August 20, 2021
Fatigue: Are you more than just tired?
If you’re feeling constantly exhausted and find you have little to no energy no matter how much sleep you get, it could be something more than just ‘fatigue’. When faced with fatigue, it can be incredibly difficult to get anything done, in fact, the simplest of tasks feel like an unbearable challenge. For readers that are nodding their head in agreement, it may serve you well to learn more about what you can do if you’re feeling this way and how to identify when you’re experiencing fatigue. After all, there is a big difference between feeling simply tired and like you have no energy left whatsoever. From fatigue supplements to incorporating new habits to boost energy levels, there are plenty of ways you can tackle fatigue in the body and mind.
Fatigue VS Tiredness
There’s a big difference between feeling tired and being chronically fatigued. Fatigue by definition is ‘extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness.’ On the other hand, tiredness refers to the desire to rest or sleep. Fatigue is a consistent lack of energy that doesn’t seem to shift and there are many reasons you could be experiencing it. Most of the time, lifestyle factors come into play when looking at the root cause of fatigue, though sometimes it can be caused by an underlying illness. Here are some of the most common reasons a person may experience fatigue:- Emotional stress and periods of grief
- Being overweight or unhealthy
- Lack of sleep and physical exertion
- Drinking alcohol on a regular basis
- Not getting the nutrients you need
- Certain medications
- Illnesses including Anemia, Arthritis, Flu, Thyroid issues, and more
How to treat fatigue
Treating fatigue can be a difficult process as it involves changing your lifestyle and approaching it with a process of elimination until you find what works. To treat your fatigue it is essential to look at the nature of the fatigue when it first started, and any other symptoms you may be currently experiencing. A number of lifestyle changes can be tested to see if your fatigue improves including:- Make sure you drink enough fluids to stay hydrated
- Make healthy eating habits a priority
- Exercising regularly
- Don't forget to sleep
- Stressors should be avoided
- Avoid overly demanding work and social schedules
- Engage in relaxing activities, such as yoga
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs
- Create a bedtime routine and stick to it