7 Reasons Why You Are Tired All the Time and How to Get Your Energy Back

Are you feeling that chronic exhaustion that seems to set in by mid-afternoon (or in my case, mid-morning)? The kind that leaves you feeling like you are sleep walking through half the day and barely able to get even the most routine tasks completed. I know just how you drained you feel to be tired all the time.

For months I’ve struggled with chronic exhaustion; it seemed like no matter how much sleep I get my body is still aching for more. I was a zombie. I couldn’t stand it. My kids, my husband, and my home needed more than I was physically able to give. With a hefty amount of research, a few trips to the doctor, and some pretty big lifestyle changes, and after so much trial and error, I’m finally feeling my energy creep back in. I recently embarked on a rather adventurous trip to New Zealand-imagine river rafting, snorkeling, mountain climbing, hiking, biking, boating, and glacier scaling all crammed in to two weeks. I was prepped for the inevitable exhaustion, but thanks to changes I’ve made I was able to keep up without a problem.

If you are getting adequate amounts of sleep (adults are advised to sleep 7-9 hours each night) and still unable to make it through the day without a diet coke, or two, than one of these other factors may be responsible for why you are tired all the time:

Reasons Why You May Be Tired All The Time

1. Your gut health:

Food sensitivities, food allergies, and poor diet can all effect gut health. When your gastrointestinal system is out of whack your entire body will suffer. This seemingly insignificant body part controls energy, emotions, and immunity. Limit your processed food intake, especially sugars to lower the damage on your gut. If you suspect a food sensitivity or allergy try removing those foods from your diet or ask your doctor for a food allergy test.

2. Your hormones:

Hormone imbalances are becoming increasing popular among women. Hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, low estrogen, and other hormone deficiencies can lead to poor sleep and constant fatigue. Talk to your doctor if you think your hormones are out of balance. A simple blood test can ensure your endocrine system is fully functioning.

3. Your low on iron:

When you are anemic or your iron levels are low it causes a lack of oxygen in your blood. These low level of oxygen cause low levels of energy. If you suspect iron is the culprit you can ask your doctor for a simple blood test to pinpoint the problem or start taking an iron supplement.

4. Your mental health:

Depression and anxiety are two very common energy thieves. If you suspect a mental health issue is to blame for your lethargy contact your doctor, or even better a therapist to get the support you deserve.

5. Your quality of sleep:

You may be getting the right amount of sleep but that doesn’t mean you are getting the right kind of sleep. If you aren’t reaching the deep levels of sleep necessary to truly rest your brain you will wake up still feeling unrested. You may want to talk to your doctor to rule out sleep apnea or any other sleep issues.

6. You are stressed:

Stress hormones put your body in a sort of survival mode which limits sleep. If you are feeling overwhelmed and tired take a look at what you can cut out of your life to bring down the demands.

7. Your exercise:

Exercising can up your energy. If you are filling chronic exhaustion adding a little cardio to your day can work wonders for your energy levels. If you are exercising regularly and still feeling exhausted there’s a chance you are working out too much. Overtraining can send your body in to a state of fatigue. A regular workout routine can help improve your energy and sleep just make sure to incorporate a weekly rest day or two.

Feeling tired at the end of a long day is normal. But if you are constantly tired all the time consider one of these possible causes and find some relief. As much as we all love a daily diet coke, you shouldn’t be dependent on a soda run to make it through the day.

The post 7 Reasons Why You Are Tired All the Time and How to Get Your Energy Back appeared first on How Does She.

by Sara Watkins via Home And Garden