We get it, fatigue can be debilitating. Establishing a routine and learning to manage your fatigue can really help you bring your life (and energy!) back into your own hands. Have you tried these 5 ways to improve chronic fatigue?
1. Improve sleep habits
This one is first on the list for a reason. If you suffer from chronic fatigue, it may be really helpful to look at your sleep habits and make improvements.
Get on a sleep schedule. Waking up and going to bed at the same time every night helps maintain your body's internal clock. Implementing a sleep schedule will help your body know when to get tired (and fall asleep faster) and when to wake up (and feel fully rested).
Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both of these will interrupt the REM stage of sleep - one of the most restorative of the four stages of sleep. During REM, your brain makes important neural connections that are crucial to overall wellbeing and health.
Only use the bedroom for sleep. Make your bedroom a sanctuary for sleep. No computer, tv, phone, or other screens before bed.
Try sleep tracking. There are so many resources at your fingertips to learn more about what happens when your eyes shut. Try downloading the Sleep Watch app to learn more about your sleep habits.
2. Add breathing and mindfulness into your day-to-day
Meditation, journaling, and breathing exercises are all great ways to help you wind down at the end of the day and avoid thoughts racing through your mind that could hinder your ability to sleep. Try this 20-minute mediation to ease you into sleep or the 4-7-8 breathing technique.
3. Try low-impact exercise
Exercise typically has a positive influence on your sleep, however, if you suffer from chronic fatigue, vigorous exercise can sometimes be too draining. Try low-impact exercises such as yoga, walking, or pilates to get the sleep benefits without over-exerting your body.
4. Over-the-counter therapies
Sometimes we need a helping hand to get on the right track. Head to your local pharmacy and ask the pharmacist which over-the-counter sleep aids might be the best for you. Some common ones are Benadryl, Aleve PM, Unisom SleepTabs, and melatonin. Tip: If you want a natural option, opt for a CBD sleep gummy like this one.
5. Rule out other health problems
Last, but certainly not least, make sure your fatigue is not a symptom of another health problem. Make an appointment with your doctor or start with some at-home testing options to either diagnose or rule out a health problem.
