Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS, affects as many as 1 million Americans, estimates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a debilitating syndrome that usually requires medical intervention to manage. Most Americans suffer from periods of fatigue now and again, without having CFS. These periods can be managed safely with home remedies that make it easier to function and focus without feeling tired all of the time. Simple lifestyle changes can give you more energy to face the day.
Go to Bed
Not getting enough sleep is obviously a factor when it comes to fighting fatigue. But the quality of sleep that you get can also affect how you function the next day. Try to get a full night's sleep of seven to nine hours each night, as recommended by the National Sleep Foundation. Prepare yourself for sleep by engaging in a nighttime routine of relaxing rituals like a warm bath or reading a book, and make your room a quiet and relaxing place for better sleep.
Exercise Daily
Daily exercise as part of your routine can help you fight fatigue. The Mayo Clinic notes that exercise can give you more energy, and will eventually improve your fatigue symptoms. Biking, walking, swimming and running are just a few of the things you can do to stay active in order to fight fatigue. Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day to help you feel energized. Even if you feel too tired to go for a walk, you'll feel better after lacing up your running shoes and taking the first few steps.
Have a Nap
While it might seem counterintuitive, taking time for a quick nap in the afternoon can help get rid of your fatigue so that you can focus, notes the National Institutes of Health. A mainly European activity, "power naps" in the afternoon for 20 minutes or less can shake off the late afternoon drowsiness you may feel, prepping you for a more productive day. The NIH reported that subjects who took naps were more alert and had quicker response times than those who did not.
Eat Well
The food that you eat can make your fatigue better or worse, depending on how you feed your body. While caffeinated beverages and those high in sugar and carbohydrates give you a quick burst of energy, the body metabolizes them fairly quickly, leaving you feeling tired and lackluster. Instead, load up on healthy fiber and lean protein. Both burn slowly, giving you long-lasting energy to help remedy your fatigue without the help of unnatural medications.
Get Stressed
The lack of stress makes some people feel calm, but for others, it is a recipe for boredom and fatigue, notes Paul J. Rosch, M.D., clinical professor of medicine and psychiatry at New York Medical College. Find a "good" stress factor for your life, like volunteer work or continuing education. This will help you to stay engaged in your own life, so that you don't feel bored and tired. Avoid bad stress, like family and health problems, which can make you feel anxious and sleepless.
Member Comments