Energy Conservation for
Chronic Disease Management
Overview
Energy conservation is a way to help you spread out your energy over the course of
your day. Being tired throughout your day can become frustrating. Using the
energy conservation tips in this handout can help to reduce tiredness and allow you
to participate in your daily activities.
Household
1. Put in grab bars and tub bench in the bathroom to help you
get in and out of shower
2. Have grocery/toiletry items delivered to your home rather
than going out to pick them up
3. Spread out chores over the week or take breaks in between
chores
Community
1. Wear comfortable, slip-on shoes
2. If unable to drive, ask friends/family for rides or use
paratransit services
3. When shopping, go at less busy times to avoid
waiting and bumping into others
4. Park closer to store entrances to decrease walking
distances
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Work
1. Simplify your methods of work
2. Sit to work whenever possible
3. Adjust height of work surfaces to allow for good
posture
4. Use tools when necessary to save energy
5. Arrange work environment for easy access to
commonly used materials
Activities/Hobbies
1. Plan your interested activities and hobbies during your best
time of the day and spread out them out throughout the
week
2. Practice breathing techniques
3. Avoid activities which cannot be stopped as soon as
possible if they become too stressful
4. Plan a balance of exercise, recreation, and rest
References:
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2013). Tips for living life to its fullest: Recovering from stroke.
https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/consumers/Adults/Stroke/Stroke%20Tip%20S
heet.pdf
Department of Physical & Occupational Therapy, Duke University. (n.d.) Energy conservation.
https://sites.duke.edu/ptot/outpatient-services/patient-resources/energy-conservation/
University of California San Francisco Health. (n.d.) Tips for energy conservation.
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/tips-for-conserving-your-energy
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