Six Reasons You Might be Feeling Tired

Often, it can be difficult to pin down the exact cause of your tiredness, because so many factors can affect your energy. When you’re always tired everything in life just feels like it takes more effort, which can eventually keep you from doing the things you love. We like to be Healthful, so, here is a list of 6 common causes of fatigue, with practical solutions to banish fatigue and re-energise you.

STRESS

Chronic stress due to relationships, work, finances, infection, a cranky gut, poor sleep, exposure to chemicals, food choices and alcohol, over training or health issues can take its toll on your energy levels. By triggering the hormones Adrenaline and Cortisol, stress can leave you feeling overstimulated and depleted, and eventually you feel wiped out. You can improve your stress levels and start to feel better through meditation, exercise, Infrared Sauna, CranioSacral Therapy, Acupuncture or speaking to a counsellor. PS, we offer all of these services in the clinic at Healthful Wellness.

Magnesium, which is vital for energy production, can also be depleted by stress, so making sure you get enough of this important mineral can help improve your energy levels.

VIRAL INFECTION

Have you ever noticed that when fighting an infection your body forces you to prioritise rest by making you feel tired? However, fatigue can persist for weeks or months following certain infections, hampering your return to full health.

If you haven’t bounced back from a recent illness there are awesome immune-boosting herbal medicines you can add to your daily regime to help you get back on track.  These can make a massive difference to your energy, putting pesky post-viral fatigue to rest! Our Naturopaths love to create personalised herbal mixes, have a chat next time you are in the clinic.

MOULD EXPOSURE

Exposure to mould from water-damaged or damp buildings can trigger your immune system and cause fatigue in a similar way to viruses. If you have noticed water damage in your home, a Naturopath can help you get on top of mould-related illness by supporting your immune system. This one not to mess around with so quick action will bring positive results.

MAGNESIUM, IRON & B VITAMINS

Getting these nutrients in your diet can be tricky, but consuming a variety of whole foods including fish, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and dark green, leafy vegetables can help to boost your intake. In the meantime, addressing nutrient deficiency with a supplement may improve your energy. It’s important to keep in mind that the quality and effectiveness of supplements can vary, so chat with one of our Naturopaths who can help choose the right combination for you.

POOR SLEEP

In order to rest and recharge, your body needs seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep. If you are struggling to get to sleep, or stay asleep then it’s time to audit your bedtime routine.

Are you engaging in stimulating activities before bed, such as heavy exercise, or scrolling your mobile phone? Do you consume caffeine (e.g. tea, coffee, cola or chocolate) too close to bedtime? If, despite having healthy habits, you are still not sleeping well, there are effective, natural options to help. Essential oils, supplements, Acupuncture and Infrared Sauna are all sleep aids we use

DEHYDRATION

Fatigue is a common symptom of dehydration, which can be caused by simply not drinking enough water (less than two litres per day), fluid loss (from exercise or hot weather) or a combination of the two. One way to tell if you are dehydrated is by the colour of your urine; if it is darker than a just-ripe banana then you are probably dehydrated. Drink two or three glasses of water immediately, and make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. Sorry, I know you’ll never look at bananas the same way again.