Many people confuse fatigue with sleepiness, but the condition goes well beyond simply wanting to go to sleep. Fatigue deals with the lack of motivation to do anything – making everyday tasks very difficult to complete. Individuals that suffer chronic fatigue battle symptoms that last longer. They are constantly tired and lack normal levels of energy and mental capacity. Their emotional and psychological well-being is also affected.
In some cases, fatigue is a symptom that highlights an underlying medical problem that requires medical treatment. The majority of people with fatigue often find that one or more of their habits or daily routine is the root of the problem. There are two types of fatigue – emotional and physical. Emotional fatigue causes tiredness of the mind. It often develops as a result of the growing stress in your life. Physical fatigue affects the body and even makes it hard to move.
Causes of Fatigue
Your lifestyle can contribute to feelings of fatigue, such as the use or abuse of alcohol, overuse of caffeine, too much physical activity, lack of sleep, medications, and following an unhealthy diet. Mental health issues, such as anxiety, grief, stress and major depression, can cause fatigue. A medical condition or underlying illness can definitely cause and contribute to feelings of fatigue, such as Anemia, Hepatitis B, cancer, Emphysema, heart disease, thyroid conditions, pregnancy, Sleep Apnea, and Diabetes. Other causes of fatigue include doing too much for everyone else, stressful situations (like starting a new job), loneliness, low-calorie diets, and dehydration.
Fatigue Home Remedies
Well-Rounded Breakfast: A breakfast comprised of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide the body with a good start in the morning. You also receive a decent form of storable energy for later in the day. Cereal with milk is a nice way to begin the day.
Eat More Protein: Increase your intake of protein to combat fatigue. Nuts, especially almonds, are effective in providing a quick fix for low protein in your system.
Drink Water: Are you dehydrated? Not drinking enough water and other liquids can have a low energy effect on your body.
B Vitamins: If you tend to stress out about everything, you should increase the amount of B vitamins in your system to compensate.
Coffee in Moderation: The stimulating effects of caffeine make coffee a popular choice for jumpstarting the brain and getting a boost in energy. The American Dietetic Association suggests drinking coffee in moderation to avoid anxiety and insomnia.
Cold Water: A splash of cold water to the face is thought to restore energy levels. It is an alternative to taking a cold shower to wake up the body. The cascading water lets loose negative ions in the air, which surround the body. It is thought that negative ions make some people feel happier and more energetic.
Don’t Rush in Morning: Rushing in the morning can translate into fatigue for your body later in the day. Giving yourself an extra 15 minutes in the morning before the start of your day can lessen your chances of suffering fatigue later on.