Understand how the return to campus may affect you physically & mentally (tiredness, overload, ‘running out of steam”)
Understand how physical symptoms and emotions are linked (e.g. we notice more aches and pains when we are tired or distressed)
Fatigue cannot be “outrun” and will catch up with all of us
Initially pace your activity with goals and aim for some gradual increases
You are the best judge of your own energy / fatigue levels
Physical fatigue and psychological fatigue are linked - be aware of each of them in your body
Nobody is yet sure about long covid and the clinical picture of how it manifests and what makes some vulnerable more than others
Take a rational approach to your symptoms and keep a diary / log if it helps make sense of things
Measure your fatigue with self-completion scales (eg the Chalder Fatigue Scale)
Talk to line managers about tiredness and flexible working
Set small goals and gradually increase them
Pace yourself, use rest periods sensibly
Relax every couple of hours.
Even 10-12 minutes of rest and sitting down can be restorative
Take regular short breaks but often (every hour)
Set manageable goals for your workload
If possible take power naps / more rests during the day
Try to make sure your sleep routine is working, and make changes if not
Good sleep hygiene can include baths, relaxing, a soothing bedroom, aromatherapy, visualisation
Do not rely on alcohol or medication to help sleep
Use relaxation to help stay calm
Remember you can access tests, Gp advice and advice from HR
Miscellaneous - things you were afraid to ask
Tell yourself things are improving and will continue to do so
See your GP if fatigue levels persist
The University can provide guidance on fatigue management via the Employee Assistance Programme
Seek out occupational health assessments to help keep you fit in work
If commuter driving make sure you are fit and rested enough to drive
Some tiredness may be expected while we change our working routines, but check excessive fatigue and tiredness with your GP