How to banish fatigue and reclaim your energy
For many years, fatigue wasn’t an issue for me. I used to be able to go for hours and multitask with no problems. I thought if I fed my body and slept well, I wouldn't need to worry about fatigue. I was wrong.
Fatigue is one of those symptoms that can have a deep root cause, or it can be something that simple and quick to resolve.
In my case, mental fatigue turned into physical fatigue, and when those issues went unaddressed, I broke out in shingles at the unusually young age of 21. Shingles usually don't show up until age 50, often brought on by stress and fatigue.
Typically, we can prevent or treat fatigue and related illnesses, but the answer won’t be the same for everyone. So we need to start by figuring out what YOUR fatigue is trying to tell you.
Why are you so tired all the time?
Fatigue is your body’s way of asking you for rest. That doesn’t necessarily mean sleep. It could mean you need a break from drinking or eating foods that aren’t nutrient-dense. You may need to manage your stress level, or you could just need to hydrate better. We have to examine your overall health and lifestyle to find the cause. Sometimes the answer is simple, but occasionally you might need a long-term solution.
For example, let’s say you generally eat three meals every day, but you were extra busy today and only had time for one meal. You’d likely feel fatigued by the end of the day, but if you return to your regular habits the following day, you’ll recharge quickly.
On the other hand, if you skip meals daily, you may experience chronic fatigue that one night of good sleep won’t fix. This type of fatigue can have impacts throughout your body, from slowing down your metabolism to affecting your mental health. In chronic fatigue, your metabolism suffers, and every cell in your body struggles to do its job.
Fatigue hurts your metabolism
Let's think of metabolism as a two-step process:
You eat food.
Your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. During this complex process, calories in food and beverages are combined with oxygen to release the energy your body needs to function.
If you have a “fast metabolism,” your body can run that process more efficiently and convert more food into fuel.
If, however, we’re missing nourishing foods, under or overeat too often, lack sleep, or our overall health is otherwise compromised, the body won't be able to efficiently convert enough energy from food to power us through the day. When your body is constantly at a loss for energy, it shows up as fatigue. We produce fewer endorphins, brain communication lags, gut absorption slows down, all because we’re running low on fuel.
How to reclaim your energy
Before you start counting calories, note that the amount of food you eat may not be the problem. It could be the times you’re eating, the frequency of your meals, or you could be lacking in essential nutrients. The problem could be lack of sleep, too much stress, an underlying illness, a mental health issue, etc. Try these tips to get your fatigue under control.
Talk with your nutritionist or healthcare provider to identify the reason for your fatigue. You can’t solve the problem without first understanding the cause. Going on a diet because you assume the problem is your caloric intake may end up making you feel even worse, especially if you’re overlooking an undiagnosed chronic illness or some other issue. Your health is too vital for guessing games.
Nourish your body and mind. Add nutrient-dense foods to your meals, but also focus on other aspects of wellness. Meditate, go to bed an hour earlier, add movement to your day (if you feel up to it), address feelings of burnout. For instance, when I’m feeling mentally exhausted from a long day of work, simply getting a good night of sleep will not help me bounce back. In addition, I need to focus on taking more breaks, eating more regularly, and moving my body to recover fully. Find different ways to nourish your entire self.
Avoid “cleanses” and other quick fixes. When it comes to your health, there’s no such thing as a quick fix. Our bodies are very intelligent; when we are not dealing with chronic toxicity, it knows how to rid itself of waste, so you don’t need a “fancy juice cleanse” to flush out toxins. If anything, these products can zap your energy further. Instead, ask your nutritionist’s advice before adding supplements and cleanses to your day.
Tell your healthcare team about major life changes. Going vegan, heading back to the office after quarantine, or starting a new medication are all significant life changes that can affect your energy level.
Ready to have more energy in your day?
If you’re ready to master your metabolism and beat the fatigue, I’m here to help. Book your free virtual consultation with me today.