FATIGUE

Welcome to modern life. Doctors agree that our hectic pace-the endless meetings, rushing home to care for the children, and staying up a little too late at night-is taking its toll. People are feeling more tired than ever before, and there doesn’t seem to be any relief in sight.

You can’t turn the clock back to a simpler time, of course. But there are ways you can boost your energy and restore your enjoyment of life. Here’s what experts recommend.

Make sure the well doesn’t run dry. When you’re busy all day it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. When you don’t get enough fluids, cells throughout your body, including in the brain, begin to run dry, which can sap your energy. Don’t wait until you’re feeling thirsty, because our body’s “thirst-sensor” doesn’t always work efficiently. Doctors say to drink at least eight glasses a day.

Incidentally, don’t count coffee or cola toward your daily total. These drinks contain caffeine, which is a diuretic-meaning it removes more fluids from your body than it puts in. If you do drink coffee or other beverages with caffeine, you need to drink even more water to keep yourself hydrated.

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                                                  WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR

                         While fatigue is often caused by nothing worse than a lack of sleep, it  

                         can also be a sign of other, underlying problems, including diabetes,                           

                         anemia, hormonal imbalances, or even chronic fatigue syndrome. If  

                         you’re tired all the time and it seems to be getting worse, you need to  

                         get a checkup. Your doctor will probably do a variety of tests,  

                         including blood tests, to figure out what’s going on and what you need  

                         to do.

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See the light. When winter arrives and days get shorter, many people start feeling tired and fatigued. Studies have shown, however, that you can give your energy a boost by getting more sunlight. Even if you only get outside for an hour or two a day, the extra light may help put extra zip in your mood.

Shake things up. Sometimes it seems like every day is the same. We go to work, go home, cook dinner, go to bed. It’s no wonder that we sometimes feel a little tired and unmotivated. Doctors agree that one of  the best things you can do to fight fatigue is to put more variety into your life. Going for walks, taking adult education classes, or simply reading some new books will help you feel more motivated and energized by life.

Add some color to your life. Studies have shown that people who spend their time in dark houses with dull, muted colors tend to have less energy than those who are surrounded by visual “zip” – bright reds, soothing greens, or vibrant yellows. Even if you don’t feel like painting your house, it’s good idea to liven up your surroundings.

Eat for energy. Many people have been known to make themselves feel stronger and more energetic simply by eating a better diet. Unlike foods that are high in fat, Which are hard to digest and tend to sap your energy, fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates can help you feel more energized.

Bank the big meals. If you work in an office you know that the lowest-energy time of day is right after lunch, when just about everyone is nodding off. This is due in part to the body’s natural need for rest. But studies have shown that people who eat four or five small meals a day tend to have more energy than those who eat two or three big meals. Try to eat a good-sized breakfast, one or two healthful snacks during the day (but not a big lunch), and a good meal at supper. Eating frequent smaller meals helps keep your metabolism burning steadily, rather than working hard all at once. And eating regularly helps keep blood-sugar levels steady, which can be very powerful in fighting fatigue.

Get as much exercise as you can. Even when your energy is so low you don’t want to lace your tennis shoes, it’s worth making yourself stay active. Exercise helps burn off your stress and frustration, while at the same time increases the amount of energizing chemicals in your body. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly report feeling more ambitious, optimistic, and energetic.

Put relaxation on your calendar. Relieving stress is a skill that should be taught in school. Most of us have difficulty making time for rest and relaxation – and we pay for it in lost energy. One of the best ways to recharge your batteries is to put aside a little time each day to do something you truly enjoy – playing with your dog, shopping, or even getting a message. Taking a break from life’s stresses gives your body and mind time to recover, this will help you feel stronger the rest of the time.

Get to bed earlier. It’s obvious advice, but a lot of us walk around like zombies simply because we try to squeeze too much out of each day. Going to bed an hour or two earlier on a regular basis will help ensure that you get the sleep you need – the sleep you’re probably net getting enough of now.