How to Manage Fatigue

Fatigue can leave you feeling tired, weary or lacking in energy. There can be many causes of fatigue, and although it can be a natural response to physical or mental exhaustion, a lack of sleep or boredom, fatigue can be a sign of a more serious condition. It is important to seek help when getting a good night's sleep or changing your environment does not help. Feeling persistently fatigued can become a long-term problem that affects quality of life, but there are ways sufferers can help manage it.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult a medical professional. Fatigue has many causes, and your doctor will want to know the pattern of your tiredness to help determine its underlying cause. Conditions such as anemia, depression or an underactive thyroid can cause fatigue, according to Medline Plus. Fatigue can also accompany illnesses such as lupus, diabetes and certain infections, so your doctor will need to rule out any underlying medical causes.

• 2

  Improve your sleep routine. Bupa recommends going to bed and getting up at the same time each day while avoiding naps during the day. Create a few pre-sleep rituals such as listening to relaxing music, drinking warm milk or taking a warm bath that will prepare your body for sleep. Avoid caffeine, cigarettes and heavy meals before bedtime. Ideally, your bedroom should be dark, quiet and an even temperature. Some people like to write down any final thoughts of the day in a journal to avoid lying awake all night thinking.

• 3

  Eat healthful, well-balanced meals regularly throughout the day, and drink plenty of water. Your diet can have a significant effect on how you feel, and it is therefore important to control your weight. Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening, as both can be stimulants. Ask your doctor about taking a daily multivitamin.

• 4

  Perform regular exercise. Bupa suggests carrying out 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity at least five days a week. Furthermore, activities such as yoga can also help you relax. Exercise can also help improve and maintain your sense of well-being and might help increase your energy levels.

• 5

  Monitor your work and personal schedule, and if necessary change your circumstances to create a more balanced lifestyle. This might mean changing jobs or dealing with a relationship problem. Writing down a list of the things that leave you feeling exhausted can help you think of different ways to deal with them, leaving you feeling less burdened in the future.