Tired all the time?
Do you leap out of bed in the morning with a spring in your step, excited to meet the day head on? Or do you curse your alarm, drag yourself out of bed and leopard crawl to the coffee machine?
It is not only about waking up tired. Many people complain of feeling tired all the time and we put it down to our busy lifestyles and the stresses of modern living.
There are things that you can do to feel more energised. Here are 5 things you can start today:
1. Eat Properly
Choosing healthy, nourishing food is the first way to start feeling more energised. There are many different and opposing ideas about what this means, each point of view backed by science of course. Some swear by low-carbs high-fat, others insist on a vegetarian diet, some say low-fat is the answer. It is a minefield.
All will agree, however, that cutting out junk food and choosing low-processed whole food is good for you and will make you feel less tired all the time. Instead of grabbing a chocolate bar or packet of crisps for that afternoon slump, choose something nutritious and nourishing. Eat a wholesome breakfast and don’t skip meals.
2. Keep well hydrated
There are many myths about how much water you should drink a day and when you should drink it. The thirst mechanism is a very sensitive gauge and it will indicate to you exactly when you should drink. If you are drinking too little water you may not be dehydrated, which is a dangerous and serious condition. You could however feel fatigue. Your body needs water to function properly and, if you are not getting enough, you may feel tired as a result.
3. Lift your spirits
Your emotional and mental state definitely impacts the amount of energy you have. If you are stressed, unhappy, or even bored, you could feel very tired all the time.
What makes you feel better? Sharing your feelings with a close friend or partner could help. Playing music that you love can pick you up. Taking a shower or a relaxing, candle-lit bath may be just what you need. Be aware of how you are breathing; deep, slow breaths can bring you back to the moment. Doing something for others can sometimes be just what you need to restore your joy.
Of course if what you are feeling is more than just “the blues” and you can’t “just snap out of it”, you may need some help. In that case, speak to your health care practitioner. Help is at hand.
4. Get moving if you’re tired all the time
It seems counter-intuitive but the more active you are, the less tired you are likely to be. “Exercise” – all formal and with a capital E – is not necessarily the answer. Find what you like to do. It could be walking; maybe you like cycling; perhaps dancing is your thing? Put on the music at home and dance around the room for a few songs.
Your body loves to move, even if you think you don’t like it. The body is designed to move and more you move your body, the better you will feel.
5. Get a good night’s sleep
There are many things you can do to improve your sleep. A common cause for poor sleep for many people is disturbance by pets. It could be time for your pets to sleep in their own quarters or at least have their own bed. Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep. Your room should not be too warm but rather a a calm, uncluttered space that is quiet, dark and cool.
A new bed could make a difference
Your bed can make a big difference to how well you sleep.
- It should be big enough for you to move around, especially if you sleep with a partner.
- When your partner turns, you should not feel it. Your mattress should minimise transference of partner movement.
- It should provide you with the right level of support and comfort.
It is not true that a hard mattress is best for you. Hotel beds are normally medium-firm comfort. This level of comfort is what most people find best. You can choose the right bed for you from the Bedworld site. If you need help to choose, use our live chat function on the site, or email us at info@bedworld.co.za.
To learn more about sleep hygiene read all about tips for a good night’s sleep here.
Many of us are so used to being tired all the time, we think it is normal. Every moment of our lives is filled with busy-ness. We soldier on, hurtling from one engagement to the next. We go to bed later, get up earlier, eat on the run. It is no wonder we wake up tired.
Could it be another way? Try these tips and see if you can wake up refreshed.
If you find you are doing all the right things and you still feel tired all the time, it is time to consult your doctor. Take care of your body, live in the moment, and seize the day!