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How can I get my energy levels back?
17 Answers
I was diagnosed with breast cancer last September, had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction, and finished my treatments (chemo and radiotherapy) just under two weeks ago. I'm now. not surprisingly feeling completely washed out.
My head tels me it's completely normal, but my heart keeps telling me that I'm just being lazy. I hate exercise (says she who managed to complete 20 plus miles of the Playtex Moonwalk last Sunday, plus the other 6 miles in a wheelchair pushed by friends).
I suppose I'm looking for a miracle to get my energy back to what it was. But I'm just tired of feeling tired. I know exercise will eventually boost levels, but to be honest, I'm even too tired to exercise!
Anyone got some simple cheap ideas to get me through this?
My head tels me it's completely normal, but my heart keeps telling me that I'm just being lazy. I hate exercise (says she who managed to complete 20 plus miles of the Playtex Moonwalk last Sunday, plus the other 6 miles in a wheelchair pushed by friends).
I suppose I'm looking for a miracle to get my energy back to what it was. But I'm just tired of feeling tired. I know exercise will eventually boost levels, but to be honest, I'm even too tired to exercise!
Anyone got some simple cheap ideas to get me through this?
Answers
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Take it gradually, maybe go for little walks every day, a bit longer each time then do something relaxing you will look forward to like sitting at a cafe and having your favourite coffee or doing a daily crossword, reading a book or paper or magazine, knitting, feeding the ducks, some photography, whatever you fancy.
Eat well and drink lots of water and make sure you're getting all your vitamins.
Maybe find a hobby you enjoy that gets you up and out and about from simple cooking and trying new recipes to helping with reading or similar at a local school or doing some light voluntary or charity work.
You could get some light exercise videos like yoga which you can do at your own pace.
Eat well and drink lots of water and make sure you're getting all your vitamins.
Maybe find a hobby you enjoy that gets you up and out and about from simple cooking and trying new recipes to helping with reading or similar at a local school or doing some light voluntary or charity work.
You could get some light exercise videos like yoga which you can do at your own pace.
Can I just say how much I admire you and think you are fantastic to have gone through all that you have xx
I was feeling like you and have changed my diet focusing more on eating healthy. I eat alot of raw foods like salad and raw veg that seems to give me alot more energy.
I also bought a treadmill and do about 20mins after I put my son to bed and after I get in from work as I work full time.
I put my exercise gear on when I get home as I always think shall I give it a miss but once I got the gear on I know I will do at least 20 mins then usually more doing sit ups etc.
You obviously already have a good positive attitude which will win the day x
You are a inspiration to all us women x
I was feeling like you and have changed my diet focusing more on eating healthy. I eat alot of raw foods like salad and raw veg that seems to give me alot more energy.
I also bought a treadmill and do about 20mins after I put my son to bed and after I get in from work as I work full time.
I put my exercise gear on when I get home as I always think shall I give it a miss but once I got the gear on I know I will do at least 20 mins then usually more doing sit ups etc.
You obviously already have a good positive attitude which will win the day x
You are a inspiration to all us women x
Hi Jenna1978 & lil123! Thanks for taking the time out to answer!
Jenna. I'm already doing all of what you suggested, except the cooking/recipies bit. I love cooking, but steroids have turned me into the Pilsbury Dough Boy already! C'est la vie! Also I think my employers (I usually work full time) have an issue with me doing the Moonwalk. I hate to think what they would say if I took on Voluntary/charity work whilst "off sick"! As for drinking more water, my partner did ask if we'd bought a water bed!! Good job I can swim! (Sorry if I sound negative!)
lil123. Sorry, negatives again. I HATE SALADS AND RAW VEGGIES!! I love preparing the most wonderful salads for friends and family, but as I only like the lettuce......makes them a bit boring for me! I've got one of those lateral thigh trainer thingies, but to put a damper on things, I suffer with back problems, and it seems to aggrivate it.
WOT A WOOSS ALL ROUND!!
I supose I'm looking for that miracle pill that gives me loads of energy, will make me loose loads of weight, and will make me beautiful and rich.
