Why Am I Tired?!
Do you often ask yourself “why and what is causing me to feel tired all the time”? You aren’t alone. So many people I know feel the same way. Occasional tiredness is pretty normal at any age. Tiredness can affect our memory, ability to think and concentrate, mood changes, lower sex drive, etc. Science has also linked extreme tiredness/fatigue to many health issues.
There are varied reasons for this constant feeling of fatigue.
Few Possible Causes
While there are multiple reasons for feeling tired, let’s look at just a few;
Allergies – your immune system works overtime, resulting in chronic inflammation and fatigue.
Anemia– cells in your body are not getting adequate oxygen, and you can’t function properly.
Thyroid– doesn’t make enough hormones (hypothyroidism) or makes too many hormones (hyperthyroidism).
Sleep disorders – sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat do not keep your airways open, leading to loud snoring, choking, and gasping, disrupting your sleep.
Depression – having persistent feelings of emptiness, loss of interest, and lack of motivation can cause problems with sleep.
Medications – Many medications, from antihistamines to statins, cause tiredness.
5 natural hacks to energy
While having no energy has many health reasons let’s look at some habits that can help you feel more energy and less fatigue.
#1. Check With Your Doctor
Consider – There are so many causes for feeling tired; physicians can help if it is a serious health issue or caused by medications.
Solution – Physicians take a careful history, conduct a physical, and do any necessary testing. It is always wise to make sure there isn’t some medical reason for feelings of tiredness.
#2. Water Intake
Consider – your body is composed of 60% water. Drinking more fluids is crucial to basic life function. Bodily fluid functions include transportation of nutrients, maintaining body temperature, and helping with digestion, absorption, circulation, and creating saliva.
The first sign of problems is dehydration which is often experienced as headaches, thirst (sometimes experienced as hunger pains, chapped lips, and dryness/stickiness in the mouth, lips, and tongue. Next is critical dehydration experienced in the form of fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and check pain. If you are still unsure whether you are at this critical stage, check your urine; if your urine is dark-colored because of lack of fluid.
Solution – drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. Again, this is the minimum amount of water to drink every day. I buy thermal water bottles, which often have the ounces they hold and help me keep track of my fluid intake.
#3. Bodies Are Meant To Move
Consider -Your body rapidly ages the more sedentary you are. Research has identified that the new “sitting disease” is real and many of us are at risk because of the pandemic lockdowns. Having a lifestyle that entails having movement breaks is essential. Think of it this way; Getting up and moving can significantly reduce your early disease or death risk.
Solution – So get up every hour and walk in place for a few minutes, do some chores around the house; whatever movement you choose depends on your body. Whatever this issue is, just get up and move.
#4. Eat The Right Foods
Consider – everything you do requires energy, for example, breathing, getting dressed in the morning, walking to your car, reading this article, and even sleeping. You will have more energy if you fuel your body efficiently.
Solution – Eating a healthy diet is to Get the proper nutrients. Eating a diet with nutrient-rich, whole foods is good for the whole body and your energy levels. The Mediterranean diet is a healthy diet that offers foods that decrease fatigue. For example, plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.
#5. Create Awareness of Your Routines
Consider – everything from stress, poor sleep routines, too much caffeine, sitting all day, etc., has adverse effects on our energy.
Solution – self-awareness is a powerful tool to learn more about your well-being.
Summary
Drinking enough water, getting enough movement, and eating the right foods aren’t the only solutions. You can limit alcohol, caffeine, stress and avoid smoking while getting enough rest. Use self-awareness to consider what your daily routines are affecting your energy levels.
If you are interested in taking care of your body, check out articles on Hiking for Mind & Body and
