen to audiobooks

When I have difficulty focusing on ebooks on my Kindle, listening to audiobooks using the Audible app is a great alternative. I have been listening to and reading the Harry Potter Series for a short while. It always puts me in a better mood and helps boost my energy.

2.4. Find a new hobby

It doesn’t have to be an extraordinary or complicated new hobby. On the contrary, I have just been learning a very basic of crocheting. It is a very soothing activity to do while listening to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban audiobook.

2.5. Try to get moving

I, myself wouldn’t go jogging or do other indoor exercises. It is not recommended if and when you have ongoing problems with unsteadiness. However, doing yoga at home while watching some yoga and fitness videos on Prime Video, or doing Ring Fit Adventure on my Nintendo Switch has become one of my favorite indoor activities in coping with fatigue and getting my energy back.

Bonus tips: