Chronic Fatigue

You haven't been falling too good lately. Despite a good night's sleep and rest, you wake up feeling low and tired. Energy and enthusiasm seems to desert you. You're never felt this way before and you don't know what to do….

You're feeling low, wretched and exhausted and you don't know why. Somebody prompts you to see a doctor. The doctor is good. He gives you a through co-over, orders a battery of tests and when go back to him with the test reports, he hands you a clean chit. No anaemia, no diabetes, no heart disease, no tuberculosis, no kidney problems - all is well. It sure is reassuring, but you remain in the same hole. Your doctor is kind , he hand you a prescription for multivitamin pills and says , " You'll do fine." But nothing changes.

If that is how you feel, then my friend, you suffer from symptoms of chronic fatigue and most doctors will have little patience with you.

Breaking out of chronic fatigue isn't difficult, provided you know the rules….

Exercise

Begin your day with a 30 to 40 minutes brisk walk to re-charge your batteries and get your 'engine' going. Exercise is a wonderful source of energy - both for your mind and mind and body. Make a regular exercise programme and stick to it. You will soon realize its benefits. During the course of the day, just in case your 'engine' begins slow down, take a five minutes walk, or if that is not possible just do a few stretch-up exercise.

Don't Rush

Never start your day under pressure of time. Start your day early. Always resrve a few minutes for traffic hold-ups, time delays on other people's part and if still need be, re-schedule your day's plan. A rush-rush schedule saps you a lot of energy, and quite unnecessarily.

Set Schedules

Set clear goals for each day. Take time each morning to set specific goals for the days. Determine what you want to do; don't let routine control you. You may have to change this now and then, but just grin and accept it, never let it go too far. Remember, you cant please everybody, but the bottomline is " Your employer is the boss, he pays for your time"

Do what you can Handle

At most times, honesty is the best policy. Just say yes to every job that comes your way and end up biting off more than you can chew. You should know when you can't take any more and learn to say no. Be polite and genuine about it and you'll find most people will understand you. Taking on too many obligations and commitments is a sure way to write your epitaph. Don't let yourself fall into the trap. Tackle one thing at a time. Many a time you feel fatigued just because you think , " I have so much to do, where should I start and how will I ever complete it." The remedy is simple - make a list, set your priorities and chart your progress, giving best to the job at hand. Before long, all your tasks will be done and you will still feel energetic.

Breathe

Breathe deeply. The yogis and sages have done it for thousands of years. To get rid of fatigue, breathe deeply three times in a row. Do this four to six times a day. The deep breath routine is very simple: first exhale quickly thought the mouth and nostrils. Next inhale slowly thought the nostril only, counting from one to 12. Now, hold your breathe to a count of six. Finally, exhale, counting to six. Repeat these steps three times. You will find yourself refreshed and re-energized.

Watch your weight

Stay trim and fit. Keep your weight under check. If you let go you can be sure that the extra pounds will wear you down. Shed the extra pounds, and you will realize the big difference.

Eat Light

Eat properly. Do not be careless about your meals. Eat on time and don't fast for long hours. Never skip breakfast. Eat light meals and do not stuff yourself, wondering if you will have time for next meal. A well balanced diet is crucial in breaking out of chronic fatigue. Don't eat junk food eat less fatty foods, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sleep

Sleep is a tonic. Take a regular six to eight hours sleep during the night; and a short nap during the day - if you find that refreshing and your work schedule permits it. Too many late nights will surely wear you down. But never overdose on sleep. If you oversleep, you may wake up with a heavy head and feel groggy all the day.

Think Positively

Many people have written wonderful book on the virtues of positive thinking. Read them, if you need to. But do think positively. It will open your mind to vast ocean of energy. You will feel motivated to achieve the impossible, and things will work out the way you want.

Relax with Music

Music can light your fire. Good music, music that you enjoy is a wonderful remedy to beat stress and fatigue. Turn in to it and pep yourself up.

Wonderful Water

Water is an energizer. And in many ways. Drink water in plenty each day. Drink water whenever you find time. Agood soak in a bath can wipe you clean of fatigue. If you like to swim, do so - it makes excellent exercise. Enjoy water's newer forms - Jacuzzi and sauna baths are excellent remedies for fatigue.

Laugh

Spice your life with humor. Laughter is indeed the best medicine. Go on, enjoy it. A good laugh can set you free both physically and mentally

Go for Change

If things fall into a rut - everything is routine and nothing is new, a feeling of fatigue may set in. Don't let this happen. Take on new challenges. Do things differently. Be adventurous. And you will find soon things brighten up. Remember that to explore is human nature. It gives you a lot of joy and excavates new depths of energy in you. Do things that you enjoy. Take time to read, go to the theatre, enjoy a picnic, visit a friend, maybe just go for a drive - but do things that you enjoy. Freak out. After all, life is not just being a workaholic. Anyway, relaxation is the best recipe to energize.

Take a Vacation

All work and no play makes Everybody a dull boy. Is that you? Yes? Then pack your bags and set out for a place you love. I have always found the mountains and the sea perfect havens and excellent energy boosters.

Check with your Doctors

Just in case you're on any particular long-term medicine, ask your doctor if it could be responsible for that knocked-out feeling. Many medications like the antihistamines, antipsychotics, sedatives, tranquilisers, antiemetics and some analgesis can make you feel groggy. In case you need to carry on with the medication for long period of time, ask your doctor, if he can make any changes that can free you from this unwanted medication effect .So here you are. Just follow these simple guidelines and you will find that fatigue troubles you no more.