How do people cope?

If you feel fatigued, be honest about it: with yourself and others. Check with your doctor if there is a medical treatment that could help you.

Try these ideas

• Set small, manageable goals.
• When you plan your day, include rest times.
• Keep a record of how you feel during the day. For example, if you notice that you are especially tired in the morning, plan to rest at this time.
• Have several short naps or breaks, rather than one long rest period.

• Don't do more than you comfortably can. Stop before you get tired.
• Eat as well as you can and drink plenty of fluids. Some people find that a diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and grain-based foods (like pasta and rice) gives them a feeling of energy. Others might get the same feeling from having more meat in their diet. A dietitian will be able to help if you want to change your eating habits.
• Smoking reduces your energy. If you smoke, talk to your doctor or the Quitline on 13 78 48 about stopping.
• Exercise if you can. Exercise will keep you stronger and improve your sense of wellbeing. If you are not used to exercise, you could start a gentle walking program, beginning with five to ten minutes and gradually increasing as you feel able. You could also try other light exercise. If you have been used to more vigorous or strenuous exercise, try easier or shorter versions of activities you enjoy. For example, instead of running, try yoga or tai chi.
• Try to do things that make you happy. The joy you get from laughing with friends or playing with your dog may give you a boost.
• Listening to music, reading and meditating are not physically tiring and may help you to relax.
• Do the things that you need and want to do. If you have people around you who are able and willing, let them take on some of your usual activities.
• Limit the number of visitors you have, if you need to.
• Avoid stress where possible: relaxation techniques and exercise can help to reduce unavoidable stresses.
• Call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 to be put in touch with a Cancer Connect volunteer, who can share their story of how they coped.
• Join a cancer support group. The Cancer Council Helpline can help you find one near you. Talking about your feelings can ease the burden of fatigue, and you can hear how other people in similar situations have managed.

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