As for being an inspiration! I've been called a lot of things in my time (pig-headed, crazy, bolshy) but never anything as nice as that! Thank you!
peachybabe
Jenna. I'm already doing all of what you suggested, except the cooking/recipies bit. I love cooking, but steroids have turned me into the Pilsbury Dough Boy already! C'est la vie! Also I think my employers (I usually work full time) have an issue with me doing the Moonwalk. I hate to think what they would say if I took on Voluntary/charity work whilst "off sick"! As for drinking more water, my partner did ask if we'd bought a water bed!! Good job I can swim! (Sorry if I sound negative!)
lil123. Sorry, negatives again. I HATE SALADS AND RAW VEGGIES!! I love preparing the most wonderful salads for friends and family, but as I only like the lettuce......makes them a bit boring for me! I've got one of those lateral thigh trainer thingies, but to put a damper on things, I suffer with back problems, and it seems to aggrivate it.
WOT A WOOSS ALL ROUND!!
I supose I'm looking for that miracle pill that gives me loads of energy, will make me loose loads of weight, and will make me beautiful and rich.
As for being an inspiration! I've been called a lot of things in my time (pig-headed, crazy, bolshy) but never anything as nice as that! Thank you!
peachybabe
You could try Tai Chi, it's very gentle and balancing - but make sure it is a health based class, and not a martial art! It can vary from hippy arm-waving to a headbanging hard martial art! Try the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain ,they can point you in the right direction. If you don't fancy that, try alternative therapies - Shiatsu or Reiki can be good.
Bless you!
How about some gentle swimming, may help your back too? I'm a crap swimmer but can potter up and down the pool doing a slow breast stroke. You could have a chill out after in a jacuzzi or steam room (I can't do the latter though, too hot for me). Some places do aqua exercises so you could go to a gentle one of them?
How about getting into nice healthy cooking or cooking for others or do something crafty and make gifts for people?
Why not have a good pamper session? You could make your own products like sugar scrubs or face masks.
How about some gentle swimming, may help your back too? I'm a crap swimmer but can potter up and down the pool doing a slow breast stroke. You could have a chill out after in a jacuzzi or steam room (I can't do the latter though, too hot for me). Some places do aqua exercises so you could go to a gentle one of them?
How about getting into nice healthy cooking or cooking for others or do something crafty and make gifts for people?
Why not have a good pamper session? You could make your own products like sugar scrubs or face masks.
Hi taichiperson! I quite like the idea of both types, both the hippy arm-waving and the head banging! Think the head-banging might be a bit much at the moment!
Seriously though. It's something that hasn't occured to me, and sounds as if it might be just right. I will Google taichi in my area and see what comes up.
Many thanks!
Seriously though. It's something that hasn't occured to me, and sounds as if it might be just right. I will Google taichi in my area and see what comes up.
Many thanks!
Jenna.
You could say that the breast stroke is something I can't do anymore! I'm pretty good at sinking! (Can't swim at all! Might be an opportunity to learn tho'!)
I already do salt dough stuff, quilting, read a lot. But thats the problem. I feel that I'm being lazy! Done lots of things that my parents class as "daft" since being off, such as redecorated my bedroom, and am in the process of doing same to conservatory, but this lack of energy business means that I do it sensibly, i.e. stop when tired. (bedroom took 2 1/2 weeks instead of the usual 3 days!) As for pampering, tried to get on How to look Good Naked (honestly!!) but they knocked me back as too hard a project.
I know all of this sounds so negative, but I'm trying to be realistic. Had plenty of practice being positive when I had diagnosis, op and treatment. Perhaps the positive bit of my brain has worn out!
peachybabe
You could say that the breast stroke is something I can't do anymore! I'm pretty good at sinking! (Can't swim at all! Might be an opportunity to learn tho'!)
I already do salt dough stuff, quilting, read a lot. But thats the problem. I feel that I'm being lazy! Done lots of things that my parents class as "daft" since being off, such as redecorated my bedroom, and am in the process of doing same to conservatory, but this lack of energy business means that I do it sensibly, i.e. stop when tired. (bedroom took 2 1/2 weeks instead of the usual 3 days!) As for pampering, tried to get on How to look Good Naked (honestly!!) but they knocked me back as too hard a project.
I know all of this sounds so negative, but I'm trying to be realistic. Had plenty of practice being positive when I had diagnosis, op and treatment. Perhaps the positive bit of my brain has worn out!
peachybabe
Omigod! You walked all that distance? No wonder you're tired! No matter what you say - you are an inspiration! Doing that when you could have easily had an excuse not to is really something.
