Everyone, at some time or another, wished that he had more energy. Many people just usually start taking a supplement. While there is nothing wrong with this, there are also lifestyle changes, which can help boost up the body's reserves.
First of all, it is important to know when to call the doctor. Fatigue may be sign of an oncoming cold or not managing one's time properly. However, it can also be a warning sign of a serious chronic illness, such as diabetes, anemia or even cancer. If a person's fatigue persists for months on end he/she should seek the advice of the physician.
The following activities can help fight fatigue.
Exercise Regularly
Many people believe that they are too tired to exercise. The real truth is in fact that the reason they are too tired to exercise (or do anything else for that matter) is because they do not exercise. Doctors recommend that a daily brisk walk between twenty (20) and thirty (30) minutes is adequate.
Try exercising at different times throughout the day. Doctors recommend that people get up and move every few hours and not save all exercise for one specific time in the day.
Exercising also helps with maintaining a healthy weight. For those who are very overweight (and even obese), the extra pounds that they carrying causes them to tire more quickly. Hence, they will need to rest often and for longer periods. Using a moderate exercise program and a sensible diet, their energy levels will increase and the fatigue should decrease.
Use a Daily Planner
Creating a list helps a person to organize his/ her day. People sometimes become overwhelmed by the many things that they must accomplish at the end of the day or week. Making a list helps set priorities and tracks progress. A person can feel energetic by remaining focused on one item at a time.
Quit Smoking
Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen available in the body. However, one should not expect an immediate amount of energy. Withdrawal symptoms may appear first before that energy boost.
Eat Right
Eat a large three-piece breakfast. The three (3) components of a good breakfast are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. This is a good way to start the day right. Bran muffins are a good source of complex carbohydrates. Eggs are a good source of proteins and fats which are stored as energy. Avoid food laden with simple sugars since this can cause overproduction of insulin. When this happens, the body's blood sugar level can drop sharply, leaving the person feeling jittery.
Have a light lunch. Having a heavy lunch can make a person lethargic and leave him yearning for an afternoon siesta. Eating a light lunch prevents this. If one does have a large lunch meal, doctors recommend a brisk twenty (20) minute walk afterward. Soups, salads and fruit are light and nutritious.
Try experimenting with the following tips:
- Turn off the TV. Many doctors have said that the television lulls people into lethargy. They encourage reading instead.
- Consume less alcohol. Alcohol acts as a depressant. It will calm a person down instead of revving them up.
- Listen to upbeat music. Songs from a person's favorite music group can help put some pep in their step.
- Breathe deeply. Athletes (especially swimmers) use deep breathing exercises to help them reenergize and also calm their nerves.
No one can deny that people's daily lives are much more hectic than they were forty (40) years ago. Fatigue can sometimes be annoying and the above techniques can help boost one's energy level. However, remember that if symptoms persist for more than three (3) months, persons should seek guidance from their doctor.
Source:
"The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." The Editor of Preventions Health Books, Bantam Dell, Inc. 2002
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