Tired of being tired? Looking for a way to reclaim that vitality and stamina that has seemingly waned for good? A few simple changes in your lifestyle may be all you need to lose that mental and physical fatigue. Here are 10 easy ways to re-energize.
1. De-stress
Chronic stress and anxiety not only make you weary, they can also negatively impact your brain and body. When you are overwhelmed and tied up in tension, you can’t think straight, your
heart races, your blood pressure rises, and eventually your health suffers. Unburden your mind and body by learning to de-stress. Exercise, journal, change your schedule, and work to eliminate
stressors – or at least lessen their weight – and enjoy the return of your vim and vigor.
2. Rule out medical conditions
Most of the time, being tired is related to lack of sleep, poor diet and chronic stress. However, it is important to rule out medical conditions that cause fatigue. See your doctor and make sure you
don’t have anemia (low iron), hypothyroid, chronic fatigue syndrome or any other illness that is sapping your energy. If you do have a medical condition, work closely with your healthcare team
to find the most effective treatments.
3. Change your routine
Boredom or being stuck in a rut is draining because you have nothing novel to look forward to when you wake up to face your day. Humans, by nature, are curious creatures who thrive on stimulation,
and, unfortunately due to routine lifestyles, can become lethargic when nothing new piques their interest. Though you may not be able to change your work or school schedule or just pick up and move
across the country, you can commit to do one novel thing every day. Whether it be sweat to a new workout, take a different route to the store, pick up a new hobby, or try an unfamiliar recipe or
ingredient, just do something out of the norm.
4. Sleep, sleep and more sleep
When is the last time you got seven solid hours of sleep? Lack of shut-eye is a primary culprit in unshakeable fatigue. One or two nights of troubled slumber can cause drowsiness, and if you are
running on few hours of sleep every night, exhaustion is going to take over your life. Prioritize getting more sleep so you wake up feeling refreshing and energized all day.
5. Eat breakfast
Skipping breakfast sets you up for a lethargic morning and can keep you weary all day long. By eating a well-balanced breakfast that includes protein and complex carbohydrates, you fuel your mind and
body for hours of work or play. Breakfast boosts your energy and sharpens your mind with long-lasting endurance. Even if you tend to wake up and rush out the door, take advantage of quick-fix meals,
like heat and eat egg and sausage dishes, nut butter and jam on toaster waffles, fruit and yogurt smoothies, or trail mix and ricotta cheese.
6. Opt for smaller, frequent meals
If your daily diet tends to be two or three large meals spaced hours apart, your lack of energy may be from low blood sugar. Heavy meals tend to make you drowsy because of the energy needed for
digestion, and if your next meal is hours after your food digests, you end up with low blood sugar, which is another energy drain. Aim for four to six smaller meals spaced apart by three to four
hours – lighter meals won’t weigh you down and frequent meals will keep your blood sugar on an even keel. Just make sure you downsize your usual portions and maintain a healthy caloric
intake.
7. Snack smarter
Snacking has gotten a bad rap with all the high-calorie, high-sugar, high-fat convenience foods. However, snacking on fresh fruit and vegetables, salads, light soups, small sandwiches, nuts, whole
grains, yogurt and cheese is a healthy way to up your energy when the mid-morning or mid-afternoon slump hits. Whole foods are full of vitality and are an optimal way to raise blood sugar levels as
well as ensure you are getting your recommended daily intake of key vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Keep in mind that snacks are miniature meals to tide you over until mealtime –
snacking on large portions may contribute to weight gain, which can also drag your energy down.
8. Drink up
Even slight dehydration can cause mental and physical fatigue. You need about eight (8-ounce) glasses of water – or other uncaffeinated liquid – every day, and more when you exercise or
are in extreme climates. Try drinking a glass of water every two hours from the time you wake up until bed. It will keep you refreshed and well-hydrated throughout your day.
9. Limit your caffeine
That initial jolt of energy you experienced when you started drinking coffee has likely tapered off and only occurs when you drink more – and then some more. Your body naturally develops a
tolerance to caffeine, so relying on your cups of coffee to boost your energy is a short-lived solution. And jolting your body with caffeine every time you feel fatigued only adds to your tiredness
– you get an instant lift, followed by an energy crash. Stick to a cup or two in the morning. If you are getting enough sleep and eating healthfully, chances are you won’t feel like you
have to drink coffee all day.
10. Re-energize with exercise
Though you may think exercise is only going to make you more tired, getting your muscles pumping will oxygenate your brain and body and give you an enlivening endorphin boost. Merely taking a brisk
walk can revitalize your energy reserves. Exercise will quickly wake you up, tame your tension, and improve your health. When that midday malaise starts to set in, hit the gym, yoga center, or local
park to work out and win your fight against fatigue.
Leave a Comment