Living with COPD: Tips for Staying Active and Thriving 

Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can present numerous daily challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining energy levels. People with COPD often experience fatigue due to the body’s reduced ability to get enough oxygen, making even simple tasks feel more taxing. However, with the right strategies in place, it's possible to manage energy levels more effectively and reduce the strain on your body. Energy conservation techniques can help individuals with COPD live more comfortably while still maintaining an active and independent lifestyle. 

Here are several practical tips to help conserve energy and improve the quality of life for people with COPD. 

1. Pace Yourself and Prioritize Tasks 

One of the most effective energy conservation techniques is pacing. Pacing is a key energy conservation technique for people with COPD. Spreading tasks throughout the day, prioritizing them, and breaking them into smaller steps can reduce fatigue. For example, focus on one room at a time when cleaning and sitting rather than standing to complete tasks. 

Tip: Consider using a timer to remind yourself to take breaks. After 15-30 minutes of activity, rest for 5-10 minutes. Avoid rushing! Slow, steady movements are key to managing energy. 

2. Use Assistive Devices 

Using assistive devices can significantly reduce physical effort and conserve energy during self-care and everyday activities. Tools like long-handled dressing aids such as reachers, shoehorns, sock aids, and the LEDA, can minimize the need to hold your breath or bend over. A walker with a tray, bag, or basket can assist with carrying items, so you don’t have to make multiple trips. A rollator with a seat is great for community mobility, providing a seat for rest breaks. Just remember to lock the brakes before sitting!  Even lightweight gardening tools or adaptive utensils can make daily activities much easier.  

Tip: Talk to your healthcare provider occupational/ physical therapist about devices that could be helpful to you. They can guide you toward the best tools for your needs. 

Products:  NightHawk Rollator

3. Use Good Breathing Techniques 

Breathing properly can have a profound impact on your energy levels. People with COPD often find themselves short of breath, but controlled breathing can help reduce this feeling. The pursed-lip breathing technique is particularly effective. It involves breathing in slowly through the nose and then exhaling through pursed lips (like blowing out a candle) for a longer time than inhaling. This technique can make breathing easier, reduce anxiety, and allow you to stay active longer. New breathing training devices are currently offered on the market to aid. One of Pisces Healthcare’s favorites is The Breather. This compact handheld device helps to strengthen both the muscles of inhalation and exhalation, improving your lung capacity and breath support for every activity.  It's perfect for building endurance and improving overall respiratory wellness. Portable oxygen tanks, such as the iGo2, are wearable devices that help maintain your oxygen levels and allow you to stay active with confidence when you're out of the home, without the need to lug around heavy oxygen cylinders. 

Tip: Practice pursed-lip breathing regularly, not just when you’re short of breath. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to use this technique during times of physical exertion. Consult with your provider to see if you qualify for a portable oxygen concentrator.  

4. Plan Rest Periods  

Plan for regular rest breaks throughout the day to prevent fatigue and support recovery. Taking short breaks before you feel exhausted helps maintain your stamina and avoid energy depletion. To make sit-to-stand transfers easier, consider using the Compact Chair Lift Assist or Portable Lift Assist for Chair, a portable device that allows you to sit and stand with minimal effort. It fits any chair, sofa, seat, or bench, and is compact enough to take with you when you’re out of the home. 

Tip: Arrange your living space so that everything you need is within easy reach. Strategically place chairs throughout the home for seated rest breaks. This will reduce the need for excessive movement and allow you to rest more frequently without disrupting your routine.  

5. Optimize Your Home for Energy Efficiency 

Making changes to your environment can reduce unnecessary exertion. For example, placing frequently used items at waist level (rather than bending or stretching) can save energy. Using a shower chair, long-handled sponge or handheld showerhead can also reduce the strain when bathing and using a raised toilet seat and grab bars for added safety and convenience. 

Tip: Keeping frequently used items within arm’s reach in each room of the home to avoid unnecessary trips.  

