Lifestyle Changes to Fight Fatigue

Fatigue can be a serious nuisance that prevents you from doing a good job at work, performing well at school, or spending time with your family.

Fatigue can have severe consequences. Drowsy driving is involved in more than 2 percent of all fatal vehicle crashes in the United States. Fatigue also causes a loss in work productivity, costing employers about $136 billion each year. Fatigue is also quite uncomfortable, significantly decreasing the quality of life for those who suffer from the condition.

It is normal to feel fatigued occasionally, as it is an important response to physical exertion, insufficient sleep, emotional stress, or boredom. Left untreated, however, chronic fatigue can significantly decrease the quality of your life. Fortunately, you can usually overcome fatigue completely with a few lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Changes That Fight Fatigue

• Eat a nutritious diet, including lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh water, to give your body the revitalizing vitamins and minerals it needs. Avoid processed foods, which provide empty calories that leave you feeling bloated and sluggish.
• Exercise daily. Physical activity burns off excess calories and tires out your muscles to make it easier for you to fall asleep.
• Lose weight. Carrying around extra pounds depletes the body of its energy.
• Avoid caffeine. While coffee, tea, or soda may provide a temporary jolt, a crash often follows.
• Quit smoking and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. Nicotine negatively affects blood sugar levels, depriving the body’s cells of the energy they need to function properly. Cigarette smoke also inhibits oxygen levels in the brain and slows down the function of vital organs.
• Improve your posture. Poor posture is taxing on your muscles, joints, and bones.

Improve your sleep to fight fatigue. Make these lifestyle changes to sleep better each night:

• Create a good sleeping environment. Make sure the bedroom is dark, quiet, cool, and comfortable.
• Perform relaxing bedtime rituals to unwind. Do yoga, drink chamomile tea, or take a warm bath.
• These nighttime habits serve as a signal to your body that it is time to go to sleep.
• Avoid watching the news or thinking about stressful events before bed.
• Go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, even on your days off.
• Allow for eight hours of sleep each night.

Lifestyle changes usually fight fatigue without the need for drugs or other medical interventions. Talk with Dr. Kerendian if lifestyle changes alone are not enough to restore your energy levels.