Stay socially connected with friends and family members. Making plans can help you find reserves of energy, and oftentimes being social can cheer you up. Make sure to share how you’re feeling with people you trust so the negative feelings don’t build up inside and make you more fatigued.

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" hover_type="none" first="true"][fusion_text] Get a referral to see a registered dietician who will help you choose foods to increase energy. Eating healthy foods can help your body have more energy versus less and provide your cells with the nutrients they need. [/fusion_text][fusion_button link="https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/resource/resource-library/guide-in-the-fight/lifestyle/diet-and-nutrition/" target="_self" aria_role_button="0" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" color="custom" button_gradient_top_color_hover="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" button_gradient_top_color="var(--awb-color3)" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" button_gradient_bottom_color="var(--awb-color3)" linear_angle="180" accent_hover_color="var(--awb-color3)" accent_color="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" border_hover_color="var(--awb-color3)" border_color="var(--awb-color3)" stretch="default" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="text_slide_up" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]diet and nutrition[/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Make adjustments to your sleep routine to improve your sleep. Aim to sleep at least 8 hours at night. Be consistent with your sleep schedule if you can. If you are unfamiliar with the term “sleep hygiene” look it up and start practicing! Below are some tips: Relax before bed without a screen on (no television, phone, or computer). Make sure your sleep environment is dark, cool, and clean. Reserve your bedroom for sleeping (and sex, if you’re up to it), try not to watch TV, eat, or work in bed. Try not to look at the time in the middle of the night as this may make you feel restless. Use a fan, sound machine, and/or diffuser to help calm your senses. Take a hot bath an hour or two before bedtime (if your skin can handle it). Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the afternoon. Alcohol may make it seem easier to sleep, but it disrupts the quality of your sleep. Exercise, but not too close to bedtime. If you cannot sleep night after night, ask your doctor about sleep aid options.

Take short naps in the late morning or early afternoon (no later than 3 pm or you may affect your night’s sleep). Use relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce stress.

Prioritize activities most important to you. Plan your activities at the time of day when you have the most energy.

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" hover_type="none" first="true"][fusion_text] One of the most effective ways to increase energy is exercise. You might feel like you don’t have the energy to work out, and that’s okay. Start small, with a short walk around the block. Exercise can truly help. Talk to your doctor to create a healthy exercise plan, then grab a friend, family member, or pet to exercise with you! [/fusion_text][fusion_button link="https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/resource/resource-library/guide-in-the-fight/lifestyle/exercise/" target="_self" aria_role_button="0" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" color="custom" button_gradient_top_color_hover="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" button_gradient_top_color="var(--awb-color3)" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" button_gradient_bottom_color="var(--awb-color3)" linear_angle="180" accent_hover_color="var(--awb-color3)" border_hover_color="var(--awb-color3)" border_color="var(--awb-color3)" stretch="default" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="text_slide_up" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]benefits of exercise[/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

For some, talking about the challenges that result from LARS can really help ease stress and shift the focus to other things in life. Reducing stress may also reduce LARS symptoms.

You need to be prepared if you have LARS. Consider carrying a survival pack that includes soft/flushable wipes, clean underwear, plastic bags, hand sanitizer, Imodium, and butt paste.

Stool training and biofeedback

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" hover_type="none" first="true"][fusion_text] These are non-surgical therapies that can retrain your muscles to manage bowel dysfunction like fecal incontinence and constipation. Essentially, you learn through reinforcement how to train the muscles in your bowel to normalize function. Seek pelvic floor physical therapy to address your symptoms of LARS. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Medicines and Probiotics

There are medications and over-the-counter drugs that can help with incontinence (Imodium for clustering, Metamucil® as a fiber supplement, for example). Also: some patients find that taking a probiotic pill, or having daily servings of yogurt, kombucha, Keifer, or other probiotic-rich foods and drinks help. Be sure to talk with your physician before beginning a new medication regimen.