Fatigued? Try the 4 P method

Everyone feels tired sometimes, whether it’s after a long day at work or while recovering from the flu. But long-term fatigue is different. It can make even simple tasks, like walking to the store or doing laundry, feel overwhelming.

Chronic fatigue can be caused by health conditions like long COVID, fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis. Or it may be a side effect of a medical treatment. In some cases, people experience chronic fatigue that can’t be explained.

If you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, it’s important to manage your energy so you can still do the things that matter most to you. The 4 P’s — pacing, planning, prioritizing and positioning — may be a helpful method to balance your activities and conserve energy.