Feeling tired? Fight fatigue and rejuvenate your body without caffeine or a nap! Here are six extra ways to re-energize:
Move Your Body
It may feel counterintuitive to exercise when you’re tired, but light movement can actually give you more energy. When you exert your body, you elevate your heart rate and take in more oxygen, which gets your blood pumping and enlivens your whole being. For exercise classes offered here at Beacon Hill, see our many Group Fitness offerings.
Drink Water
Dehydration can be one of the major causes of fatigue, so making sure you’re getting enough water can help fight tiredness. Experts say drinking around 9 cups of fluids (not just water) a day for women and 13 cups for men is a good baseline, according to the National Institutes of Health. Your primary care doctor can help determine your precise daily water intake.
Eat a Small Snack
Consuming a small, nutrient-rich snack can give you a boost. Aim for options that offer carbohydrate and protein together, such as crackers with cheese or fruit and nuts. The added fuel can make you feel more awake.
Stretch Your Muscles
Similarly to exercise, moving your body can energize your being. Start with some morning stretches that you can complete first thing to wake up, or try one of Beacon Hill’s very own Shelby’s at-home stretching class.
Review Your Medications
Sometimes medications can cause fatigue, including some antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, sedatives, antihistamines, steroids, and blood pressure and cholesterol medications. It may be helpful to bring all of your medications with you to your next doctor’s appointment to discuss how the drugs are making you feel and if alternatives may exist.
Engage Your Brain
Sometimes fatigue is just boredom. By engaging your brain in an interesting activity that you enjoy, say a crossword puzzle or card game, your whole body will feel more alert and energized. When the tired feeling hits, reach for a past-time you like, especially those that involve connecting with others socially. Check out our Entertainment and Events to see what offerings around happening in our retirement community.
Whenever you feel a yawn about to escape, try one of these six strategies to fight fatigue and power through your day.
