Ways to Conserve Energy

Do more of what you want to do without being exhausted by what you have to do!

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Great advice for those recovering from COVID and people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), breathing difficulties and heart issues.

Basic Principles: The 4 P’s of Energy Conservation

Planning, pacing, prioritizing and positioning properly can help conserve energy, increase independence and decrease the likelihood of a medical condition exacerbation (such as oxygen levels dropping, heart beating too fast, etc.). Many of these basic principles overlap as you will see in the examples below.

1. Planning
   • Schedule necessary appointments or do necessary tasks (bathing) at a time of the day when the person has the most energy.
   • Break large tasks into smaller tasks.
   • Gather all necessary items from 1 room before going to another room. Examples: Gather clothes and all hygiene items before going to the bathroom, use a bag or alternative as necessary. Gather all cooking supplies and put them on the table where you will be assembling the meal.
   • Allow yourself extra time to complete tasks, like a morning routine, to avoid rushing and skipping necessary rest breaks.
   • Do NOT plan too much in 1 day.
2. Pacing
   • Encourage rest breaks.
   • Rest before starting a task.
   • Do NOT skip rest breaks, that can lead to exhaustion and other issues.
   • Break large tasks into smaller tasks and take breaks in between.
3. Prioritizing
   • Do the most important tasks (bathing, grooming, eating, etc.) first or only do those tasks if it is a difficult day. Sometimes a partial sponge bath is easier, but skipping thorough bathing several days is not hygienic.
   • Neglect the unimportant things if you do not have energy for them (making the bed, styling your hair).
   • Delegate or put someone else in charge of some of the tasks you cannot do yourself.
4. Positioning
   • Practice good posture.
   • Sit in positions where you are supported by the chair and are comfortable.
   • Sit while bathing. *Recommend training from an occupational therapist to safely use a shower chair or tub bench.*
   • Sit whenever possible.
   • Practice proper body mechanics. Use bigger muscles. Minimize bending. Slide items versus pick up items. When carrying items, keep items close to the body. (Ask for help if something is too heavy).
   • Place items near waist height to minimize need for bending and reaching overhead.

Task Modifications

Task modifications are strategies to make tasks easier. This could be a new approach to a necessary task. Here are some ideas

• Use paper plates instead of washing plates.
• Use a dishwasher.
• If washing items, let them air dry on a drying rack.
• Use healthy microwavable foods.
• Get an automatic food processor or chopper versus hand cutting items.
• Automatic jar openers.
• Use an automatic vacuum.
• Use an automatic litter box.
• Use sturdy slip on or Velcro shoes with a back to avoid bending and tying.
• Slide items instead of lifting.
• Use a drying robe / towel robe versus actively drying. (I like the shorter ones, as people may be more likely to trip on the long one’s).
• Do small loads of laundry to avoid carrying heavy loads and lots of folding at once.
• Order groceries online and only put away perishable items, save non-perishable items for later.

Equipment

Adaptive equipment and durable medical equipment can help decrease the demands of a task. Some of the equipment below allows one to sit, minimize bending and decrease the amount of time spent holding an object.

• Hair dryer holder *Please make sure it is stable or securely attached to wall.*
• Shower chair or tub bench * Get proper training from a therapist.*
• Bed side commode, raised toilet seat and / or urinal to decrease the demands of sitting and standing and walking. Sturdy bed side commodes can be used near the bed or be placed over a toilet to add height and arm rests to the commode set up. *Ensure proper training and installation of bed side commodes or raised toilet seats.*
• Shoe horn to decrease bending and shortness of breath.
• Long handled sponge to minimize bending.
• 4 wheeled walker *If deemed safe by therapist* Also be aware that someone may need assistance to get the walker in and out of the car.
• Power wheelchair *Only if recommended by doctor.* This may be covered by insurance if deemed “medically necessary.”

**Note: Some of these items may be able to be paid for using your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Savings Account). Be sure to check your plan and consult with a tax preparer. Always save receipts for reimbursement and proof!

Wellness

Avoiding things that can make your condition worse and practicing healthy habits can minimize risks of exacerbations of a condition. This can allow for a more comfortable and happy life overall.

• Avoid aerosols.
• Ensure good ventilation (especially in showering areas). You can leave a window or door cracked, use a fan, etc.
• Practice good breathing techniques: pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing.
• Know what constitutes as an emergency *Ask your specialty doctor for your specific parameters *(Ask at what point should I go to he hospital? )
• Know what to do in case of emergency *Ask your doctor when to call 911 versus going to urgent care versus scheduling an appointment.*
• Have an emergency preparedness/ evacuation plan. Have extra medication, portable oxygen if necessary and know the nearest place to evacuate.
• Make sure you can safely escape the house in a timely manner.
• Follow your speciality doctor (pulmonologist, cardiologist, etc.) recommendations to manage your ailment.
• Take time to relax.
• Remember to still engage in leisure tasks (refer to task modifications or consult a therapist for additional ideas to conserve energy while engaging in leisure tasks).

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Next: Interactions of the Person, Environment and Occupation or Tasks

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