Practical Tips to Conserve Energy for COPD

How to Manage Your COPD-Related Fatigue

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often comes with the challenge of extreme fatigue, making daily tasks feel unachievable. This fatigue is primarily due to the limited airflow in the lungs, which decreases oxygen supply to muscles. The decreased amount of oxygen to your muscles is what makes moving your muscles take so much more energy, leaving you feeling more fatigued.

Lesley Williams, a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Apria with 35 years of experience, states, "Conserving energy isn't just about managing your tasks—it's about reclaiming your day. With strategic planning and mindful pacing, living with COPD can mean enjoying more moments and less fatigue."

The 5 P's of Energy Conservation

1. Prioritize: Focus on what's most important. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing are crucial, whereas tasks like organizing a drawer can wait. Creating a list may be helpful.
2. Pace Yourself: Take your time and include breaks. Avoid rushing to prevent extreme fatigue.
3. Positioning: Stay upright and avoid excessive bending or reaching to minimize breathlessness.
4. Plan Ahead: Schedule heavier tasks, such as grocery shopping or laundry, on alternating days to prevent exhaustion.
5. Pursed Lip Breathing: Inhaling slowly through your nose for two counts, purse your lips as if you were going to whistle or blow out a candle, exhale slowly through your lips for four or more counts, then exhaling normally. Practice this exercise to improve airflow and reduce breathlessness.

Room-by-Room Energy Conservation Tips

Bedroom

• Keep a glass of water by your bed to stay hydrated and avoid extra trips to the kitchen.
• Lay out clothes for the next day when you have more energy, whether morning or night. Use tools like a shoe horn and choose loose-fitting clothes for easier dressing.
• Place a chair near the bed to sit while making the bed, getting dressed, or putting laundry away.

Kitchen

• Utilize grocery delivery services if possible. If not, organize your shopping list by aisle to minimize unnecessary walking.
• Maximize the use of your dishwasher. If washing by hand, let dishes soak to reduce scrubbing effort and let them air dry on a rack.
• Simplify your cooking with one-pot meals and prepare larger batches to freeze for later use. Sit while chopping vegetables or preparing meals.

Living Room

• Place chairs at the top and bottom of stairs for resting during climbs.
• Arrange furniture for easy access to frequently used items, reducing the need to move around excessively.

Bathroom

• Use a stool or bathtub seat in the shower and install grab bars if possible.
• Opt for a terry cloth towel or robe to absorb more water and dry it off with less effort.
• Sit on a closed toilet lid while doing your hair and makeup.
• Keep the exhaust fan on and windows open to reduce humidity, which can exacerbate COPD symptoms, and avoid sweltering water temperatures.
• Keep cleaning wipes handy for quick and easy clean-ups.

Laundry Room

• Use a laundry cart with wheels to avoid carrying heavy loads.
• Choose a front-loading washer and dryer to reduce bending and remove multiple items simultaneously.
• Sit while folding laundry to conserve energy.

By integrating these practical tips into your routine, you can better manage your energy levels and reduce fatigue, allowing you to enjoy more of the activities you enjoy. Prioritize your tasks, pace yourself, and use the 5 P’s to balance necessary duties and personal enjoyment. You can navigate daily life with COPD more comfortably and efficiently with a few adjustments.

References
Association, American Lung. “Conserving Energy and Managing Your Daily Activities.” American Lung Association, May 23, 2023. 
“Conserving Energy When You Have COPD or Other Chronic Conditions.” MyHealth.Alberta.ca Government of Alberta Personal Health Portal, November 13, 2022. 
Lovering, Cathy. “COPD Tips to Conserve Energy.” Healthline, January 18, 2024. 
Wingårdh, Ann Sylvia Louise, Carina Göransson, Sven Larsson, Frode Slinde, and Lowie E G W Vanfleteren. “Effectiveness of Energy Conservation Techniques in Patients with COPD.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, April 9, 2020. 

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