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One action you can take to decrease the feeling of tiredness is exercise. Although it may sometimes be difficult to get started when you are tired, exercise can actually boost your energy level.
Physical activity can benefit nearly everyone who can participate, and people with hepatitis are encouraged to exercise. It can be an important, fulfilling part of coping with a chronic disease.
Try to exercise regularly, even though you may not always feel like doing it. In addition to boosting your energy level, exercise can help you to control your weight, which is important if you have hepatitis.
Choose the type and level of activity based on how physically fit you were before you became ill and on how much activity you can tolerate. If, for example, you played tennis before, you can do so now, if you feel up to it. But if you find that tennis has become too difficult, try another form of exercise that is less demanding.
Even if you didn't exercise before, you can start now. Remember to take it slowly at first.
Good exercise options include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Riding an exercise bike
- Yoga or T'ai Chi
- Low-impact aerobics classes or videos
Walking may be the best choice. You can do it just about anywhere, and walking is a good activity to enjoy with friends or family members. Over time you may gradually increase your pace and the distance that you cover. The only special "equipment" you'll need is a pair of supportive walking shoes. If you are walking outdoors, use sunscreen; wear light-colored clothing in hot weather and layered clothing in cooler weather.
Benefits of Exercise
- Decreases fatigue
- Improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and to sleep well
- Improves endurance
- Increases muscular strength for accomplishing everyday tasks
- Relieves stress
- Reduces feeling of depression and anxiety
- Enhances feeling of well being
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