Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is characterized by fatigue that seems to have no identifiable cause or pattern, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you’re suffering from it, you probably have trouble remembering things and staying awake. You might also experience unexplained muscle or joint pain, headaches, an inability to concentrate and a sore throat. Exhaustion is similar to CFS except that you can battle the symptoms to help you regain energy and function properly.
Step 1
Eliminate stimulants. Coffee, alcohol and tea provide a quick burst of energy, followed by a sudden drop. This actually increases your feelings of exhaustion at the end of the day. According to an article in the "Daily Mail," caffeine over-excites adrenal glands and can interfere with your sleep patterns.
Step 2
Cat nap for about 20 minutes in the afternoon. Avoid sleeping longer than that or taking a nap later than 3:30 p.m. unless you work until very late at night. Otherwise, you might have trouble falling asleep once night comes. Use an alarm clock to wake yourself up so you don’t oversleep.
Step 3
Eliminate sugars, fast food and other highly-processed items from your diet. Even artificial sweeteners have the same effect. Sodas, both diet and regular, should be cut to a minimum or eliminated. According to the "Daily Mail," sugars overwork your adrenal gland, which must then release cortisol to help you cope with the sugar high. This process can leave you feeling exhausted and washed out.
Step 4
Eat at regular intervals, and don’t skip meals. The "Daily Mail" recommends making breakfast and lunch your biggest meals because your metabolism is working at its peak early in the day. Eat smaller meals as the day winds down.
Step 5
Sleep seven to eight hours every night. Go to bed at about the same time every day. Don’t watch TV or work in the bedroom, as this can cause stress or over-stimulate you, interrupting sleep.
