1. Everyone's Exhausted
Ask a group of people how they feel on any given day and you're likely to hear one answer: exhausted. In fact, a study commissioned in 2007 by Legal & General reported that 42% of 5000 survey respondents said that exhaustion is their biggest health worry. People are tired like they've never been tired before, thanks to longer work days, hours spent tied to the computer and little free time. Adults aren't the only ones suffering from exhaustion, however. More children are overtired as a result of time spent in school or daycare, parents who over schedule activities, too much homework and not enough "down time." Full schedules aren't the only reason why people feel exhausted, though. Medical conditions, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, when a person periodically stops breathing while sleeping, are also causes of exhaustion.
2. It's bad for Your Body
Exhaustion affects people in much the same way. You might feel stressed, "on edge" or not quite tuned in to your job or family. In essence, you're surviving life without really enjoying it. Exhaustion has a negative effect on the body, causing depression, high blood pressure and heart disease. Because your brain cannot function properly, you might experience slurred speech, impaired problem solving skills and, at times, hallucinations. You may also have difficulties with anger management.
3. Change Your Lifestyle
You can combat exhaustion by first making the conscious decision to make small lifestyle changes. You have to create boundaries between work and home. Your office should be the place to conduct business, while your home should be a safe, healthy environment in which to unwind and rest. Until you recognize that the demands of your daily schedule are the culprit for feeling exhausted, you won't ever fully recover. Treat yourself well. Although the last thing you may feel like doing when you're exhausted is exercising, try taking a brisk walk. Studies show that just ten minutes of physical exercise when you're feeling tired can boost your energy for up to two hours. Try taking a power nap as well. An hour-long snooze can take the edge off exhaustion and give you the mental clarity you need to get through your day.
4. Eat, Drink and Feel Alive
Eating healthy foods and taking vitamin and mineral supplements can help you combat exhaustion. Magnesium is a mineral that helps to break down glucose, the body's energy supply, and deliver it to the blood. You can either take a magnesium supplement or eat magnesium-rich foods such as almonds, whole grains and halibut. Additionally, keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you feel tired, your body may be trying to tell you that you're dehydrated.
5. Get an Energy Boost From the Doc
If you've made lifestyle changes and are still feeling exhausted, make an appointment to see your doctor. He can perform a simple blood test to check for anemia, which is the reduction of red blood cells that makes your body deficient in oxygen. He may prescribe an iron supplement to boost your energy. Your thyroid might be to blame, too, especially if you have had a child or are perimenopausal. If your doctor determines your thyroid is slow, he can prescribe a medication to return it to normal function.
