1. Cope with Stress at Work
It will be hard to work if you have chronic fatigue syndrome. The insomnia and lack of restorative sleep will impact your memory and concentration, and the fatigue itself may keep you from getting out of bed on some days. Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome aren't able to work at all and have to go on disability. This is an ideal solution, as it entirely takes away the stress of having to work. However, if this is not an option for you, you can take steps to make your work life less of a burden on you. You can ask for a modified schedule. You may see if you can come in later in the morning and leave later in the afternoon to give yourself more time to get up and going. You might even see if you can go to a part-time schedule or arrange to telecommute from home. Let your boss and co-workers know about your condition and the limitations it places on you. If you're feeling overwhelmed or need a quick break, speak up. People won't understand your condition unless you educate them. If you find that people at work are giving you a hard time due to your condition or that your supervisors aren't making reasonable accommodations, you can contact an attorney who specializes in employment and disability. Your attorney will educate your employer of your rights as a disabled person and will fight for those rights in court, if necessary.
2. Cope with Stress at Home
Your family may also have a difficult time understanding your condition, and this can lead to stress at home. Your spouse and children may place unreasonable demands on you and expect you to do more than you can do in a day. Bringing them along to a doctor's appointment with you so that your doctor can explain chronic fatigue syndrome to them is one of the best ways of making sure your family knows what you're going through. Many times, family members won't believe chronic fatigue syndrome is really so bad unless they hear it from a doctor. Once your family knows about the limitations imposed on you by your condition, you can work with them to make your home life better. Let them know the times of day when you're the most tired, and arrange for your spouse and children who are old enough to pitch in more during those times. Teach your children to do more around the house, or hire a housekeeper to lessen the amount of housework you have to do. Hire a lawn service to mow your lawn and a dog walker to walk your dog. Order out for dinner if you just can't cook. Have a list of people on standby who can provide transportation for your children to school and other activities when you're just too tired to do so. The more you can lessen the amount of work you have to do, the less stress you will feel.
3. Take Some Time for Yourself
Learning how to relax and let go of things is an important part of dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome. Don't be afraid to insist on some time just for you, when you don't have to worry about any responsibilities. Use this time to do whatever pleases you the most. Read a book, watch a movie, engage in a favorite hobby or take a nap. Then, you'll feel more refreshed for doing the things you really need to do.