6. Simplify Household Chores 

Chores like cooking, cleaning, and laundry can be especially taxing. To conserve energy, try simplifying these tasks wherever possible. For example, use a slow cooker or microwave while cooking to minimize the need for standing or stirring. Consider pre-chopping vegetables or preparing meals in advance.  

Tip: Enlist the help of family members or caregivers for larger chores. When it’s necessary to perform chores alone, use tools like lightweight brooms or vacuums, and set a pace that works for you. 

7. Stay Active, But Know Your Limits 

While conserving energy is crucial, staying physically active is also key to managing COPD. Regular, low-impact exercises can enhance lung function and boost stamina. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga are great options for strengthening muscles and improving breathing. Aim to get up and move each day, starting with exercises that match your current fitness level. Even simple activities like walking around your house, gentle stretching, or seated exercises are excellent starting points. Every bit of movement counts. Stretching is an easy way to stay flexible and avoid overexertion. Tools like stretch bands or the IdealStretch can be helpful. Remember, exercises don’t need to be intense or conventional cardio.

Seated exercises can also be a fun way to stay active, even while watching TV! For example, the Cubii Total Body+ offers both upper and lower body strength training in one compact device. As you build confidence in your routine, gradually increase your activity level by setting small, achievable goals, like adding one more minute to your walk each day. Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and celebrate improvements! 

Tip: Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise as tolerated. Always consult with your healthcare provider or pulmonary rehabilitation specialist before starting a new exercise routine. 

8. Focus on Proper Nutrition 

Good nutrition plays a key role in managing energy levels. A balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight, which in turn reduces the strain on your body. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also prevent fatigue that may result from large meals, which can require more energy for digestion. 

Tip: Stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen fatigue. Aim for a diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you have trouble eating, consider consulting a dietitian to help you plan nutrient-dense meals. 

9. Consider Pulmonary Rehabilitation 

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a structured program designed for people with COPD to improve their physical endurance, strength, and quality of life. This program includes exercises, breathing techniques, and education on managing your condition. It’s tailored to meet your individual needs and can significantly improve your overall energy and well-being. 

Tip: Speak with your healthcare provider to see if pulmonary rehabilitation is a good option for you. These programs can be found at many hospitals or clinics specializing in respiratory care. 

10. Monitor Your Symptoms 

Lastly, it’s crucial to monitor how you're feeling on a day-to-day basis. Keep track of your symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and any other changes in your condition. This will help you identify patterns and make adjustments to your routine or treatment plan as necessary. The Deluxe Pulse Oximeter is a great tool for monitoring your oxygen levels and heart rate pre and post-activity. 

Tip: Keep a symptom and exercise log to share with your healthcare provider.  Keeping a log of your exercise can be a great motivator. Write down when you exercised, for how long, the intensity level, and how it made you feel. Over time, seeing your progress can be encouraging and help you stay committed. This can help you and your doctor make more informed decisions about your care. 

Final Thoughts 

Energy conservation is all about finding a balance between staying active and knowing when to rest. By using these techniques, individuals with COPD can reduce fatigue and manage daily tasks more effectively. With the right tools, techniques, and mindset, it’s possible to live a fulfilling life with COPD, even on days when energy feels low. 

Remember to celebrate small milestones to keep yourself motivated along the way! Living with COPD can be challenging, and maintaining an active lifestyle deserves celebration. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, from completing a short walk to improving your breathing technique. Acknowledge your progress and remember that staying active is a step toward managing COPD successfully.  

Always consult your doctor or a pulmonary specialist before making significant changes to your routine. They can help you customize strategies based on your individual health needs. Taking small steps toward managing your energy will not only improve your quality of life but can also help you maintain independence and confidence in your daily activities. 

Citations: 

• “Conserving Energy and Managing Your Daily Activities.” American Lung Association, 
•  www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/living-with-copd/daily-activities. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024. 
• “Exercise for Someone with COPD.” COPD Foundation, www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Person-with-COPD/Exercise.aspx. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024. 
• “Physical Activity and COPD.” American Lung Association, www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/living-with-copd/physical-activity. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.