Members of MyFibroTeam search for ways to increase their energy as they battle fatigue, one of the most common fibromyalgia symptoms. Low energy impacts every aspect of members’ lives, from work to family to their mental health. “No energy for showers, cleaning house, dishes, laundry or seeing friends. I feel like a waste of space!” one member despaired.

Increasing energy is a top priority for parents on MyFibroTeam. One mother of a toddler and a baby wrote, “I really struggle having the energy to do everything. I feel like I live on the couch. What are some things that help you get through the tough days?”

Another mom of a toddler responded, “We have playtime in his room while I lounge on his bed.” A mother with grown children suggested, “Make tents and play forts or read books. Anything that allows you to lay down as part of the game.” Other moms encouraged her to be patient with herself when she’s fatigued: “Don't beat yourself up. Taking it moment by moment is okay.”

One of the most commonly discussed strategies for reducing fibromyalgia fatigue is exercise. “It’s an awesome feeling when you finish your workout 🏋🏻‍♂️and have more energy 🔋than when you started 📈🙂!” one member shared. While exercise is a great option, it can be challenging for members to get started and to stick to a routine. “How am I supposed to do all these lifestyle changes with no money and no energy?” a discouraged member asked.

MyFibroTeam members recommend starting with simple exercises that can be done at home and gradually increasing activity. “The first few weeks involved basic seated toe wiggling, ankle and wrist twirling,” a regular exerciser wrote. “Gradually I moved to seated stretches, then standing stretches, slowly building into my current routine” of weekly Pilates, yoga, and walking.

In addition to exercise, MyFibroTeam members share other hacks for increasing energy.

• Snacks: Members recommend protein bars and bananas “due to the slow release of sugar.”

• Hydration: “I find that drinking water is the best. It helps to hydrate our muscles, which in turn eases the pain and tiredness,” one member commented.

• Caffeine: Some members swear by a cup of coffee, while others report caffeine increases pain and leads to crashes.

• Supplements: Vitamins D, B12, and B complex are popular among members. Always check with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.

• Prescription medications: Some members have been prescribed attention deficit disorder medications by their doctors to improve their energy levels.

Rest and pacing is the best approach for some MyFibroTeam members. “I have discovered that energy management is key to being able to live with fibromyalgia,” one member shared. “I try to do jobs in the morning and rest in the afternoon,” another member responded. “If I am exhausted, I will have a nap.”

Other members try their best to take good days and bad days with fibromyalgia in stride. “I wish I had more energy. But I’m thankful for the things that I can do,” one member wrote.

On MyFibroTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with fibromyalgia, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Increasing energy is one of the most discussed topics.

Here are some question-and-answer threads about increasing energy:

• Moms - How do you handle caring for your kids with the pain and fatigue? 

• How does anyone get to an out-of-town doctor appointment? I am so exhausted that I am not able to get dressed. 

• Share something new you have learned about yourself since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. 

• What do you do or take to help give you more energy? 

Here are some conversations about increasing energy:

• “They don't seem to understand what I mean when I say I'm unemployed with very little energy and a ton of pain.” 

• “What does everyone take for energy?” 

Do you struggle with low energy? Have you found any ways to increase your get-up-and-go? Share below or post on MyFibroTeam.