If you often feel like you’re dragging through your day, you’re not alone. One of the most common health complaints is physical and mental fatigue.
“Fatigue has many possible causes,” says CentraState family practice physician Robert Pedowitz, DO. “It could be the stressful times we’re living in, the result of unhealthy habits or even an underlying medical condition.”
No matter the cause, there are steps you can take to fight fatigue and elevate your energy. Dr. Pedowitz offers these tips:
Strive for at least 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
To help accomplish this goal, avoid eating, drinking and exercising at least an hour before bedtime – and turn off the TV and your devices, too. Instead, try reading something light, writing in a journal or having a relaxing conversation.
Exercise regularly.
Just 30 minutes of daily walking, along with light resistance exercises, can help you feel more energized and focused during the day.
Eat with your health in mind. Up your fruit and veggie intake and cut back on red meat, sweets, starches and processed foods. Try not to overeat during meals,
as it can make you feel sluggish.
Keep hydrated.
Dehydration can make you feel tired or sleepy. Always keep water nearby so you can hydrate throughout the day.
Stay social.
Isolation, loneliness, lack of stimulation and boredom can contribute to fatigue. Getting together with friends, volunteering and participating in group activities can lift your spirits – and your energy.
Learn to say no.
If you’re a Type A personality or a people pleaser, it can be hard to say no. Prioritize what’s most important to you, and don’t say yes to things you really don’t want to do. Overscheduling your life with no downtime to relax and replenish can lead to burnout and fatigue.
With just a few lifestyle tweaks, you can wake up every morning feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and raring to go.
FIND A PHYSICIAN
If fatigue is an ongoing issue, schedule a visit with your primary care physician. Your doctor can help determine if the cause may be a medical problem like anemia, a vitamin deficiency, a thyroid issue or a hormonal imbalance.
To schedule an appointment with a primary care physician at CentraState, visit the page here.
