“Fatigue for someone with COPD can be caused by low blood oxygen, a higher amount of energy needed for breathing, poor sleep, being out of shape, depressed mood, and possible cardiovascular disease,” says Jimmy Johannes, MD, a pulmonologist and critical care medicine specialist at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center in California.
Because it can be challenging to address all these variables, a good first step toward having more energy is to adjust daily habits in meaningful ways, he says.
1. Pace Yourself and Sit During Daily Activities
The key with COPD is energy conservation. It can be useful to visualize yourself as having a certain “bank” of energy for the day and to be savvy about how you make “withdrawals.” That might mean modifying daily routines so each task takes less energy.
For example, consider sitting while showering (using a sturdy shower chair) and while brushing your teeth, says Dr. Johannes. You can also sit while doing chores like folding laundry, washing dishes, or weeding a garden bed.
Even when sitting, pay attention to how long it takes before you start feeling tired, and get in the habit of scheduling breaks for yourself before it gets to that point. For instance, if you usually feel drained after 20 minutes of a task, plan to take a break after 15 minutes (before you are exhausted).
Pacing yourself also means spacing out energy-intensive tasks throughout the week, Johannes says. Trying to go to a doctor’s appointment, do some grocery shopping, and drop off packages at the post office during one outing will likely be especially taxing. Even if it’s convenient to pack activities like these into one day, you’ll likely be more breathless by the time you get home, he says.
2. Use Assistive Devices
- Walker or rollator with a seat, which can be used to take a break while walking
- Mobility scooter for shopping
- Shower chair and grab bars
- Handheld shower head to limit raising the arms overhead when washing your hair
- Raised toilet seat to make sitting and standing easier
- Long-handled shoehorn and sock aid to reduce bending over
- Wheeled cart to move items around the home
Smart home assistants can also be useful, since you can use voice commands to play music, adjust the thermostat, turn on lights, and lock the door, all while minimizing physical exertion. All these items can conserve energy while helping you feel more independent and in control, says Johannes.
3. Consider Pulmonary Rehab
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a specialized program that’s like physical therapy for your lungs. It can be a crucial way to improve energy levels and learn about the tools, habits, and breathing exercises needed to sustain this improved energy.
“This supervised exercise and education program helps those with COPD improve cardiopulmonary conditioning, improve muscle strength, and improve confidence with day-to-day activities,” says Johannes. “It can also teach about adaptations like pursed-lip breathing, taking frequent breaks, and using supplemental oxygen when needed.”
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