10 Ways to Fight Fatigue

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10 Ways to Fight Fatigue

1. Check for other medical problems. Fatigue is a common symptom of thyroid problems, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other medical problems. If you’ve been fighting fatigue for weeks, see your doctor. It’s better to rule out other possible medical conditions than fight fatigue in vain.
2. Get moving. The more oxygen that runs through your veins, brain, and muscles, the more energized you’ll feel. Walking – even if it’s just around the block or to the other end of the building – is one way to feel alert and energized. The more physically active you are, the less fatigue you’ll feel. Exercise releases hormones that make you feel alive, refreshed, and energized all day.
3. Vary your routine. A great way to fight fatigue and feel alert is to do something different. Change the route you take to work, do a different exercise routine, take an evening class, meet new people – those are activities that could help you feel energized all day. Never underestimate the power of positive energy.
4. Avoid simple carbohydrates. The sugar in soft drinks, chips, rice crisps, chocolate, and anything white and processed causes your blood sugar levels to spike. You may feel like you’re fighting fatigue by eating sugar, but your body then releases insulin, which makes you feel tired.
5. Eat complex carbohydrates. Food that breaks down slowly will help you feel energized all day. Healthy granola bars, bagels, muesli are complex carbs that release energy slowly, which helps fight fatigue and increases feelings of alertness.
6. Check your iron levels. A simple way to feel alert is to make sure you’re getting enough iron. Even if you don’t have a full-fledged iron deficiency, you could still feel fatigued. Eat fish, eggs, chicken, fortified cereals, and beans to fight fatigue and feel energized.
7. Stay at a healthy weight. You don’t have to be slim to be healthy and fit. In fact, if you’re too slim you’ll feel tired, drained, and listless. And if you’re overweight, you’ll get tired when you climb a flight of stairs. To stay energized all day, maintain a healthy weight. Achieving your weight loss goals doesn't just make you look good -- you'll feel great, too.
8. Maintain your weight sensibly. To fight fatigue, don’t go to extremes (skipping meals or over-exercising). Eat those complex carbs every two or three hours, and try to stop eating before you’re stuffed full. Doing some form of exercise every day is good; alternate light and heavy exercise days to let your body rest.
9. Go to bed at the same time every night. Make sure you get eight hours of sleep, and try and keep your sleep schedule constant. This is not the time to “vary your routine”! Sleeping seems like an obvious way to fight fatigue – but most people don’t get enough sleep. See below for 10 Ways to Cure Insomnia.
10. Experiment with aromatherapy. Peppermint and jasmine essential oils are energizing, say some naturopaths. Scent therapy or aromatherapy is most effective when you shake a few drops of an energizing scent on a handkerchief, and sniff for a minute or two. Just try it – this could be your favorite way to fight fatigue and feel energized all day long.