Fatigue is the common experience of having difficulty concentrating, reduced energy, and a lack of motivation. Fatigue is generally not relieved by rest. Many lifestyle and medical factors may lead to feelings of fatigue, and long-lasting fatigue may lead to additional physical and emotional consequences. While fatigue can indicate a more serious mental or physical condition, it is a common symptom experienced by many people for various reasons.
Why People Feel Fatigued
Individuals may experience fatigue for various reasons, such as stress, boredom, lack of physical activity, or emotional stress. Many Americans report feeling constantly fatigued. In fact, 38% of American adults report feeling fatigued after waking in the morning most mornings.
Fatigue may be caused by several reasons, but it is often caused by lack of rejuvenating sleep, lack of exercise, diet, and other lifestyle habits. However, fatigue may also be caused by medical conditions, overwork or stressful workplaces, and other factors. We will explore some of the most common factors leading to fatigue below:
Medical Related Fatigue
- Autoimmune disorders
- Anemia
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Medication side-effects
- Other Medical Conditions
Workplace Related Fatigue
If you have a stressful job and perform tasks such as working long hours, working irregular hours, having high workloads, having a physically demanding job, or a position in which you experience high-emotion or high-stress encounters regularly, you may feel overworked and experience burnout. Additionally, situations such as being in a hostile work environment, having a lack of socialization, having a chaotic or monotonous work environment, or having unclear job expectations can lead to workplace burnout and fatigue.
Lifestyle Related Fatigue
Lifestyle choices may contribute to feeling fatigued. Unhealthy eating habits and habits such as regularly consuming alcohol and/or caffeine may fatigue the body and disrupt sleep. Ensure you drink plenty of water; proper hydration will improve energy levels. Addressing sleep disturbances will also play a significant factor in remedying fatigue. Sleep disturbances such as uncomfortable temperatures, noise, light, and uncomfortable sleeping environments may disrupt sleep and lead to increased fatigue.
Additionally, sedentary lifestyles may lead to greater feelings of fatigue. Without proper exercise, your energy levels may diminish, leading to an unwanted cycle of exhaustion and feeling unmotivated and too tired to participate in physical activities. Conversely, even light exercise, such as a brisk walk, can increase energy levels. Finally, stressful home environments and emotional stress may lead to increased feelings of fatigue.
Natural Energy Booster for Fatigue
Here at Atlas Total Health Chiropractic, we promote natural ways to boost energy and fight fatigue. Below find some natural ways to boost energy levels and fight fatigue and pain.
Eat the Right Foods
Energy-rich natural foods are foundational to overall health and optimal energy levels. It is known that proper nutrition and eating habits are crucial to vitality and disease prevention. Likewise, eating unhealthy foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies and conditions that may induce chronic fatigue. To sustain energy levels, avoiding foods high in sugars that may cause a blood sugar spike and a corresponding crash is necessary. Instead, opt for high protein foods low on the glycemic index, providing a longer-lasting energy source.
Consider Energy Supplements
Especially if your diet is less than optimal, nutritional deficiencies can lead to sluggishness and brain fog. Many individuals have found benefits in taking B vitamins to help boost energy. Other natural supplements that increase energy levels include magnesium, iron, and zinc. Avoid taking stimulant supplements such as caffeine and energy drinks, as these may lead to crashing, adrenal fatigue, and other unwanted side effects.
Get Daily Exercise
Many Americans, especially those suffering from chronic fatigue, may not get adequate exercise throughout the week. People who are overstressed, overworked, or suffer from medical conditions leading to chronic fatigue may not feel up to exercising. However, this is a mistake, as physical activity is necessary to increase energy levels and release endorphins. Being active is also correlated with reducing depression and anxiety and is a great mood elevator and stress reliever. Light exercise, even brisk walking, gentle yoga, or stretching, can help boost blood flow and re-energize the body. The more you exercise, the more your energy levels will improve. In addition, the more you exercise regularly over time, the more your body will maintain your endurance throughout the day.
Get Outdoors
Research has shown that receiving fresh air and sunlight can improve your memory, concentration, and creativity levels and elevate your mood, making you less likely to suffer from symptoms of fatigue. Spending even a few minutes outdoors daily can boost energy and focus and help reinvigorate the body and wake up the mind.
Maintain Proper Hydration
One of the most overlooked causes of headaches and fatigue is dehydration. Dehydration affects metabolism and leads to a sluggish feeling. If you feel fatigued, opt for water instead of coffee or an energy drink and see how your energy levels improve. Also, ensure that your electrolytes are being replenished with essential minerals.
Consider Aromatherapy
Using essential oils therapeutically to address physical ailments has been utilized by health practitioners for thousands of years. For example, essential oils such as orange, cinnamon, peppermint, and rosemary can help you to wake up, concentrate, and feel more energized. Essential oils may be applied directly to your wrists, temple, or neck, or otherwise may be added to a diffuser.
Reduce Stress
Over time, chronic stress can cause chronic fatigue and pain. Similarly, people who are overstressed and overworked rarely make time for healthy habits such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep. If you are feeling chronic fatigue, it is best to reevaluate your lifestyle and see what steps you may be able to take to lighten your load. Meditation is a quick, simple way to reduce stress levels, and you may find a quick energy boost.
Improve Quality of Sleep
To maintain natural energy, it is also essential to look at sleep habits. Interrupted sleep, such as altering bedtimes, having too much noise, light, etc. in your bedroom, having an uncomfortable sleep environment, or waking up consistently to use the bathroom, can all lead to interrupted sleep. Stop drinking liquids before bedtime, try to maintain a regular sleeping schedule, and minimize electronics usage an hour or two before bedtime.
Fight Fatigue Naturally
Fatigue and pain are commonly reported symptoms among individuals suffering from stress, anxiety, and other medical conditions. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, natural approach to treating pain. Chiropractic treatment can also reduce symptoms such as anxiety, headaches, and stress and help treat symptoms related to an overburdened or malfunctioning nervous system. Contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.
