5 Steps to Coping with SCI Fatigue

Want to learn some game-changing ways to speed up your spinal cord injury recovery in Miami? Implement these tips in overcoming SCI fatigue. 

Lack of energy and tiredness are issues often associated with patients who have had spinal cord injuries. They are not lazy for having a sluggish day nor bored for choosing to stay at home. Instead, they just feel an overwhelming amount of fatigue as a result of the injury. Others even feel excessively drained after simply walking or stirring a cup of coffee.

This blog will cover the essential lifestyle habits to help you deal with SCI fatigue in your everyday life.  So read on to start your spinal cord recovery in Miami as early as now.

#1. Move Your Body More Often

If your body is overwhelmed with SCI fatigue, it is so easy to get tempted to stay in bed all day. There’s nothing wrong with resting, as quality rest is crucial for your health. It helps recharge your body. However, if you still feel worn out after an entire day of rest, then blame the sheet. 

It’s time to get up and get your body moving. Don’t worry. You do not have to do vigorous activities to boost your energy level. Of course, a lot will still depend on the severity of your spinal cord injury. You still have to listen to your body and be aware of your limitations. You may want to consider activity-based therapy.

#2. Manage Your Negative Emotions

Do you feel stuck in the seemingly never-ending cycle of fatigue? You can combat it with self-compassion. Start by assessing how you’ve been dealing with your negative emotions. These emotions are known for being ultimate energy-suckers. 

Take the time to pause and identify where they are coming from. Now is the time to address your everyday blues. Consider doing one of the following:

• Acknowledge and welcome your emotions – recognize your emotions and do not ignore them. You need to allow yourself to feel it.

• Manage them wisely – express your emotions to yourself and others in gentle ways. Keeping it inside can be consuming and can contribute to fatigue.

• Spend time with positive people – you can make a lunch date with friends and family. Let their positive energy radiate to you.

#3. Plan Your Day Ahead 

Burnout from your scattered list of activities leads to fatigue. That is why we recommend you take the first hour of your morning to plan out the rest of your day. Even a simple five-minute planning period can help get you on the right foot. This way, you won’t have to stress about your crazy schedule anymore. 

Here is how to make a plan that will help shift your mindset and free you from the chains of fatigue.

• Set your priorities  – say no to things and activities that will suck your energy up. With clear priorities, you give yourself the luxury of freedom and space to do something that matters to you. Otherwise, you’ll be lost in the whirling depth of pressure, stress, and anxiety. 
• Structure your day – design what your perfect day is. A time blocking technique can help you set time for your priorities. Make sure that you include breaks and relaxation in between. After trying this tip, you’d be surprised at how efficient and less stressed you’d become.

#4. Nourish Your Body with a Healthy Diet

Whether you have had SCI or not, it is vital to fuel your body with energy-boosting foods. Patients with SCI fatigue may find themselves reaching for a dose of caffeine for a quick rush. However, that solution is often followed by an energy slump. 

You need a sustainable amount of energy to get you through the day. So, we put together a list of healthy foods and drinks to help you combat SCI fatigue.

• Bananas
• Green tea
• Almonds 
• Chia seeds
• Beans
• Eggs
• Apples
• Oranges
• Avocados
• Carrot
• Brown rice
• Oatmeal

By simply switching to a healthy diet, you’ll speed up your spinal cord injury recovery in Miami. 

#5. Reach Out to People Closest to You

With all the questions and fears, it’s not uncommon for people with SCI to feel alone in handling stress, pain, and fatigue. 

Remember that you are not alone in dealing with the aftermath of your spinal cord injury. You’re surrounded by amazing people who care for you. So, you need to build a bridge that will connect you to them. Your struggles and pain may not be visible to them unless you communicate. 

Here are ways  to become more comfortable in communicating your fatigue and struggles to others:

• Choose the right person to talk to – you can open up to your family, friends, or therapist. Having trusted people in your life can help reduce your stress and fatigue. 
• Have an open ear and mind – communication is a two-way process–you speak, and you listen. Your friends and family may say something back after you share your thoughts and feelings. So, you need to open your ears and mind for their support and advice. It can really feel uncomfortable or embarrassing in the beginning. But the more you unfold your feelings and emotions (stress, fatigue, fear, and frustration), the easier it will be to talk to them in the future. 

Your Best Life is Yet to Come

A spinal cord injury can change you forever. Adapting to these changes can be tough. You’ll experience an overwhelming amount of fatigue as you deal with some uncertainties. As a result, you may stumble along the way. 

But hey, it’s not impossible to reach the light at the end of the tunnel, even with SCI. I AM ABLE can be your guide towards spinal cord injury recovery in Miami. We can help you take action in combating fatigue and other challenges that SCI brings. The sooner you start connecting with us, the sooner you’ll enjoy a fatigue-free life again. We have the right group of people who can guide you and support you.

 To encourage and give you hope for a better future, download our eBook about how to live life beautifully after paralysis. 

Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.