| 1. Spend your energy wisely | | | | parking sticker, have your groceries delivered, hire |
| Several patients talk of using their precious stores | | | | someone to clean the house. Divide your |
| of energy like coins from a piggy bank. You | | | | groceries when you shop so the sack with |
| carefully ration every ounce of energy. | | | | canned goods can sit in the car for a few days |
| 2. Set reasonable goals | | | | until you can bring it in. |
| If you are having a bad day, maybe your goal | | | | 4. Schedule rest periods |
| should not be to get groceries, but to take a | | | | Some 'CFS' patients take power naps, instead of |
| shower, get dressed, make a sandwich and do | | | | power lunches so she can get through the day at |
| the dishes. You may have to lower your | | | | work. It is critical that you schedule rest before |
| expectations but then you can be successful in | | | | and after activities. You have to learn too, to |
| meeting your goals. It is really ok to lower | | | | listen to your body. Lie down before it is |
| expectations. | | | | screaming. |
| 3. Be energy efficient | | | | 5. Set priorities |
| Some patients sit down on a stool in the kitchen | | | | Make a list of what you must do, would like to |
| and do not stand at all. When they take the | | | | do, and what does not matter. When all your living |
| laundry down to the basement, they take a book | | | | must be done in a few hours a day, and with only |
| or newspaper along and stay on the couch. In | | | | a small amount of energy, you begin to realize |
| turn, saving energy without having to go back and | | | | what is truly important. |
| forth up and down the stairs. Get a handicapped | | | | |