What is energy conservation?
To conserve something means to keep it, rather than use it up. Energy conservation means saving energy. This means, basically, using less energy. Energy comes in various forms - fossil fuels and solar energy are just two examples of energy.
After being in the hospital, it is normal to feel tired and weak. You may
also feel short of breath and have less energy to do the activities you
are used to doing at home. Learning how to conserve your energy
helps you build up your strength to take part in your daily activities and
other things you enjoy doing.
When you learn to conserve energy, you also reduce strain on your
heart, fatigue, shortness of breath, and stress-related pain.
Learning to conserve your energy is all about finding a good balance
between work, rest, and leisure in order to decrease the amount of
energy demand on your body.
Why is it important to conserve energy?
Conserving energy is important for several reasons. Below, you will see some key reasons for conserving energy:
- Ensuring that there is enough energy in the world for everyone to meet their needs.
- Reducing carbon emissions.
- Reducing energy waste.
- Ensuring our energy supplies do not run out.
- Staying energy efficient.
How to conserve energy?
We should all take action right now to conserve energy. We can all do more to conserve energy in our daily lives. For example, we can:
- Insulate our homes well, so the hot air does not escape and our heating is energy efficient.- Turn off appliances, such as TVs and AC when we are not using them.
- Take public transport instead of taking a car.
- Take fewer non-essential flights.
- Reuse and recycle as much as possible.
Energy Conservation Tips
Dressing and Hygiene
- Sit when you can.
- Organize and lay out clothing the night before.
- Begin dressing your lower half first as this uses more energy.
- Avoid bending and reaching. Instead, use a reacher, sock aid, or long-handled shoe horn or lift your legs up onto the bed or chair.
- Dry off with a terry cloth robe. You use less energy than drying off with a towel.
- If you have a weaker limb or limb, it is easier to dress the weaker limb first. It is easier to undress your strong limb first.
- Wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off. For example, use clothes and shoes with velcro instead of small buttons, and clasps places.
- Avoid using scented products such as hair products and lotions.
- These can irritate your lungs and cause shortness of breath for you and others around you. Many people are allergic to scents. These types of products are not allowed in the hospital.
- Be cautious when bathing. Use warm, not hot water. This helps eliminate shortness of breath from a buildup of steam and condensation.
- Use the bathroom equipment suggested by your Occupational
- Therapist. For example using a bath bench, bath stool, grab bars or a raised toilet seat can make bathing and toileting easier and safer.
Shopping
- Bring a prepared list of things you need to buy.
- Organize your shopping list by aisle or section of the store.
- Transport items in a buggy or shopping cart rather than carrying them in a basket.
- Load and carry grocery bags that are only half full or shop with someone who can help pack and carry bags.
- Avoid going out during rush hour when stores and streets are crowded.
- Consider using a delivery service.
Housework
- Divide activities and do them throughout the week. Balance light with heavy tasks.
- Make one side of the bed at a time. Sit to change pillowcases and unfold linen.
- Avoid spray cleaners that may irritate your lungs.
- Clean the bathtub by sitting or kneeling.
- Clean one whole room at a time instead of going back and forth between rooms to do each job.
- Consider asking for help from family members or hiring a cleaning service or housekeeper.
- After washing dishes, allow them to air dry.
- Have work in front of you rather than at your side.
- Slide rather than lift objects.
- Use long-handled dustpans and cleaning sponges to decrease the need for bending.
- Make a weekly plan for major jobs such as laundry, cleaning, and changing sheets on beds. Do one job each day.
- Keep a trash can in every room to avoid too much walking.
- Buy more than one of each item you use around the house.
- For example, keep the sink cleaner in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Keep a vacuum on each level of your home.
Cooking
- Cook and bake in steps to reduce energy use.
- Gather all ingredients and utensils before starting.
- Plan ahead with meal preparation.
- Make large meals and freeze in servings for later use.
- Use lightweight cookware and dishes to conserve energy.
- Use paper plates and cups to eliminate dishwashing.
- Use electric appliances such as can openers, blenders, food processors, and dishwashers to conserve energy.
- Consider buying easy to prepare or frozen meals, or using a meal delivery service.
Key Points:
- Prioritize activities of the day. Do heavier tasks when you have more energy.
- Plan your days’ and weeks’ activities. Set up your work area so you do not have to move around a lot looking for items to complete the task. Plan rest times.
- Pace yourself. Do not try to complete the whole task in one session. Break it into smaller, easy-to-do steps. A good guide to follow is to take 10 minutes each hour to rest. Do not rush.
- Position and Posture are important. Sit to work when you can to use 25% less energy. Sit and stand as upright as you can. Practice deep breathing exercises while you work to maintain your breathing rate and stay relaxed.
- Use assistive devices when recommended to save energy and make it more comfortable and easy to take care of yourself.