Why is fatigue such a common problem?

There are many different reasons for people experiencing fatigue. It can be as a symptom of a number of health conditions, including viruses or bacterial infections. Fatigue can also occur as a result of stress. The problem is a common one with the numbers of people reporting this issue rising constantly.

Could fatigue be caused by stress?

After exploring and discounting health conditions there are some natural approaches that can be helpful. If other illnesses have been discounted the cause can often be stress in one form or another. If the stress is unresolved the condition could develop into a chronic one such as M.E. (Myalgic Encephomyalitis) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Prevent it from getting worse!

Over 2% of the population are now estimated to be suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME. Stress can be reduced naturally using the right techniques. These techniques can be used to reduce stress related fatigue which helps to prevent the development of a chronic condition.

Why should I relax when I am fatigued?

The thought of relaxing, for some people, seems pointless whilst attempting to improve energy levels. When we are experiencing stress our system is constantly switched on. When the stress response is consistently activated in this way it can be a major cause of fatigue.

How can I reduce my fatigue?

Regular deep relaxation of the mind and body can be nourishing for a fatigued system. This is a different form of relaxation than the type we experience when sleeping. There are a number of simple focussed relaxation techniques available. For some, the use of a guided relaxation recording can be helpful.

Focussed breathing techniques

Through Chi Gung, Yoga and Tai Chi, breathing practices have been used for thousands of years as part of eastern traditions. Breathing practices have been proven to have many physiological benefits by Western medical science more recently. When experiencing stress and anxiety people tend to breathe in a shallow way. More stress can be caused by this poor quality breathing leading to more fatigue.

Self-applied acupressure

Acupuncture is proven to be an excellent intervention for reducing stress. Research indicates that acupressure can be even more effective than the use of needles for conditions such as anxiety and stress. Tapping techniques are a form of acupressure that can easily be self-applied. Through tapping specific points on the head and body with the finger tips it is possible to rapidly reduce symptoms of stress, reducing fatigue.

Do you drink enough water?

Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue. We are made of mostly water and so we need adequate water to operate at optimum levels. Drinks like tea and coffee act as diuretics which cause us to lose valuable fluid. Sweet carbonated drinks take considerable effort for our system to extract any usable water. Try replacing some regular drinks with warm or cold fresh drinking water.

Eating the right foods helps

Try to avoid eating processed sugary foods like sweets and chocolates. After giving a short term high, these foods soon leave you feeling more depleted. As an alternative try fresh or dried fruit for a sweet snack. Try to eat foods that contain complex carbohydrates like oats, whole grain, brown rice, and muesli. These foods will be broken down more slowly producing a steady supply of energy.

To summarize

There are many forms of fatigue producing stresses that are unavoidable. We live in a world of over stimulation and constant communication. In order to reduce fatigue, we need to take time-out to nurture our systems. Just a few minutes a day using natural techniques for reducing stress will help.