What Is Energy Conservation?

Energy conservation, also is known as work simplification, is the technique used to minimize muscle fatigue, joint stress, and pain. When used correctly, energy conservation techniques will allow you to stay independent and maintain energy throughout the day so you can continue to do the things you desire most in life. Everything that we do throughout the day takes a toll on the human body. It is essential to see how you spend your time and energy to create a conservation plan. These strategies’ main goal is to improve your quality of life by saving your energy to do the task you enjoy completing and the ones you have to complete.

Here is a short video that gives an overview of what Energy Conservation is, and it also gives some helpful tips, after we will dive further into details about it.

(Ahmad, OT-V Episode 19: Conserving Energy Everday 2016)

The video says energy is like currency (money), and if not spent wisely, we will run out of it. This is an important part of energy conservation. We need to remember that we do not have an unlimited amount of energy, especially as we start to age.

Let’s dive into the 4 P’s of Energy Conservation; if you take anything away from this blog, let’s make it this. The 4 P’s will help you remember how to start conserving your energy.

The 4 Ps of Energy Conservation

1. Prioritize– Figure out what needs to be done today and put the most important task first.
2. Plan- Gather all materials for a task to avoid making unnecessary trips. Create schedules of what tasks need to be completed weekly and avoid completing them in a single day.
3. Pace- Move slowly and maintain a comfortable speed. You never want to rush through a task. Rest often, and ask for help when needed.
4. Position- Maintain an upright posture. Use correct positioning throughout the day. Sit whenever possible.

How Will I Know If I Need These Strategies?

Here is a quick yes or no questions that will help you determine if you need to start thinking about energy conservation or work simplification plans.

• Do you ever notice you are having difficulty completing a task during the day you were once able to achieve?
• Do you have to take extra breaks at work?
• Are you having a difficult time playing with your children?
• Do you wish you had more energy at the end of the day than you do now?
• Do you have a diagnosis that makes you tired, like COPD, MS, CHF,  Stroke, etc.?

Did You Say Yes?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might need to start thinking about energy conservation strategies.

If you think you need some help with creating this plan, please consult with your doctor, and you might get a referral for an Occupational Therapist, and they can help you.

(Bowles, Adams, Perkins, & Maxwell, Work Simplification and Energy Conservation Examples OT 2018)

In this video, you get to see some examples of proper body mechanics as well as positioning.

Energy Conservation Tips

Dressing and Hygiene

• Sit when you can
• Dress your lower half first
• Use a reacher, sock aid, or shoehorn to avoid bending.
• Wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off
• Use a long handle sponge in the shower to prevent reaching.
• Use warm water in the shower. Hot water can cause shortness of breath from the steam.

Housework

• Avoid harsh chemicals that make breathing harder.
• Allow dishes to air dry.
• Position task in front of you
• Use a standup dustpan to avoid bending over.
• Plan your housework weekly

Cooking

• Complete in steps
• Gather all ingredients and materials before starting the task.
• Use lightweight cookware
• Use an electric appliance.

Using all of these tips in this blog will help you maintain energy and complete everything that matters in life. You will spend more time with friends, family, or maybe have enough power to achieve some hobbies that have been avoided for a while. Overall, you will feel better and hopefully happier with yourself. Remember to listen to your body and to rest before you get tired and ask for help when it is needed.

(The Way Of Living: Being Happy And Healthy At An Old Age 2017)

References:

Blikman, L. J. M., van Meeteren, J., Twisk, J. W. R., de Laat, F. A. J., de Groot, V., Beckerman, H., Stam, H. J., & Bussmann, J. B. J. (2019). Energy Conservation Management for People With Multiple Sclerosis–Related Fatigue: Who Benefits? American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(4), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.032474

Department of Physical & Occupational Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://sites.duke.edu/ptot/outpatient-services/patient-resources/energy-conservation/
Theschoolofbalance. (2015, March 22). Do You Need More Energy? Retrieved October 26, 2020, from http://theschoolofbalance.com/energy/

OT-V Episode 19: Conserving Energy Everday [Video file]. (2016). Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB4OT4FUalE

The Way Of Living: Being Happy And Healthy At An Old Age. (2017, November 29). Retrieved November 22, 2020, from https://aging.com/the-way-of-living-being-happy-and-healthy-at-an-old-age/

UCSF Health. (2020, October 06). Tips for Conserving Your Energy. Retrieved October 26, 2020, from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/tips-for-conserving-your-energy

Work Simplification and Energy Conservation Examples OT [Video file]. (2018). Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlifAzNItNQ