Fatigue In Lupus
Getting the right amount of nutrients in your diet can go a long way toward adding extra energy into your life. You know that your body needs food and water to function, so doesn't it stand to reason that the better quality fuel you give it, the better quality energy it's going to have?
No one's asking you to give up your nightly éclair, so don't panic. Try adding a good multivitamin and 8 glasses of water daily to your regimen. If that doesn't kill you, you can start adding things like more veggies and whole grains to your diet. Also, remember what you've always heard about breakfast: It's the most important meal of the day for a reason! You need what a good breakfast can provide to get through your mornings and to set your energy levels for the day. Try it for a couple of weeks and see if I'm not right. (You know I am!)
No, I'm not kidding. I can hear you now: "But Kaaaaryn! I don't have any energy to staaaart with! How can I exercise?" The answer is simple - If you exercise, you get more energy. It doesn't have to be some sort of sadistic step aerobics class, either. A gentle daily walk, or Tai Chi Chuan routine counts too! Yoga and water exercises are also good choices for lupies, with their gentle movements and go-at-your-own-pace options.
Daily exercise not only makes us feel better about our bodies, it helps boost energy levels while we're awake. Add to that the benefit of a better, deeper night's sleep, and you'll find that your fatigue is only a fraction of what it was when you were planted on the couch watching the "American Idol" finals. (Don't even deny it. You know you watched!)
Yes, kids, it's time once again for Karyn's yearly lecture on pacing yourself! I can't really say it enough: We have to learn when to say "When!" in order to reserve our energies for when we really need them.
I've gone over plenty of short cuts for pacing in "Holiday Shortcuts" and "Pacing Ourselves" so please re-read those articles if you've temporarily been bitten by the "I've-Got-To-Do-Everything-Myself" Bug. Remember the basics: Store-bought is just as good, it's OK to say "No" when you need to, and asking for help is not considered a mortal sin.
Fatigue and the effects it
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