Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness, lack of energy, or exhaustion. It can have both physical and mental components. Key terms related to fatigue include:
- Physical fatigue: Tiredness felt in the muscles or body after physical exertion. Can cause muscle weakness or soreness.
- Mental fatigue: Feelings of exhaustion, lack of motivation, or difficulties concentrating related to prolonged mental effort.
- Chronic fatigue: Ongoing, long-term fatigue that persists for more than 6 months and interferes with daily activities.
Causes of fatigue
There are many potential root causes of fatigue, including:
- Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality
- Physical overexertion from exercise, labor, or sports
- Mental overload from stressful tasks or situations
- Medical conditions like anemia, thyroid issues, heart disease etc.
- Nutritional deficiencies in iron, B vitamins, etc.
- Medications, drugs, alcohol
- Emotional issues like depression or anxiety
Managing fatigue
If you regularly feel fatigued, it's important to identify the underlying cause(s) by speaking with your doctor. Lifestyle changes and medical treatments may help, such as:
- Getting enough high-quality sleep each night
- Setting limits around mental and physical exertion
- Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet
- Treating any underlying illnesses
- Reducing stress through relaxation techniques
Learning to manage fatigue over the long-term requires identifying those things that give you energy, and those that drain you. Avoid pushing yourself to complete exhaustion every day. Take breaks to rest and recharge when needed. Speak to a professional at Renew Health Clinic if fatigue persists despite your best efforts.