12 Products People With Chronic Fatigue Swear By

Chronic fatigue can be a symptom of a wide variety of chronic diseases and mental illnesses, and is different than chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis – a disease with its own particular set of symptoms. It usually isn’t helped by getting more sleep, and involves so much more than just being “tired.” It can be debilitating at times and cause you to feel worn out beyond belief, both mentally and physically.

Going about your everyday routine while struggling with chronic fatigue can feel a lot like trying to run through wet cement. The fatigue can weigh you down and make it difficult to think, move or function. While there’s no cure or one-size-fits-all treatment for chronic fatigue, some people have found certain items or practices to be helpful.

To help those struggling with feeling exhausted day after day, we asked our Mighty community which products help them manage their chronic fatigue. Although the following items may not magically zap away your fatigue (we wish!), hopefully they can help you feel even just a tiny bit more alert and energized.

Here are our community’s recommendations:

1. Green Tea

Green tea contains some caffeine and can give you an energy boost during the day.

“I drink green tea for caffeine sparingly, only as needed, because it helps a lot in small doses,” said Sarah Langer.

Buy the tea above (50-ct.) for $5.49 from Amazon.

2. Stretching/Movement

Stretching may not be a “product,” per se, but moving your body in whatever ways you are able can increase blood flow, which may help you feel more awake and alert. For tips on exercising with an illness or disability, check out simple exercises you can do in a wheelchair or sitting down and gentle exercises you can do if you have chronic pain.

Johannah Morrison-Frank told us, “If I stretch and do Pilates in the morning or even in the afternoon it keeps me awake or can rejuvenate me from the foggy mind too – so helpful!”

Buy the yoga mat above for $17.95 from Amazon.

3. Chewing Gum

The act of chewing keeps your muscles moving and may help you stay awake. A refreshing or energizing flavor such as mint may also help keep you alert.

Johannah Morrison-Frank told us, “Caffeine, oddly enough anti-inflammatories and gum (I was told by a doctor that chewing keeps one awake – so I’ve used this method for test taking in college and never stopped using it). The last one is a lifesaver!”

Buy the gum above (pack of 10) for $10.99 from Amazon.

4. Dry Erase Board With Calendar

Being fatigued can often make it difficult to concentrate and remember important events, activities and the items on your to-do list. A large dry erase board with a weekly calendar (such as the one featured above) can help you keep track of everything going on in your life, even if your brain isn’t functioning at 100 percent.

“I’ve started using a whiteboard that I keep next to my chair and it has all the days of the week and things I need to remember each day and magnets that I tick things off with. It’s really helped me with forgetfulness and being foggy. I also have a diary and phone calendar with reminders,” said Janelle Fernandez.

Buy the dry erase calendar above for $58.64 from Amazon.

5. Fresh Air

It’s hard to beat the natural fresh air of the great outdoors – getting outside and interacting with nature can not only be invigorating physically, but give your mood a boost as well. If you are unable to go outside or travel far or don’t have access to fresh air, an air purifier in your home can help the indoor air feel refreshing and clean.

Samantha McKee said, “Going out to nature helps me reset [my] batteries. Even a drive to the mountains to see wildlife just makes me a) nap super easy and relax (not behind the wheel) and b) helps reset my internal batteries without sleep.”

Buy the air purifier above for $82.47 from Amazon.

6. Blue Light-Blocking Glasses

These glasses are made to block the blue light emitted by your phone, computer or tablet screen, which can cause eyestrain or headaches. Blocking out blue light has also been shown to help people sleep better, so if you’re fatigued but have difficulty getting restful sleep, these glasses may help.

“Wearing blue light-blocking glasses whenever I’m looking at a screen has improved my sleep,” Sarah Langer told us.

Buy the glasses above for $19.90 from Amazon.

7. Ice Cold Water

Ice cold water can be invigorating – whether you’re drinking it or splashing it on your face. An insulated water bottle such as the one featured above can help keep your water cold, whether you’re out and about or stuck in bed.

Cassidy Schod wrote, “It doesn’t last forever, but throwing freezing water in my face wakes me up even though it’s not fun! Kind of funny but I do this at times to be able to wake up for appointments.”

Buy the water bottle above for $26.25 from Amazon.

8. Reclining Armchair

If you don’t sleep well because your illness makes it difficult to get comfortable in bed, a reclining armchair may be a more comfortable alternative and help you get some sleep so you feel more rested during the day.

“My Rooms to Go reclining armchair,” said Bailey Sonday. “It supports my back and is tall enough to support my neck. All the points that matter most.”

Buy the armchair above for $549.99 from Rooms to Go.

9. Himalayan Salt Lamp

When heated, Himalayan salt lamps emit a warm, pink glow that may create a more relaxing atmosphere to help soothe or calm you as you’re trying to sleep. They’re a bit controversial, as some claim they emit negative ions that fight electromagnetic radiation, and believe the naturally ionized air can help people sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed. However, the science hasn’t been proven.

“Himalayan salt lamps!” recommended Tiffany Leonard. “I swear I can feel the change of energy in the room and within myself when it is on.”

Buy the salt lamp above for $39.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond.

10. Memory Foam Pillow

Finding supportive and comfortable pillows can be critical for getting a good night’s sleep and feeling more rested the next day. For more recommendations, check out the pillows that help our chronic pain community sleep better.

Recommended by Samantha Mouradian.

Buy the pillows above (pack of 2) for $25.99 from Amazon.

11. Nuun Hydration Tablets

These tablets can be added to a glass of water to improve hydration and replenish electrolytes, which can help you to feel refreshed and energized.

“Nuun hydration tablets,” said Kayleigh Bailess. “They help keep me hydrated and some of them have caffeine for an extra boost.”

Buy the hydration tablets above (40-ct.) for $18.99 from Amazon.

12. Essential Oils

In addition to smelling nice, essential oils can have a ton of health benefits. Several oils and blends are known to be rejuvenating and energizing, including citrus oils, minty oils, herbal oils and spicy oils. Putting a few drops of peppermint essential oil, for instance, on your wrists or even under your nose can help stimulate you, making you feel more alert and focused.

Buy the peppermint essential oil above for $6.99 from Amazon.