Perching Stool for Long COVID and POTS Relief: How a Simple Stool Became My Recovery Sidekick

by LCJ Team, posted in Living With Long Covid

A perching stool is one of the simplest but most effective adaptations for people with Long COVID, POTS and other forms of dysautonomia. Standing still places extra demands on the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate, blood pressure and circulation. When these systems are not working properly, everyday activities like preparing food or washing dishes can trigger dizziness, fatigue, breathlessness and even fainting. A perching stool allows you to stay partially seated while remaining active, reducing the strain of prolonged standing, conserving energy and making daily tasks safer. Although it may seem like a small change, many people find it helps them pace their energy and maintain independence.

Key Insights

  • Standing still is often harder than walking for people with Long COVID and POTS because it places greater demands on the autonomic nervous system.
  • A perching stool reduces the physical effort of everyday tasks by allowing you to work in a supported semi-standing position.
  • Occupational therapists commonly recommend perching stools as part of energy conservation and falls prevention strategies.
  • Small environmental adaptations can reduce symptom flares, improve confidence and help preserve energy for more meaningful activities.
  • Using supportive equipment is not giving up. It is a practical way of working with your body rather than against it.

Introduction

A perching stool may look simple, but for many people with Long COVID and POTS it can reduce dizziness, conserve energy and make everyday tasks safer. This article explains why occupational therapists recommend them, how they help with autonomic dysfunction, and why one small piece of equipment became an unexpected recovery companion.

Perching stool long covid is not something I ever thought I would be searching for, yet here we are.

So, there I was, in the middle of Long COVID chaos, juggling fatigue, dizziness, and that constant feeling that my legs might give up at any moment. Then my Occupational Therapist told me, completely seriously, that I needed a perching stool.

I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or both. Let’s be honest, when you hear the word stool, your first thought is not exactly something you want in your kitchen.

Perhaps you’ve reached the point where making a cup of tea feels harder than walking around the supermarket used to. You find yourself leaning on the kitchen counter, sitting on the stairs halfway up, or wondering why standing still is somehow harder than walking. If so, you’re not alone. Small adaptations can make a surprisingly big difference.

The Arrival of My New White and Blue Friend

It arrived the day the NHS team dropped off my new best friend. The delivery guy first brought what I can only describe as a WC on legs. Panic moment avoided, the correct perching stool arrived: a humble white and blue contraption, somewhere between a space-age toilet and tired IKEA design.

I thought it would be ugly and uncomfortable. But when I sat, something magical happened. My body was actually comfortable. The stool took weight off my legs, supported my hips, and allowed me to stay upright without overexerting myself. It was not glamorous, but wow game-changer.

After weeks of dizziness, weakness, and the risk of collapse, this little stool became my trusty sidekick. Honestly, I started thinking there might be a market for a designer perching stool. Someone please give this thing a makeover while keeping the comfort intact.

Perching Stool Long COVID and Why It Helps POTS

For those with autonomic dysfunction or chronic illnesses like POTS Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, standing for long periods can trigger dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. Perching on a stool helps by letting you stay semi-sitting, reducing strain on your cardiovascular system while supporting proper posture.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence highlights that simple adaptations like perching stools can improve quality of life for individuals with Long COVID and POTS. It is like sitting and standing at the same time just enough to keep moving without overdoing it.

Life With a Perching Stool

With autonomic dysfunction, your body struggles to regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Even light tasks can feel overwhelming. Using a perching stool reduces the risk of falls and allows you to rest while staying functional. I have had more than a few close calls that could have ended badly, but my stool caught me literally and figuratively.

And yes, even my little cat loves it. There is something very comforting about having a small, functional sidekick that supports your body during the most unpredictable moments of Long COVID.

A Funny Love Story, With a Bit of Medical Backing

While the design could use a facelift, I appreciate my perching stool for what it is: a functional companion during my recovery. Comfort trumps design when you are dealing with chronic illness, and this stool has earned its place in my home.

It is not just a quirky piece of furniture, it is a tool that supports my daily life with POTS, helping me manage dizziness, fatigue, and autonomic dysfunction more safely.

The moment things start to change

One of the biggest shifts is not the stool itself, or any single tool. It is realising that you do not have to push through everything the way you used to. At first, using things like a perching stool or sitting down for simple tasks can feel like giving in. It can feel like a step backwards. But over time, it starts to feel different.

