Energy Conservation Strategies for Everyday Living
- claire2876
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Living with fatigue or reduced energy can make daily activities feel overwhelming. In this blog, we share practical occupational therapy energy conservation strategies to help adults save energy, reduce fatigue, and focus on what matters most in their everyday lives.
Why Energy Conservation Matters
Fatigue is more than just feeling tired—it’s a profound lack of energy that affects physical ability, motivation, and overall well-being. For adults living with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or post-illness recovery, even simple daily activities like showering, cooking, or running errands can feel exhausting.
Occupational therapists (OTs) are trained to help you manage your energy more effectively so that you can participate in meaningful activities without becoming overwhelmed. Energy conservation isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing things differently, so you can live your life to the fullest.
The 4 Ps of Energy Conservation
Occupational therapists often teach energy conservation through the “4 Ps”: Plan, Prioritise, Pace, and Position.
Plan
Schedule demanding tasks for the time of day when you have the most energy.
Group similar activities together—for example, prepare all your vegetables at once for meals throughout the week.
Keep a daily planner to reduce decision fatigue.
Prioritise
Decide what really needs to be done today, and what can wait.
Focus on meaningful tasks first, such as attending a family event or working on a personal hobby.
Don’t be afraid to delegate less important tasks to others.
Pace
Take regular breaks before you feel exhausted.
Break tasks into smaller chunks—fold laundry in two sessions instead of all at once.
Alternate heavy and light tasks (e.g., do the dishes, then rest, then sort paperwork).
Position
Sit for tasks like ironing, meal prep, or folding clothes.
Store frequently used items within easy reach.
Avoid awkward positions—use tools like long-handled reachers to limit bending and stretching.
Practical Tips to Save Energy
Use assistive equipment – Jar openers, lightweight cookware, and shower chairs can reduce strain.
Create “activity zones” – Keep items close to where they’re used (e.g., tea and mugs near the kettle).
Adopt the two-trip rule – Carry fewer items at a time rather than overloading yourself.
Practice controlled breathing – Exhale during effort, inhale during rest.
Listen to your body – Fatigue is a signal, not a weakness. Pause before exhaustion hits.
A Real-Life Example
Mary, 52, was struggling with chronic fatigue after cancer treatment. By working with her occupational therapist, she learned to meal plan once a week, cook in larger batches, and use a lightweight stick vacuum instead of a heavy upright. With pacing strategies and scheduled rest breaks, she was able to save enough energy to attend her weekly art class again—something that brought her joy and connection.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Every person’s energy levels and daily challenges are unique. At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, our occupational therapists can:
Conduct a personalised assessment of your daily routine
Identify activities that are draining your energy
Recommend home modifications and assistive devices
Teach you energy-saving techniques tailored to your lifestyle
Help you balance rest and activity so you can focus on what’s meaningful
If fatigue is affecting your daily life, you don’t have to push through it alone. Our team at South Coast Therapy & Support Group can help you find practical ways to conserve energy and maintain independence.
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