Feeling tired and lacking energy

How to manage fatigue

• Allow your body to recover by taking regular breaks, resting or having a short sleep.
• Plan activities for the time of day when you tend to feel most energetic.
• Do some regular exercise, such as walking. Moderate intensity exercise can boost energy levels and make you feel less tired. Talk to your treatment team about suitable activities for you.
• Ask for, and accept, offers of support from family, friends and neighbours. They can help with shopping, driving, housework or gardening.
• If you have children, ask trusted family and friends to look after them during your chemotherapy sessions and to be on call in case you become unwell afterwards.
• Find ways to manage anxiety or trouble sleeping as these can increase fatigue. Relaxation or meditation exercises may help improve your sleep or give you more energy. Listen to our relaxation and meditation audio tracks.
• Talk to your doctor about trying acupuncture – some studies suggest this may help reduce physical tiredness after chemotherapy.
• Check with your doctor whether your fatigue is related to low levels of red blood cells (anaemia). Anaemia can be treated.
• Discuss the impact of the treatment with your employer. You may be able to take a few weeks off, reduce your hours or work from home.
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and don’t skip meals. Limit your alcohol intake.

For more on this, see Exercise after a cancer diagnosis and Cancer, work and you, and listen to our podcasts on Fatigue and Sleep.