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What are Some Healthy Ways to Beat Fatigue?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

The most obvious way to beat fatigue or exhaustion is to get more sleep or find ways to get more restful sleep. Begin by determining what is preventing you from falling asleep, staying asleep, or from feeling rested. Oftentimes, stress is the culprit, so making a conscious effort to unwind before going to bed can help. Try to clear your mind of the day’s issues and think about pleasant, calming things. If it has more to do with your routine, try to manage your schedule in a way that allows you to sleep for more consecutive hours each night, or at a minimum allows you to squeeze in a nap during the day to combat fatigue.

Another way to beat fatigue is to make sure you don’t skip meals, because eating increases your metabolism. A healthy diet can help provide more energy. Too much fat or sugar can also lead to fatigue or feeling lethargic. Try to balance your meals so that your healthy choices outweigh the foods that cause fatigue.

Someone who is feeling fatigued may want to turn on extra lights to change their mood.
Someone who is feeling fatigued may want to turn on extra lights to change their mood.

Being dehydrated can also cause many physical ailments, including fatigue. To maintain proper hydration, drink plenty of liquids –especially water- throughout your day. Do not wait until you feel thirsty, because by then you are already becoming dehydrated. Make drinking more water a part of your daily routine. Try a squeeze of fruit juice or a lemon wedge to make water more appealing. Citrus scents are also good for lifting your mood.

Upbeat music might help reduce fatigue.
Upbeat music might help reduce fatigue.

Speaking of mood it also plays a role in fatigue. A dark mood or a sense of being depressed can often cause people to feel weary. Try to brighten up your mood by turning on more lights, turning on some upbeat music, or finding ways to make yourself laugh. Reading jokes online or watching comedy on television can be great ways to improve your mood and help decrease fatigue.

Eating a healthy diet can provide an individual with more energy.
Eating a healthy diet can provide an individual with more energy.

Exercise may seem like it wears you out, but it actually kicks your metabolism into gear and gives you more energy, when you do it regularly. Choose a form of exercise that is fun so you will be more likely to make it a part of your regular routine. Even short bursts of exercise can help increase your heart rate and improve your energy level, so try taking a walk or taking the stairs instead of the elevator to get rid of afternoon fatigue instead of reaching for caffeine or sugary snacks.

Discussion Comments

goldensky

@whitesand - I know what you're saying about the stressful overload we all feel today. Most days it doesn't feel like there's an end in sight.

I would like to comment on your caffeine intake though. Are you aware that too much caffeine could actually be what causes your fatigue?

I know it sounds crazy since it gives us such a boost of energy but for some people it actually has an opposite effect. Taking in too much caffeine is similar to the abuse of an artificial stimulant and can end up making your fatigue worse over time.

I hope you will consider talking to your doctor about this because I am sure there's a better solution to fight fatigue than with caffeine.

It's not my intention to offend you or tell you how to run your life. I just hate to think that the only things keeping you alive and active are coffee and cola. But I suppose many other people are doing the same thing.

whitesand

You know it's no wonder that the number one complaint heard by doctors is "I'm so tired." Our lifestyles are so hectic and full of demands that some days it seems impossible to accomplish them all.

Stress has got to be the number one cause of fatigue, especially for women. We've just completely worn ourselves out but continue to take on more tasks day after day.

And I'm no exception. Caffeine is the only way I can make it through the day. Bring me another cup of coffee or a cola and I'm ready to go and when that wears off, bring me another.

aviva

My doctor told me that I am border line anemic and that is most likely why I am so tired and fatigued all the time. I have very heavy menstrual cycles every month and I am told that this loss of blood is developing into anemia.

My doctor explained it to me like this. He said my bleeding has caused me to become hemoglobin deficient. Each month I'm losing iron-rich proteins from my red blood cells.

These cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the other parts of the body that helps promote energy. When the tissues and organs don't get enough then here comes fatigue.

I have been on a diet rich in iron now with foods like broccoli, spinach and red meats. I also take iron supplements and vitamin B12 daily.

It's only been a week and a half since I made the change in my diet but I already feel more energetic. I never really had a problem with sleeping at night but I do feel like I'm getting a better nights rest now.

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    • Someone who is feeling fatigued may want to turn on extra lights to change their mood.
      By: Susan Stevenson
      Someone who is feeling fatigued may want to turn on extra lights to change their mood.
    • Upbeat music might help reduce fatigue.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Upbeat music might help reduce fatigue.
    • Eating a healthy diet can provide an individual with more energy.
      By: B. and E. Dudzinscy
      Eating a healthy diet can provide an individual with more energy.
    • Naps may help reduce fatigue.
      By: Sanjay Deva
      Naps may help reduce fatigue.
    • Citrus scents can lift a person's mood.
      By: hanabiyori
      Citrus scents can lift a person's mood.
    • A cup of green tea is a healthy pick-me-up beverage.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      A cup of green tea is a healthy pick-me-up beverage.
    • Finding ways to make yourself laugh can help fight fatigue.
      By: diego cervo
      Finding ways to make yourself laugh can help fight fatigue.
    • Staying properly hydrated can prevent fatigue.
      By: lithian
      Staying properly hydrated can prevent fatigue.
    • In some cases, extreme fatigue signals an underlying physical ailment, so it's important to consult a medical professional if the fatigue persists.
      By: Alliance
      In some cases, extreme fatigue signals an underlying physical ailment, so it's important to consult a medical professional if the fatigue persists.
    • Exercise increases the heart rate and helps improve energy levels.
      By: Jacek Chabraszewski
      Exercise increases the heart rate and helps improve energy levels.