Skip to main content

Strategies for managing long COVID

Strategies for managing long COVID

Have you or your whānau been struggling with the effects of long COVID? Recent studies have shown that neurological functions such as cognition and memory can be affected by long COVID.

Rehabilitation techniques used for managing fatigue following a traumatic brain injury may also be beneficial in managing this symptom following long COVID; we have put together some tips that you might find helpful.

  • Maintain good sleep patterns
    • Turn off your screen one hour before bed
    • Keep a consistent sleep/wake time
    • Write down any worrying thoughts before bed
    • If sleep problems persist, consult your GP
  • Pace yourself and include regular rest periods
    • Plan your day with a mixture of challenging activities when you are most alert, followed by rest, and less demanding task/s
  • Eat healthy food and drink water regularly
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs
  • Determine when you function the best
  • Face the person you are talking to
    • Request a repeat if needed
  • Reduce any distractions in your environment
    • Turn off the TV/radio when talking
  • Focus on one task at a time
  • Break down tasks into small steps to avoid overwhelm
  • Identify and seek treatment for any physical difficulties, such as pain and illness that may impact concentration
  • Use memory aids such as checklists, diaries, or reminders on your phone
  • Record key conversations
    • E.G. doctor’s appointment
  • Ask others to text you so you have a written record
  • Paraphrase information
    • Summarise your understanding of the conversation
  • Keep frequently used items E.G. keys, wallet, and phone, in the same spot in your house