Tips for fighting IBD fatigue

Fatigue can be a big problem for people with IBD. In this article Edmund Murray shares his top tips for fighting fatigue...

1. Try not to do everything all at once. Don’t be afraid to take a rest when you need it and don’t feel ashamed of the fact that you need to rest

2. When you first wake up open the curtains to let the light in and hopefully expose you to some daylight. Although before my J-pouch surgery, mornings usually involved me springing to the bathroom as soon as I woke up - so opening curtains wasn’t necessarily the first thing on my mind!

3. If possible, set the alarm on your phone to play a song that reminds you of something/someone special instead of just an alarm. That way, it reminds you what is special to you rather than you thinking what a challenge the day is going to be

4. Eat porridge or a protein based breakfast (such as meat, fish, cheese, eggs) as these release energy slowly as you digest them

5. If in an office-based job, sitting by near a window to get fresh air and sunlight may help

6. Try to get out into the fresh air in your lunch break (weather-permitting in the UK!!!) if you can. Alternatively, have a short nap to help yourself feel more refreshed. But set an alarm (see previous tip on that) or have someone wake you up so you don’t snooze too long!

7. Exercise makes me feel better and less fatigued, but this is not always possible when suffering from IBD

8. If sitting at a desk, get up and move around at least once an hour. Although, with IBD, needing to get up and rush to the bathroom, this may be relatively easy to do

9. A hot bath or shower can help you relax and take away some of the aches and pains