Tired
Tired is me right now, and with good reason, I’ve been busy. I’ve been helping out with some things in town already and a couple of things with church. I’ve been managing the house and trying to unpack the last boxes along with stocking up the pantry/freezer and getting to know a completely new place. It’s been exciting, but tiring. I know things will settle down and we’ll work out what normal is for us in this new role in leadership at Merredin Church of Christ.
Are you tired? Is there a reason for it? If not the following article by Dr Cherry may shed some light on why you are and some solutions for what may be the problem.
Always Feeling Tired? What You Can Do
Dr. Cherry“Fatigue robs you of the energy you need to keep up with the demands placed on you, to enjoy your life, even to make the changes in your life needed to maintain your health. Fatigue puts pressure on your work, your home life, and your relationships - which only makes you more tired. It can be a downward spiral…” Those words from a popular Web site for women (www.womentowomen.com) say a lot about how a lack of energy affects so many of our lives. In fact, fatigue is among the most common complaints doctors hear from their patients.
So why are so many of us so tired so often, and what can we do about it? Fatigue can have a variety of lifestyle causes. Here are some of the major ones - along with solutions - according to the Mayo Clinic. (In my next newsletter, I’ll discuss when you should see your doctor about your fatigue.)
* Lack of sleep. Getting even an hour less than the sound slumber you need each night (seven to eight hours is the ideal, according to most experts) can leave you drowsy and unable to manage your daily routine. As we get older, it becomes harder to get uninterrupted sleep, we tend to sleep less soundly, and we often awaken earlier.
Solution: Practice good sleep habits. Most experts say not to eat, read or watch television in bed. For a better night’s sleep, keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Try to establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at about the same time each day. If you nap during the day, do it early and keep it short. Also, schedule any physical activity at least six hours before bedtime and don’t eat a large late-night meal.
* Stress and anxiety. Going through life anxious and on edge can keep you from relaxing and getting the rest you need. If you’re so busy that you’re running from one task to the next without a break, it’s eventually going to wear you down.
Solution: Reduce stress. Be realistic about your limitations (learn to say “no”), and put aside time each day to do something you enjoy.
* Inactivity. It’s a common excuse: “I’m too tired to exercise” - so you don’t. But engaging in moderate physical activity can help decrease stress, improve mood and leave you feeling energized. Just don’t overexert yourself at first if you haven’t been exercising.
Solution: Include at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming or gardening each day. If that’s too much, start with 10 minutes several times throughout the day. Once you get moving, you’ll be surprised at the stamina you’ll feel.
* Eating habits. If you’re not eating properly or drinking enough fluids (fatigue is often a sign of dehydration), your body isn’t getting the fuel and fluid it needs.
Solution: Start your day with a low-fat, high-fiber breakfast that includes plenty of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fruits for lasting energy. Stay away from sugary cereals and juices and caffeinated drinks. They can make you feel sluggish later in the day. Don’t skip meals; refuel every three or four hours.
* Certain medications. Some medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), including many beta-blockers and antihistamines, can cause fatigue. In addition, some cold medications and pain relievers contain caffeine and other stimulants that can keep you up at night.
Solution: Talk to your doctor if you think your medication is making you tired. He or she might be able to suggest an alternative medication or make other recommendations, such as taking your medication at a different time of day.
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For more information on Dr. Cherry’s ministry, visit his Web site: http://www.AbundantNutrition.com
I hope you saw some things that may be effecting your sleep and how to tackle it. If you are having sleep problems and the reason is not addressed above, I advise you to go to your local general practitioner and seek further medical advice.
Tags: Christian, Family Journal, Life