Fatigue is one of the most common long-term symptoms for people who have been infected with COVID-19, but it’s not always easy to cope with.
Everyone gets tired from time to time, but if you’re feeling really fatigued all the time, this can make it hard to function properly at work and home. It can also impact how you feel physically, mentally and emotionally – especially if other long-term symptoms like trouble sleeping or breathlessness are present.
If you’re infected with COVID-19, fatigue can last weeks or months after the infection clears. It’s not known why this happens, but it could be linked to the body’s immune response or because your lungs and heart are still recovering from the virus.
Having post covid fatigue can be disabling for many people, but there are ways to manage this. Here are some tips to help you get back to feeling your best after having COVID-19:
Get enough sleep. Having a good night’s sleep can help you feel more refreshed in the morning and reduce the chance of relapse.
Try to eat healthy and stay active. Eating a healthy diet can help you feel more energetic and may even improve your energy levels, but be aware that some foods may worsen or trigger your symptoms.
Take breaks when you need them. This can be as simple as taking a short walk or sitting in front of the TV to watch a film or listen to music.
Avoid things that are draining on your energy: For example, heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Limit how much you do, and be sure to rest in between tasks so that you can avoid overdoing it again.
Be realistic about how you’re going to get through your day, and accept that there will be days when you feel too tired to do anything. If you have a difficult time focusing on your work, ask someone to help you with it so that you can save energy for the things you enjoy most.
Plan your activities and rest when you need to. This can be as simple as scheduling a few small activities each day, or using a planner to plan your week.
Pace yourself when you have to do something, and take it a step at a time. This will allow you to rest and recover when you need it most.
Do things that relax you: Meditation or yoga can be a great way to unwind and relieve stress. You can even go for a relaxing massage.
Take steps to prevent further illness: If you’re experiencing any serious symptoms, such as memory loss or problems with concentration, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. They’ll be able to give you advice on how to deal with them and make sure you don’t get any further infections or develop other health problems.
Keep a diary of your symptoms and how they affect you. This will help you keep track of how your symptoms are progressing and how long they last.