Tiredness and Fatigue
Tiredness is a short-term loss of energy which can be reclaimed with a lifestyle shift. A full night’s sleep, eating well and a break from work might be enough to replenish us.
Fatigue is different to tiredness. It will take a dedicated period of months or longer to fully recover. You might sleep for 10 hours and still wake up exhausted or improve your food habits and try resting but still not feel better. This lack of improvement points to chronic fatigue.
What Causes Severe Fatigue?
The cause of chronic fatigue can be difficult to pinpoint further delaying recovery. Underlying causes are often related to viral infection, Fibromyalgia, gut health, hormone imbalances and nervous system overwhelm.
I previously had chronic fatigue for 4 years, was regularly tired, anxious and struggling with digestion problems. My whole body felt sore, like I’d run a marathon every day.
There are several ways in which to treat chronic fatigue. This can include medical intervention, long-term stress reduction and living a life of renewal. Many of these tactics can be undertaken right away and others will take time.
Medical Treatment:
It is worth getting blood tests that your GP or naturopath recommends. If one of your systems is under or over-active this can provide a healing path, leading to balance. Blood tests that reveal a treatable illness, may save you years of discomfort.
Check that these vitamins are at optimal levels also: Test your B12, Vit C, Vit D, Iron and Magnesium. Once we know what needs correcting our healing progresses faster.
Gut Health Treatment:
A naturopath or ayurvedic practitioner can help with gut health. Common foods and drinks are often problematic to well-being. Listen to your body to determine if something is not aligned. Check if you feel pain, tiredness, sick or heavy after consumption.
I used to be very careless with my body. Food, drinks and drugs were part of my lifestyle. If it gave me pleasure, I wanted it. The problem is everything that we use for pleasure causes equal amounts of pain.
I ate for pleasure but every part of my body ached. Sugar was consumed for energy but I felt depleted. I indulged in comfort foods but experienced great discomfort in my body.
- Wheat
- Dairy
- Alcohol
- Sugar
- Cigarettes/Vapes
Those I have treated with Fibromyalgia saw big improvements in energy, particularly after cutting out sugar, dairy and cigarettes. For a fatigued person the effects of processed food are dramatic in terms of exhaustion and inflammation.
When the body is well looked after over a period of time, you will be rewarded with improved energy and well-being. Support your body with healthy lifestyle choices.
Stress and Anxiety Treatment:
My body went through stress proceeding chronic fatigue. I was a recreational drug user, ate processed food every day, had relationship issues and worked in a hot environment 33-35’C. The combination of those stresses contributed to energy loss.
Doctor’s weren’t able to provide a diagnosis of illness or infection. I studied chronic fatigue and cared for myself like never before! My nervous system needed a chance to relax (be free from excessive stimulation and pressure). I needed to be in a cooler climate and stop damaging my digestive system. I sought out Kinesiology and Hypnotherapy for healing.
The Role of Exercise:
Gentle exercises such as Tai Chi, stretching and Yoga are highly beneficial. Most studies report a medium-high reduction in pain. As your baseline energy improves, aerobic and strength exercise can be included.
Note: Exercise levels should be monitored. For a fatigued person, too much can worsen exhaustion. If energy is wiped out afterwards, reduce to a level that is reasonable for you. Even if that is just 5-10 minutes body movement.
I suggest body movement that you are partial to. It could be swimming, gardening or dancing. Exercise has a role in hormone regulation, stimulating the happy chemical serotonin and pain relief chemical endorphins. Having fun and highly fulfilling activities can also boost vitality.
Nature and Stress Release:
Being in nature can have a grounding effect on our nervous system. Grounding makes us more relaxed, settled and at ease. Due to a life of high technology use (phones, computers and TV), nature is recommended for balance.
When stress is released from your body and environment, you will begin to recover lost energy. Rest as often as you need to during the healing process. Stopping ‘doing all the time’ will be one of the hardest lessons to master.
Reflect on what your body might be getting too much or too little of at present, and adjust as best you can. I hope your recovery is as fast and trouble-free as possible. Keep taking little actions each day that renew and heal your body.
Written by Jeremy Walker
Hypnotherapist
Psychosomatic Therapist