Conserving Your Energy: Achieving a Healthy Balance Between Activity and Rest
Why is it important to learn how to conserve your energy?
When you are tired or fatigued, you may avoid doing certain activities. This decrease in activity can lead to weakness and more fatigue.
Learning about energy conservation—and how and why it works—can help you to reduce the energy you need for your daily activities and become more efficient.
How can energy conservation help me?
The information in this section will provide some ideas that you can use in your daily activities to help you conserve energy and reduce fatigue.
Where and when can I use energy conservation?
Energy conservation can be used in all of your daily activities at any time of day. The more you use these principles, the easier it will be to find ways to conserve your energy.
5 Principles of Energy Conservation
Pacing
Take breaks often. It is better to take short breaks regularly than one long break at the end of an activity. Learn to monitor your body and take breaks before you get tired.
Planning
Make a “to do” list. Keep organized. Make a list of activities you need to do, and plan ahead so that you have time to take breaks. Look at your activities carefully and try to break them into smaller steps. This will help you to PACE yourself.
Prioritizing
Learn to say “no!” Once you have PLANNED the things you need to do, PRIORITIZE them and do the high priority items first.
Don’t feel guilty for saying “no” to people who try to place extra demands on you. Only you can make decisions about your body.
Keep a positive attitude and learn to respect your body’s limits.
Posture
Sitting saves up to 25% more energy than standing!
Avoid staying in the same position for too long. Shift your weight so that the same muscles aren’t always working.
Keep things within easy reach so that you don’t have to strain or bend too much. PLAN your activities so that you have everything you need nearby.
Sit instead of stand for most activities and use proper work heights to avoid strain.
Efficiency
Simplify your activities and only do the steps that are necessary. Look carefully at the activities you have PLANNED and PRIORITIZED. Try to simplify them by only doing the steps that are essential.
Use assistive devices or equipment and other time-saving products on the market. They will make it easier for you to do your daily activities and help save time and energy.
Be open to new ways of doing things and new ideas. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.
What else should I know?
Learning to use this information takes time and patience. It may mean a major change to your lifestyle and usual habits.
If you have any questions or if you would like more detailed information, contact an occupational therapist.