Chronic fatigue is not something to sneeze at. It’s a real condition that affects thousands of people. Odds are you know someone who has it. It is a syndrome that is hard to combat but not impossible. Surprisingly, exercise is one of the ways to fight against chronic fatigue syndrome.
The Last Thing You Want to Do
Exercise is the last thing you want to do when you are experiencing symptoms of chronic fatigue. All you want to do is curl up somewhere and forget the world exists. But by doing that you are letting the sickness get control. That will not help you fight it.
Chronic fatigue makes you feel tired. You feel like you have the flu. Your body is just not working and feels drained. You can’t seem to get the energy to do anything. Now, there are days we all feel like that. Someone with chronic fatigue has it most days. That is normal for them. It shouldn’t be.
Exercise is a key to making normal more normal.
Getting Motivated
To exercise takes motivation. Chronic fatigue smoothers any motivation you might have. Yet, you have to be motivated to exercise to combat the fatigue. It’s this vicious tug-a-war that you find yourself in.
So, how do you motivate yourself?
- Have a motivator. Get a friend to help you. Have them nag you till you get up and walk.
- Give yourself a reward. What do you deny yourself most of the time? Then reward yourself with it when you get up and exercise.
- Only exercise in fun ways. If you hate swimming, then don’t swim. On the other hand, if you love swimming, swim. Don’t let the cold weather stop you. Most hotel only charge about $5 for you to swim. Take advantage of it.
- Talk to yourself. Yes, talk to yourself. Psych yourself up and tell yourself you can do it. If it worked for the Little Engine, it can work for you.
Types of Exercise
There are many types of exercise you can do. In fact do them all. But when you are suffering from chronic fatigue, just the thought of exercise can be daunting. Make exercise fun. You don’t need to go overboard, but exercise.
- Walk
- Bike
- Play in the park with the kids
- Swim
- Dance
- Rollerskate
- Yoga
As I said before, you can do anything including aerobics and wall climbing. Whatever you find fun can be an exercise for you to enjoy and help motivate you.
Article by Rebecca Graf
I am a mother of three and a wife to a wonderful history and English professor. After spending 4 years in college and 20 years practicing accounting, the economy helped me make a few changes in my life. I was faced with for the first time the chance to follow my passions. I love to read, crochet, study, teach, and experience life to its fullest. Come with me on a journey of learning about natural health and how our lives can be experienced to the fullest we ever thought possible.
Rebecca has written 37 awesome articles for Natural Family Today.