A bit of pampering is probably needed right now - from a facial to a massage to a long soak in a jaccuzzi every week (local leisure centres often have saunas etc that are pretty cheap to use). Or you could get your friends or family round for the night for facemasks, manicures and a bottle of wine ;) Stress makes you tired, so relaxing could conversely give you more energy.
And I can't recommend yoga enough. Really gives you energy while not taking it out of you - and easy enough to do at home for 10 minutes with a DVD when you are feeling too tired to get out.
Pilates is also great - really gives you core muscle strength without sweating at a gym.
Finally, I know you say your heart and head are telling you different things - but maybe you should listen to your head for now and just work on getting yourself well. There will be plenty of time in the future to follow your heart - and by the time you are ready to do this you should be feeling fitter and more like your old self.
Take care x
A bit of pampering is probably needed right now - from a facial to a massage to a long soak in a jaccuzzi every week (local leisure centres often have saunas etc that are pretty cheap to use). Or you could get your friends or family round for the night for facemasks, manicures and a bottle of wine ;) Stress makes you tired, so relaxing could conversely give you more energy.
And I can't recommend yoga enough. Really gives you energy while not taking it out of you - and easy enough to do at home for 10 minutes with a DVD when you are feeling too tired to get out.
Pilates is also great - really gives you core muscle strength without sweating at a gym.
Finally, I know you say your heart and head are telling you different things - but maybe you should listen to your head for now and just work on getting yourself well. There will be plenty of time in the future to follow your heart - and by the time you are ready to do this you should be feeling fitter and more like your old self.
Take care x
Oh and my parents think I'm daft for some of the things I do, I love animals and spend a lot of time at zoos and similar.
I had a hamster for my Christmas present from my other half and have asked for a zoo keeper experience for my 30th later this year.
Doesn't matter what they think, if it makes you happy, do your own thing :)
I had a hamster for my Christmas present from my other half and have asked for a zoo keeper experience for my 30th later this year.
Doesn't matter what they think, if it makes you happy, do your own thing :)
What a wonderful bunch you all are!!
Jenna - Thank you! There are a couple of classes very near, so I will follow that up, along with the water aerobics! I adore animals too!! Had all sorts of waifs and strays over the years, including a one eyed hamster that no one else wanted!
SRH - Always fancied Pilates! Just didn't know what it really was until recently. Will look that up for classes too!
By the time I've ttried out all these different things, I'll at least feel that I have a good reason to be tired! Still, hopefully at least one of these should suit.
Stll looking for the magic pill though!
Jenna - Thank you! There are a couple of classes very near, so I will follow that up, along with the water aerobics! I adore animals too!! Had all sorts of waifs and strays over the years, including a one eyed hamster that no one else wanted!
SRH - Always fancied Pilates! Just didn't know what it really was until recently. Will look that up for classes too!
By the time I've ttried out all these different things, I'll at least feel that I have a good reason to be tired! Still, hopefully at least one of these should suit.
Stll looking for the magic pill though!
peachybabe, yes you are an inspiration to us women. Your body has been through the mill, so its no wonder you are feeling so tired.
I agree also that Yoga really does help. You said you dislike raw veg. But have you tried juicing?
I brought a juicer, cost me �25, so not a big outlay. Phillips HR1851. This recipe is one I make up, when I need some energy.
8oz carrots
4oz beetroot (I use packed cooked one)
1 orange
4oz strawberries
Juice carrot, beetroot and orange. Put Juice in a blender with ice cubes (optional) with the strawberries, and whizz for 20 secs.
I hate beetroot, but its lovely in this drink. And it does give you energy.
Good luck, you sound a wonderful positive woman xx
I agree also that Yoga really does help. You said you dislike raw veg. But have you tried juicing?
I brought a juicer, cost me �25, so not a big outlay. Phillips HR1851. This recipe is one I make up, when I need some energy.
8oz carrots
4oz beetroot (I use packed cooked one)
1 orange
4oz strawberries
Juice carrot, beetroot and orange. Put Juice in a blender with ice cubes (optional) with the strawberries, and whizz for 20 secs.
I hate beetroot, but its lovely in this drink. And it does give you energy.
Good luck, you sound a wonderful positive woman xx
i'm very sorry for you. A couple of ways to get back on track to being awake and energized are eating banana's and other foods that include some energy in them. even if you are too tired to excersise, you should start small and go for a short walk then go back to running. try not to stay in bed all day though, b/c you will get used to being a couch potatoe and that would not be good. :). i hope that will work for you and maybe other people too. good luck!
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