In the modern world, life becomes a series of fast-paced routines that demand a lot of attention and energy, thus fatigue is something that everyone has unavoidably experienced. On most occasions, fatigue can be relieved after a good night's sleep. However, this is not the case for everybody.
What is Fatigue?
Fatigue also named as Lethargy, Tiredness and Exhaustion is a feeling of weariness, or lack of energy. Everyone suffers from fatigue now and then and is usually as a result of being under too much physical or mental strain. A temporary fatigue can be cured with a bit of rest but there are other types as well. These are:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) characterized by continual fatigue for more than 6 months.
- Adrenal Fatigue which arises of inadequate secretion of adrenal hormones, especially cortisol.
What causes Fatigue?
The common causes of fatigue can be:
- Overexertion
- Anxiety
- Pregnancy
- Infections
- Jet lag
- Depression
- Boredom
- Lack of sleep
- Hormonal imbalance
What are the Symptoms of Fatigue?
The common symptoms of fatigue include:
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Caffeine dependence
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Insomnia
- Muscle weakness
- Malaise
- Listlessness
- Tiredness
- Sleepiness
What can I do about it?
There are various measures that you can undertake to counter fatigue. Some of them are:
- Try to get some decent sleep
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Drink a glass or equal parts lemon juice and grapefruit juice. Drink this whenever fatigue is creeping up on you.
- Increasing your levels of vitamin C (found in citrus food, red bell peppers, papaya, and broccoli) and vitamin B5 (available in sunflower seeds, mushrooms, yogurt, and corn) through your diet. Calcium, potassium, zinc, sodium and other minerals are also beneficial.
- Eat foods rich in iron like raisins (kishmish), liver, spinach (palak), and apricots (khubani), as this will help the effective transport of oxygen throughout the tissues, organs, and muscles.
- Ashwagandha can alleviate the effects of stress, boost memory and cognitive function as these are often impaired during adrenal fatigue and burnout.
- Raw vegetable juices of carrots, beets (chukandar) and cucumbers (kheera) are highly valuable in overcoming fatigue.
- Dates are an effective home remedy for fatigue and those suffering from tiredness should consume them regularly.
- Garlic in raw or tincture form can be taken twice a day to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.
- Use relaxing scents such as lavender in baths and massages to help you unwind after a stressful day and to promote a good night's sleep.
- Emotional stressors such as marital, family, relationship or financial problems needs to be dealt with and normalized.
- Stress can make CFS symptoms worse. Guided meditation or deep breathing may help you relax. Meditation is a great way to offset fatigue, and anyone can do it.
Treating fatigue is a life-long lifestyle change commitment that will be worth every ounce of effort it cost once it results in your improved and reclaimed health.
Nice article. Relaxation exercises are most beneficial to reduce fatigue level and best thing to make a habit of 30 min of endurance training exercises to delay your onset of fatigue.