Planning will help conserve your energy

People with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) may have limited energy so a rethink of everyday activities is useful. Being organised is a key factor, both in planning time and activities to suit your needs, as well as reorganising your household items for ease of use, and simplifying chores where possible.

General tips

• remove unnecessary activities from your day – for example, allow dishes to air dry after washing; use a clothes basket with wheels for getting laundry out to the line
• ask for help when you need it – don’t be afraid to ask for help when necessary. Some jobs may be too difficult to do alone
• organise your time – plan daily and weekly schedules so you are doing the most energy-consuming activities at the time of day or week when you have the most energy. Keep your schedule flexible to allow for the unexpected
• organise your activities – repeating new ways of doing things will make that new way feel automatic. The more you do something, the less energy it will take
• organise your space – keep your most used items in drawers or shelves that are between waist and shoulder level. Keep items in the area in which they are used, to avoid unnecessary walking and carrying
• pace yourself – a slow, steady pace consumes less energy
• alternate periods of work and rest and try to plan out your activities in steps, so if you start to get short of breath you can stop and rest when necessary
• maintain a good posture – when the body is in proper alignment, less effort is required to maintain that posture
• avoid bending and lifting – push, pull or slide instead. If you must lift and carry, lift with your legs, use both hands and carry close to your body
• choose a work height which allows you to maintain good posture and eliminate strain. Experiment with different heights by adjusting either the height of the chair or the work surface, to decide which is the most comfortable option
• relax – relaxation can help restore energy
• use proper equipment – use the right tool to do the job. For example, use long-handled equipment to avoid reaching or bending, use equipment to stabilise items in order to avoid holding, and use trolleys to do your carrying.
  

Telephone

• have a phone by your bed
• have a phone extension cord
• a portable phone is easily carried in your pocket
• take the telephone off the hook while showering, etc.

Kitchen

• store utensils and favourite ingredients within easy reach. How about waist height?
• use a tall stool for working at the kitchen bench
• BBQ tongs are useful for picking up things from the floor
• an electric fry pan or oven/grill on your bench is easier than a conventional oven.

Bathroom

• install hand grips/rails next to bath, shower and toilet
• use a light, sturdy plastic stool for sitting on in the shower and while drying and dressing
• an electric toothbrush takes the effort out of brushing
• a towelling bathrobe reduces the need to towel dry.

Clothing

• stretch fabric/track pants are easily taken off and on
• Velcro shoe fasteners are easier than buckles or laces.

Outdoors

• consider building up the garden to waist height
• make a garden of pots and window boxes
• use a stool or box to sit on while gardening
• long-handled garden tools are helpful
• have your clothesline within easy reach
• a laundry trundler will reduce stooping.

Appliances and support services

There are many tools, such as supportive adjustable seating and beds, motorised carts and other helpful devices available on the market. Your local Asthma Society, pharmacist, GP or occupational therapist may be able to advise you.

Similarly, your GP, practice nurse, Citizen's Advice Bureau or Asthma Society may refer you to appropriate support services. Is 'Home Help' appropriate for you? There are many agencies to assist you in saving energy.

Related topics

Also see: COPD and COPD and stress

Original material provided by The Asthma Foundation of New Zealand. Reviewed by everybody, October 2010.