The most obvious way to beat fatigue or exhaustion is to get more sleep or find ways to get more restful sleep. Begin by determining what is preventing you from falling asleep, staying asleep, or from feeling rested. Oftentimes, stress is the culprit, so making a conscious effort to unwind before going to bed can help. Try to clear your mind of the day’s issues and think about pleasant, calming things. If it has more to do with your routine, try to manage your schedule in a way that allows you to sleep for more consecutive hours each night, or at a minimum allows you to squeeze in a nap during the day to combat fatigue.
Another way to beat fatigue is to make sure you don’t skip meals, because eating increases your metabolism. A healthy diet can help provide more energy. Too much fat or sugar can also lead to fatigue or feeling lethargic. Try to balance your meals so that your healthy choices outweigh the foods that cause fatigue.
Being dehydrated can also cause many physical ailments, including fatigue. To maintain proper hydration, drink plenty of liquids –especially water- throughout your day. Do not wait until you feel thirsty, because by then you are already becoming dehydrated. Make drinking more water a part of your daily routine. Try a squeeze of fruit juice or a lemon wedge to make water more appealing. Citrus scents are also good for lifting your mood.
Speaking of mood it also plays a role in fatigue. A dark mood or a sense of being depressed can often cause people to feel weary. Try to brighten up your mood by turning on more lights, turning on some upbeat music, or finding ways to make yourself laugh. Reading jokes online or watching comedy on television can be great ways to improve your mood and help decrease fatigue.
Exercise may seem like it wears you out, but it actually kicks your metabolism into gear and gives you more energy, when you do it regularly. Choose a form of exercise that is fun so you will be more likely to make it a part of your regular routine. Even short bursts of exercise can help increase your heart rate and improve your energy level, so try taking a walk or taking the stairs instead of the elevator to get rid of afternoon fatigue instead of reaching for caffeine or sugary snacks.
