Introduction
You may be thinking, "How can I
exercise when I'm so tired I can barely get through the day?" You
can do it, as long as you start out very slowly and are
careful not to overexert yourself. Most important, it will make you feel
better.
Studies show that light aerobic exercise, such as walking,
helps people who have
(CFS) feel more energetic and
less tired.1 Maybe you have avoided exercise because
you're afraid it will make you feel worse, but the opposite is true. Total rest
leaves your body in worse shape. It can also hurt your self-image by making you
feel as if you can't do anything for yourself.
Return to topic:
References
Citations
Reid S, et al. (2008). Chronic fatigue syndrome,
search date September 2007. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2008).
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (ODPHP
Publication No. U0036). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Available online:
http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/paguide.pdf.
Other Works Consulted
Togo F, et al. (2010). Sleep is not disrupted by exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndromes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 42(1): 16–22.
White PD, et al. (2011). Comparison of adaptive pacing therapy, cognitive behaviour
therapy, graded exercise therapy, and specialist medical care
for chronic fatigue syndrome (PACE): A randomised trial. Lancet, 377(9768): 823–826.