Natural Ways to Combat Fatigue
I have lived with chronic fatigue syndrome my entire adult life. Most people get a 3 pm lull every day in energy whereas some of us just feel like we were hit by the exhaust train all day long. Over the years I have found ways to combat fatigue and I want to share them with you today.
1. Get a little sunshine:
Or a lot. Sunshine is a great natural energy booster that is really good for you too! You only need 10-15 minutes. Take a break go outside (even if it’s a little chilly outside) and soak up some of those gorgeous rays. Even if it’s just your face, the vitamin D from just 10-15 minutes of sunshine does wonders for your mood and your energy! If you spend more than about 15 minutes in strong sun make sure you are using a sunscreen.
2. Drink herbal tea:
I keep a whole cabinet full of different herbal teas. We drink a lot of tea in general in my family. I love a good green tea when I need a little pick-me-up. There are so many options out there that are fantastic detoxifying teas as well! Here are a few of my go-to teas: Peppermint, ginger, cinnamon, chai! Yummmy yummy!! If you are sensitive to caffeine make sure you watch the caffeine content of your tea selection.
3. Stick to a regular sleep schedule even on the weekends:
I know that most love the idea of being able to take a break and sleep in on the weekends. However, giving your body/mind the opportunity to have a regular predictable sleep rhythm does wonders for how rested you will feel! When your brain can go to sleep and wake at the same time every day without an alarm clock you will feel AMAZING benefits. Getting woken up from REM sleep by an alarm clock is just not a great way to start the day.
4. Stay hydrated:
I know you hear me harp on hydration all the time, but it’s because it is THAT IMPORTANT! It will seriously make you feel more energized! When you allow yourself to get dehydrated it bogs down your system and makes you feel tired. So do yourself a favor and keep that water bottle on hand all the time! You will feel great! Not to mention your skin will look better too!
5. Exercise daily:
When people feel tired the last thing in the world they want to do is get up and move around! That is one of the sick cycles of obesity! You feel tired so you sit more, which makes you feel tired, so you sit more…. Get my drift??? One of the best things you can do when you are feeling tired in the middle of the day is go for a walk! It’s amazing how much better you feel when you give your body the opportunity to exercise!
6. Meditate:
Sometimes it isn’t our body that feels tired, it’s our brains. We live in a world where we are constantly connected/thinking/planning/comparing/working. It’s good to get in the habit of giving our brains a BREAK! Taking just 10-20 minutes of quiet unadulterated time to breathe, clear our minds, and let go makes a huge difference in how we feel throughout the day.
7. Stand up and stretch regularly:
I’m especially talking to those out there working in offices! Those that sit at a computer most of the day. Getting up at least once an hour and stretching/standing/walking for just a few minutes gets blood circulating better and makes your energy and focus so much better! Set a timer if you have to and JUST DO IT!
8. Hang out with high energy friends:
When you surround yourself with people who are happy and energized, it will naturally rub off on you. Find people to spend time with that you want to be like and it will amaze you how much your mindset and energy will change!
9. Keep healthy snacks within reach:
I know when I’m tired the last thing I want to do is fix myself a meal. AND what I really want to do is find some yummy sugary thing to consume to make me “feel better”. Instead find healthy snacks that you can keep close by that are easy to eat and require very little prep! I love to keep apples and oranges in a bowl on the table so that they are within sight. They are full of complex carbs and fiber, plus they are sweet! Another great option is Beachbody’s Shakeology! All you need is a packet, a shaker cup and water to get an awesome nutrition packed snack, especially for those times when your craving some sugar. Plus Shakeology has some great natural energy boosters!
10. Beachbody’s Energize:
This last one is something that I use almost every morning before my workout. Beachbody’s Energize is a SERIOUS energy booster. It gets my body tingling and ready to do some serious energy burning. It has made my workout so much better and I can’t really imagine doing my workout without it! It’s that great!
What about you??? What are some natural ways that you boost your energy throughout the day? What are some reasons that you think you may be feeling a bit tired and out of sorts? Do any of these options sound like something you would be willing to try and stick with? I’d love to hear from you!
