Overcoming Cancer Fatigue

Fatigue and a lack of energy are a real problem for people living with cancer. Treatments and surgeries can be depleting on the body and energy. So can pain, stress, and anxiety. I always encourage my clients to do what they can and within their means. A little bit of something can boost your mood and reinvigorate your soul. Sometimes that is half the battle.

Here are some of my favourite ways to get a little energy moving and to help boost the mood at the same time.

Listen to Energetic Music

Different types of music have different effects on us, but you can learn which are best for you by trial and error. Once you find the music that wakes you up, keep it ready. And, if you feel like you want a little more get up and dance! Moving your body helps to get your energy flowing.

Sleep When You Need To

Sleep can be a real problem when steroids, stress, and pain are preventing you from falling asleep. A regular sleep schedule may not be possible or work. If this is the case, take naps as your body feels ready. Fighting it isn’t going to help. You need to rest when you can. Even a little sleep is better than none. Try drinking something warm before bed like chamomile tea, or relax with a simple meditation or white noise. When you wake up you may feel a little bit better.

Eat Healthy Foods

Nutritional support is key during cancer. Try to eat lots of plants and fruit. Avoid heavy foods and fatty foods. Definitely avoid highly processed foods; they have little nutrition and the unhealthy fats will make you tired. Sugary drinks, candy, and pastries put too much fuel (sugar) into your blood too quickly. The ensuing crash leaves you tired. “Complex carbs,” healthy fats, and protein take longer to digest, satisfy your hunger, and provide a slow, steady stream of energy.

Deep Breathing

Several slow deep breaths help oxygenate the blood supply better, and especially seems to wake up the brain. A side benefit is that deep breathing can also reduce stress and anxiety, calm the body, and even help you fall asleep.

Move Your Body

Sometimes just getting up and washing the dishes, or walking around the house helps boost energy levels. Often cancer patients are told they should be sitting and resting. That can be hard on mental health because of the lack of engagement in life. There is nothing wrong with gentle movement over the course of the day. It will reinvigorate the body and the mind.

Exercise

It's not a quick solution, but many people notice an increase in their energy level when they get regular exercise. Cancer patients that do not have restrictions on movement can actively participate in physical exercise (always check with your doctor). Some people walk, some do yoga, some swim, and some even keep up their running practise. Movement will help with energy and it also helps with moving the lymphatic system, cellular health, and mental health.

Get outside

Often, a little sunshine and fresh air can be very energizing. As an added benefit, there are studies that show that being in nature can increase a person’s rate of healing. And, a change of scenery is always good for the soul. Although it may seem overwhelming to try to get motivated when you are tired, a little energy boost can go a long way. Always do what you can, be mindful of any physical limitations, and take it slow if you are trying something new. But also remember, that just because you have cancer doesn’t mean you can’t do things to support your health and happiness.

There is a lot to navigate when you are living with cancer. Learning how to manage fatigue is an important part of the healing process. When you can bring in simple ways to boost your energy and your spirits, you start to reclaim your life and choose to learn how to live with cancer. Cancer does not get to control your life, you do. 

You can learn more about living with cancer in my new book Living to Thrive: a holistic guide to living with cancer. It is now available on my website and on Amazon books.

Kathryn White is a Certified Holistic Cancer Coach who supports women to turn their cancer diagnosis into a thriving story one woman at a time.