Do you wake up each day feeling like you’ve barely slept a wink? Do simple tasks around the house wear you out? Are you feeling weary just thinking about the day ahead of you? When 3 o’clock rolls around, are you brewing a pot of afternoon coffee? Have you considered using toothpicks to prop your eyelids open?
If these scenarios sound all too familiar, you may want to take a look at your day-to-day habits and consider making a few slight changes. These essential tips can help boost your energy levels and fight fatigue once and for all. We won’t promise that you’ll be charged up like the Energizer Bunny, but we hope some of these changes will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day!
Maybe It’s Your Meds
Many medications, including both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs, can cause drowsiness. Fatigue is one of the most common side effects experienced by patients. Antihistamines (allergy medications and sleeping pills), beta-blockers (blood pressure medications), antidepressants, anxiety medications, opioids or narcotics, and muscle relaxants are potentially responsible for this undesired side effect. If you are on any of these medications, consider speaking with your doctor to see if there is an alternative option that will not cause drowsiness. Remember, you should never stop taking the medication without guidance from your physician.
Stress Slowing You Down?
Stress, depression, and anxiety can cause you to feel emotionally exhausted and worn out. Although they are directly related to mental health, they are also responsible for many physical symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms experienced include fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and loss of appetite. Seek professional help if you are experiencing any of these physical symptoms due to stress or other mental health disorders. Addressing these issues and finding ways to cope with them, or manage them, can help increase your energy levels.
Eat for Energy!
Retrain your brain to see food as fuel because that’s precisely what it is! What we put into our bodies has a direct impact on the performance of our bodies. Whole grains, lean proteins, leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables, and proper hydration provide us with the energy we need to power through the day. Adversely, a diet filled with processed foods, saturated fats, and excess sugar can cause you to feel sluggish and run down.
Make a Move
There’s a reason that many people start their day with a morning workout. Of course, getting your exercise in the first thing of the day eliminates the possibility of making excuses for it later or running out of time. Daily workouts also boost your mood and your energy levels. Exercise is responsible for increasing endorphin levels, sharper focus, improved sleep, and better heart health, among other benefits. Just 30 minutes a day can significantly impact your overall health! Exercise will also help you with balance and muscle mass, which are essential to prevent a dangerous fall.
Sleep on It
Not getting enough sleep is a prominent cause of fatigue. The above tips can help improve your sleep quality. Other suggestions to help ensure that you get adequate sleep include a set bedtime or sleep schedule, limited screen time throughout the day (and before bed), limited daytime naps, and a restful environment (quiet, dark, and comfortable sleeping arrangements). Experts recommend an average of 8 hours of quality sleep each night; if you are not meeting these guidelines, consider discussing sleep solutions with your physician.
If you feel worn out, sluggish, and tired all of the time, discuss these tips with your doctor. Sometimes small changes are all that’s needed to make a significant impact in your life. Get ready to recharge, refresh, and re-energize!
Conclusion
At Home Care of Louisiana is a locally owned and operated home care agency in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We help seniors with personal care, companion care, and all forms of memory loss. Please contact us if you live in the greater Baton Rouge area and would like a free home care assessment of your elderly loved one’s situation. We also provide around-the-clock-care for those requiring full-time monitoring.
