Health Tip: Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

(HealthDay News) — Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can make even the simplest daily activities — such as taking a shower or getting dressed — completely exhausting, the Womenshealth.gov Web site says.

The site offers these suggestions for coping with CFS:

  • Keep a log of your activities, and when your symptoms are worse.
  • Avoid doing things that seem to worsen fatigue and other symptoms.
  • Work with an occupational therapist to help you learn to do things in ways that conserve your energy.
  • Compare how much energy you feel like you had during the day to how much energy you actually used. This may slowly help you gain more energy over time.
  • Don’t push yourself too hard physically, mentally or emotionally.
  • Take any prescription and over-the-counter medications recommended by your doctor.
  • Before trying any alternative therapies, such as yoga or massage, talk to your doctor first.