When You Are Always Tired

If you have gone to your doctor but nonetheless tiredness still sticks with you like a glove to a hand, try these uncommon and commonsense cures for fatigue.

1. Eight-glasses-a-day energy. Some people feel tired despite the normal physical, emotional, and laboratory examinations. The reason for their fatigue might be just due to very a simple problem – dehydration. The average person needs at least eight (8-oz) glasses of water a day. Try drinking four ounces of water every couple of hours. A couple of sips or a gulp will generally give you what you need. Try keeping a bottle of spring water with you at your office. This does not necessarily mean that you have to give up coffee breaks.

2. Take a breath break. Yoga practitioners believe that shallow breathing keeps a person in a kind of panic mode. Concentrate on taking most of your breaths through your nose, and inhale to a count of two. Exhale (you may use your mouth) to a count of four. In minutes, your heart rate will go down, your blood will become more fully oxygenated and you’ll feel a sense of calm.

3. Do some mantra. Unblock your energy. Too much energy held inside your body can add to fatigue. Notable examples of people who use voice for health for thousands of years are Buddhist and Benedictine monks. The classic om sound is believed to be the sound that holds the universe together. Try this method to combat fatigue through mantra: a. Sit or stand in a comfortable position. Make sure your back is straight and your feet are flat on the floor; b. Listen to the silence for a few minutes, then take a few deep breaths; c. Focus your attention on your throat; and d. Open your mouth and let the “om” sound out. Sound out as long and as loud as you like. Repeat for 5 minutes, with breaks for breath, of course.

4. Color therapy boost. Eastern or Ayurvedic healers believe that colors have specific vibrations that can help balance one’s “chakra.” Chakra is believed to be the main energy pathways that travel like electrical cords through the body. Chakras affect mind and body states. White is thought to help relieve pain. Blue helps the throat. Green helps balance heart and lungs. Yellow is thought to enhance mental clarity. Orange is said to boost immunity. Try to beat fatigue in an offbeat way by taking a break from wearing your usual outfits. Redecorate your workstation. Buy bouquet of flowers with one or two “healing” colors dominant.

5. Energize yourself with micronutrients and B vitamins. Because you’re always-on-the-go, you must be missing on micronutrients that are lacking in to-go foods or fast foods. “Go green.” Eat plenty of yellow and green leafy vegetables and fruits. Dash them with a very small amount of salt and salad dressing. Try green tea. Keep an open mind on ginseng.

(Source: Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments, Bottom Line Books)