If you feel tired and void of energy all day, you are not alone; this thing is more common and gets its acronym: TATT (Tired All The Time). It is when your body feels less energetic and less motivated to work or perform simple tasks.
Tiredness after a long day is normal. However, prolonged exhaustion can affect productivity and stops you from enjoying life. Low energy levels impact our mental health, too, leading to a decline in daily functioning abilities.
Why do we feel tired all the time?
Tiredness or physical exhaustion can be due to a multitude of reasons. Poor sleep, lack of exercise, anxiety, caffeine- anything could be a reason for fatigue and exhaustion.
It is a good idea to consult the doctor when you are tired for more than four weeks. But, before you go and see a doctor, think about the causes of your tiredness.
Physical factor:
Iron deficiency, thyroid, or sleep apnea could cause tiredness and exhaustion physically. Pregnant people at early stages might have low energy levels. Fatigue could also be the side-effects of medications or herbal treatments. Consultation with doctors will help in finding any underlying physical conditions for tiredness.
Psychological factor:
Moving to a new house, getting married, or a major change in the workplace can adversely affect our emotional or psychological health, leading to poor sleep or insomnia. Emotional trauma due to sudden bereavement or relationship breakups can add stress and lead to exhaustion. Feeling sad all the time with low energy levels when you wake up could be a sign of depression (seek help if you think you are depressed.)
Lifestyle factors:
Drinking a large amount of caffeine or alcohol affects the sleep cycle, thereby leading to poor sleep and tiredness the next day. Drinking alcohol at night could help in early sleeping, but you would feel tired the next day even if you had slept eight hours at night. Night shifts at work affect energy levels during the day. Taking naps during the daytime would prevent you from sleeping early at night.
Tips to overcome TATT:
1. Visit the doctor to take treatment for physical conditions leading to tiredness or fatigue.
2. Instead of eating large meals less often, eat smaller, balanced meals 3 to 4 times.
3. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water often. It would also give a break from working continuously.
4. Exercise for at least 15 minutes a day. When you are tired, fast walking or exercise might be the last thing to do on your mind. But, research shows that regular physical activity increases your energy levels in the long run.
5. Make a sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Avoid day naps and relax before going to bed at night. Meditation or journaling before bedtime puts the mind at ease and induces sleep.
6. Connect with friends and family for 10 minutes to reduce stress. Working out at the gym could release pent-up energy in the body. Relax by listening to music, reading or doing yoga.
7. Cut out everything that adds stress to your life. It could be more digital time, caffeine or alcohol. Limit digital time by unplugging the digital devices for at least one hour. Guided meditation, guided imagery and aromatherapy are some things to try to keep your mental health in check.
Unless it is an underlying physical condition, these self-help tips and lifestyle changes help you fight against fatigue and exhaustion. Restore your energy levels and enjoy life, as we live only once.