You notice you are not crashing as hard. You get through the day with slightly less effort. Things do not escalate as quickly. It is subtle, but it adds up.

That is usually the moment things start to change. Not because the condition disappears, but because you are finally working with your body instead of constantly trying to override it.

It is not about giving up

One of the biggest misconceptions is that using equipment like a perching stool means you’ve become dependent or are somehow “giving in” to your illness. In reality, it is the opposite. By reducing unnecessary energy expenditure, these tools help many people stay independent for longer and avoid the crashes that come from pushing through. Occupational therapists don’t recommend them because you’ve failed they recommend them because they work.

Related Topics for Long COVID and POTS Recovery

Perching Stool Tips · Fatigue and Energy Management · Muscle Weakness Support · Homemade Electrolyte Drinks · Brain Fog and CognitionIt is not just a quirky piece of furniture, it is a tool that supports my daily life with POTS, helping me manage dizziness, fatigue, and autonomic dysfunction safely.

Other Useful Tools for POTS and Dysautonomia

The perching stool was just the start. Once you realise how much your body reacts to small stresses, you start looking at everything differently. Cooling tools can make a surprising difference, especially when temperature swings or overheating trigger symptoms. A simple cooling gel pad or cold compress on the neck can calm things down faster than you’d expect. Compression socks or abdominal binders help circulation when standing becomes too much. Electrolyte drinks are not just a wellness trend, they can genuinely take the edge off that “about to crash” feeling. Shower stools, bath boards, or even sitting to brush your teeth can save more energy than you think. Even small things like a handheld fan, a weighted blanket for nervous system calm, or keeping water within reach at all times start to matter. None of these are dramatic solutions, but together they reduce the constant load on your system, and sometimes that is the difference between coping and tipping over.

FAQs

What is a perching stool and how does it help Long COVID

A perching stool allows you to sit in a semi upright position, reducing strain from standing and helping manage fatigue and dizziness.

A perching stool allows you to sit in a semi upright position, reducing strain from standing and helping manage fatigue and dizziness.

Standing places demand on circulation and the autonomic nervous system, which may not regulate properly in these conditions.

Can a perching stool reduce dizziness

For some people, reducing time spent standing can help limit dizziness and lightheadedness.

Is a perching stool recommended for POTS

It is commonly suggested as a practical adaptation to reduce symptoms triggered by prolonged standing.

Does a perching stool help with fatigue

It can help reduce energy expenditure during daily tasks, which may make fatigue more manageable

Can I get a perching stool through the NHS?

Yes, in many areas you can. Occupational therapists working in the community, Long COVID services or rehabilitation teams can assess whether a perching stool would help you. If appropriate, they may provide one through the NHS or advise you on the best type to buy yourself. Availability varies depending on where you live, so it’s worth asking your GP or occupational therapist about local services.

What is the difference between a shower stool and a perching stool?

Although they look similar, they are designed for different purposes. A shower stool is made to be fully sat on while washing and is waterproof. A perching stool is taller and angled slightly forwards, allowing you to “perch” in a semi-standing position while preparing food, washing dishes or carrying out other everyday tasks. Many people with Long COVID and POTS find having both is helpful because they reduce energy expenditure in different parts of the day.

Should the height of a perching stool be adjusted?

Yes. A perching stool works best when adjusted to your height. Your feet should rest comfortably on the floor while your hips are slightly higher than your knees, allowing you to get on and off the stool safely without excessive effort. If an occupational therapist provides your stool, they will usually adjust it for you and show you how to use it correctly.

Can a perching stool help if I don’t have POTS?

Yes. Perching stools can be helpful for anyone who struggles with prolonged standing due to fatigue, muscle weakness, breathlessness, balance problems or other Long COVID symptoms. They are not designed specifically for POTS. Their main purpose is to reduce the physical effort required for everyday tasks, helping you conserve energy and lower the risk of dizziness or falls.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Last reviewed and updated: July 2026.

This article combines lived experience with current understanding of Long COVID, POTS and occupational therapy strategies. It reflects published guidance on energy conservation and practical adaptations that may help reduce symptom burden during daily activities.

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