Beating Fatigue

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired every now and again. It is as a lack of energy or a feeling of debilitating tiredness. It can be a symptom of various illnesses ranging from diabetes to migraines, or can result from many different stressors. Often fatigue is the result of having too many things to do, and taking too little time to relax. Fatigue can affect our ability to concentrate, make sound decisions and even drive safely.

There are certain steps you can take to help prevent fatigue. These include:

Eat sensibly. Do not skip meals, especially breakfast. If you don't have time to prepare breakfast, grab a cereal bar or nutritious meal replacement beverage. Avoid fast food. Besides being unhealthy, if often does not provide long-lasting energy.
Get your vitamins. Most of your vitamins come from food, but a daily multivitamin (no more than 100 percent of the recommended daily amount for each nutrient listed) may be a good idea if you can't get the nutrients you need from diet alone. However, taking a multivitamin is not shown to be much help if you are eating a balanced diet.
Exercise. Exercising regularly can help you better manage your stress. It can promote deeper, more restful sleep as well. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous, but try to do it daily, even if that means just taking a short walk every morning or evening.
Sleep. Do not deprive your body of sleep. Most adults need at least seven to eight hours of sleep. Be sure to go to bed early enough to meet this need. Try to go to bed and get up around the same time every day. Exercise earlier in the day rather than shortly before bedtime. Restrict caffeinated products to the morning, and avoid heavy meals at night. Try stress management activities such as meditation or deep breathing before bedtime. Seek medical treatment if you have a sleep disorder.
Stretch. Stretching your muscles daily can release tension built up during the day. At work, stand up once in a while and stretch. This can include reaching your arms up toward the ceiling and bending your head downward (so your eyes are looking at your feet).
Use proper posture. Improper alignment or body position can cause muscles to ache and a person to become more easily fatigued. If you spend a lot of time at a desk, many products are available to ensure proper positioning of your body. These include special mouse pads, keyboards and foot rests. If you're on the phone a lot, use headphones or handset adapters to avoid straining your neck.
Pamper your feet. Your feet support your entire body while you are standing. Make sure you wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. If you spend a lot of time standing in one location, fatigue mats may be available to help relieve some of the stress on your feet.

If you continue to feel fatigued, or your fatigue lasts more than a few days, consult a doctor. Certain medical conditions and diseases may cause fatigue. Left untreated, these problems may worsen.

Drivers who work night schedules need to be especially careful of developing fatigue. It is important they remain alert while on the road. In some cases, a supervisor may be able to make minor schedule changes that can help, or direct employees to programs to teach people to develop proper sleep patterns for this type of work.