Fatigue is one of few issues that often isn’t helped significantly through medical channels. Whether physical, mental, or emotional, fatigue can make even simple tasks feel like you are trying to climb Mount Everest or write a dissertation on quantum mechanics. Here’s a look at what you can do from home to help ease fatigue.
Form Good Habits
Chronic illness is a leading cause of all kinds of fatigue. Even when you’re following your treatment plan, your body may still be worn out as it tries to fight against the disease; not to mention, the presence of chronic diseases can be a heavy emotional burden. Autoimmune disease, anemia, cancer, gastrointestinal issues, and many other issues can cause chronic fatigue.
No matter what the cause or type of fatigue you’re suffering from, some of the best things you can do for yourself is to eat well and get plenty of rest. Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, get plenty of protein, and drink lots of water. Some experts claim water can be better than coffee to wake you up in the morning! Additionally, find a sleeping pattern that works well for you. While some people might find napping makes it difficult to sleep at night, in some cases it may be essential to make it through the day.
Get Moving
Getting the right amount of exercise is also key -- both over and under exercising can cause physical fatigue, so don’t push yourself too hard, but try to get off the couch for a little walk. Additionally, exercise releases hormones that can make you feel good and perk you up. Even if you don’t feel like getting out of bed, try to go for a walk to help release all those feel-good chemicals. Yoga is a great option for exercise to battle fatigue. It not only allows you to tone your muscles, it enhances flexibility, and it’s a great means of meditation. Meditation can help you get your thoughts in order, which allows you to combat mental and emotional fatigue more easily. Learning to prioritize and minimize your cognitive load can help you handle stress and strong emotions better -- in turn, this helps keep your physical body healthier.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a Chinese herb that alternative forms of medicine claim can help your body adjust to stressors better. Not just mental stress, but when it’s dealing with extreme temperatures, or (ding, ding!) feeling exhausted. The idea is that ginseng helps your adrenal glands, which produce all sorts of hormones that affect your energy levels, particularly cortisol, “the stress hormone.” Try making a ginseng tea, using one tablespoon of ginseng to a cup of water, with lemon to add some flavor (and an immune system boost!). Drink it every day for it to be efficacious, but always make sure to alert your doctor to any supplements you might take, particularly if you’re on any medication or have any underlying issues before you begin using the supplements.
