Every day, we face a mix of tasks and pressures, from work and parenting to paying bills and keeping up with friends and family. Sometimes, these daily challenges become too much to handle.
Life is a long journey that doesn’t stop until we reach the end. For some, the drive to succeed pushes them to work incredibly hard. But this constant push can take a toll on our bodies and minds. Just like anything that’s used a lot, our energy and ability to cope can start to wear down.
When we feel constantly tired, worn out, and both mentally and physically drained, we might be experiencing burnout. These feelings are signs of fatigue, which means we’re running low on energy and need to take care of ourselves.
What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a common condition experienced by both healthy and unhealthy individuals. A definition in an article on MedicineNet says that fatigue is a constant lingering feeling of exhaustion, which is often characterised by:
- Weakness
- Exhaustion
- Loss of concentration
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Body aches and headaches.
Nevertheless, feeling tired doesn’t stop the bills from pilling up or your children from needing you, as well as other demands of life. There are some things you can’t stop doing simply because you don’t have a choice.
It’s therefore important to be strategic about the way we live so we can still function in spite of life’s challenges.
How To Prevent Fatigue
Get to know yourself
Find out what your strengths and weaknesses are so you know what you’re built for or otherwise.
Delegate your tasks
You don’t have to do everything by yourself. Especially if others can; that way, you create a system that can function without you. This is good for your physical and mental health.
Be efficient
Figure out the best way to get things done. If you own a business, get the best equipment and hire capable hands. Find a way to get the best results with little effort.
Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet supplies your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly and live a healthy life. When you run on a poor diet, you make yourself prone to fatigue or more debilitating illness.
Keep yourself hydrated
Take water frequently. Especially while working or on the go. This cools your body temperature, relaxes you, and keeps your mind clear. It can also be helpful to take fluids that contain sugar. Sugar can be converted into glucose, which gives energy.
Rest and sleep
This is very vital in fighting against burnout. Resting your body and mind through sleep gives it a chance to recuperate. When you don’t get enough sleep, you feel weak, disoriented, and cranky.
Take a break
Take some time away from the activity. It could be 30 minutes, an hour or a day. The duration doesn’t matter. Go on a vacation if you can. Spend time with your friends and family. Giving yourself breathing space can be good for you.
Control your workload
Don’t take on more than what you can handle. If you’re physically or mentally incapable of doing a task, be honest about it. Or ask for help. Trying to do everything at the same time is the fastest way to wear yourself out.
Take care of your mental health
Mental or emotional stress may lead to not only fatigue but also nervous breakdown or other crippling health problems if it goes unchecked. It’s therefore very important for your health to protect your mind.
Talk to someone
If you feel overwhelmed or stressed out, talk to someone about it. Suppressing how you feel can make the condition worse. The sooner you open up, the quicker you can get help.
Takeaway
Feeling tired or down is nothing to be ashamed of. It happens to the best of us. Don’t be too proud to ask for help when the pressure gets too much for you.
Most people are fond of superheroes. But even superheroes get tired sometimes. So, press pause and refresh so you can relish the tune of life at your own pace. It’s your groove!
AUTHOR’S BIO
Adanma Okebugwu is a graduate of the University of Ibadan, where she studied in the Department of Human Kinetics. She works part-time as an examination invigilator for MODIELTS and has a passion for informing, educating, and inspiring others through her writing. Her professional profile and portfolio are available on LinkedIn.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
