Always tired? Feel like you’re running on empty? Well, join the club, as an increasing numbers of us are suffering from constant fatigue.
For all ages, balancing home, work or children can be tiring and deplete energy levels. This is especially so as we age. Food sources such as sugar and caffeine may give you a temporary energy fix, but that lasts only so long, as most of us know. In addition, skipping daily exercises or over scheduling your day can also drain you.
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Is your life too tiring?
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Do you demand too much of yourself? If yes: try to manage stress; learn to say no; set priorities; pace yourself. Take time each day to simply relax, perhaps using a tape or relaxation class. Consider whether there is a good balance of work and play in your life and what you can do about it. If necessary, you may want to reconsider what you want from life.
Have you been affected recently by a stressful event?
If yes: Be realistic, and be kind to yourself. Events such as moving house, having a baby, starting a new job, being bereaved or ending an important relationship can be exhausting, especially when you feel you have no control over what’s happening. Don’t expect to be back to your normal self overnight. Remember; all progress is good, however small or unimportant it may seem to you at the time.
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Following are some guidelines to help you find more energy in your daily life:
Organize your time
Using your time efficiently will help reduce your stress levels as well giving you more energy to tackle tasks with gusto. Having a never-ending jobs list with no deadlines and therefore no end in sight, will only zap your energy before you even start. So list all of your jobs to do a day at a time and highlight those you must do each day and those that could, at a pinch, form tomorrow’s list. Cross them off as you do them for maximum satisfaction.
Stay Active
As you age, do not lose sight of what you love to do. Whether it is picnics in the park, or enjoying theater shows, you don’t have to give up your passions as you get older. Continuing to do the things you love will fill you with energy. Get rid of your energy drainers and implement more energy enhancers and you will be well on your way to living a long, energetic life.
Energy Boosting Foods
Although your calorie requirements decrease with age, you need energy-boosting foods to keep up with activities, enjoy family, remain independent and fight off illness. To help you make the most of your nutritional intake, energy foods should provide multiple benefits. Focus on nutrient-dense proteins and complex carbohydrates that are low in calories, sodium and saturated fat to keep your heart healthy and your stamina high.
Is regular exercise part of your daily life?
If no: Begin to change that. If you are unfit, start with 10 minutes of moderate physical activity each day and build up to at least 30 minutes. It may seem counter-intuitive, but aerobic exercise is an excellent way to counter fatigue.
To mix things up a bit, why not try alternative exercise?Yoga should leave you feeling energetic and Tai Chi is said to improve the flow of energy through your body. Both are excellent ways to stay in shape, ease stress and feel more buoyant. Any exercises that stretch your muscles will encourage blood flow and can help increase energy levels.
Are you drinking too much?
If yes: cut down on the booze. It acts as a sedative, and even small amounts can make you tired for hours.
Are you sleeping well?
If no: practice good sleep habits. Avoid eating, reading or watching television while in bed. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet, and set the alarm to get up at the same time each day – a routine will help you to establish a regular schedule. Staying in bed all day will not help.
Check Hormone Levels
Many older women develop an imbalance in their hormones which can lead to lack of energy. It is encouraged that all women over 40 to take a blood test to check their hormone levels.
