Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Healthmeans 20 Ways To Beat Fatigue
Healthmeans 20 Ways To Beat Fatigue
BEAT FATIGUE
by HEALTHMEANS
CONTENTS
3 What is Fatigue?
Prevalence of Fatigue
4 Causes of Fatigue
What You Can Do to Lower Fatigue
5 20 Ways to Fight Fatigue
Hydrate
Have Regular Routines
6 Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
7 Shed Some Pounds
Move Your Body, But Don’t Overdo It
8 Practice Yoga
Eat for Energy
9 Consume Enough Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Try Hydrotherapy
10 Spend Time With Friends
Spend Time in Nature
11 Manage Stress
Cut Out Caffeine
12 Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol
Take a Break From Technology
13 Take a Break From Sitting
Learn To Say No
Figure Out Food Intolerances and Sensitivities
14 Balance Your Hormones
Change Your Mindset
16 References
3 HealthMeans
WHAT IS FATIGUE?
If you’ve ever been fatigued, you know the signs: feeling tired, sluggish, no energy, rundown, and like your
get-up-and-go has got up and gone. Fatigue is a common complaint in the general population and in people
with physical illnesses and those with mood disorders [1]. Fatigue is subjective and multi-sensory, so it can
be difficult to measure and classify. Fatigue also varies in duration and intensity in individuals and in its
effect on their ability to perform daily activities.
True fatigue is defined as an unusual and overwhelming tiredness that cannot be overcome by simply resting,
unlike fatigue resulting from short-term physical or mental effort. With short-term fatigue, you are back to your
regular self with a bit of rest. Persistent fatigue can make you feel like you are missing out on life.
PREVALENCE OF FATIGUE
People of all ages may experience fatigue. Fatigue can become an issue due to illness or other reasons and
is a common complaint with people as they age. According to international studies, one third of the adult
population complains to their doctor of fatigue [2]. In general, fatigue tends to affect more women than
men, is more prevalent in low socio-economic populations, and increases with advancing age [3].
CAUSES OF FATIGUE
While fatigue is commonly associated with growing older, many other factors such as stress, anxiety
and depression can contribute to fatigue. Fatigue can be a symptom that accompanies many illnesses,
including rheumatoid disorders, multiple sclerosis, heart conditions, cancer, diabetes and food
allergies [1, 4]. If you have or suspect there is a medical condition behind your fatigue, consult a qualified
medical practitioner. Some medications can cause fatigue, so if you are taking medications, check the
possible side effects for fatigue.
1. HYDRATE
Water is essential for all functions of the human body, including the transport of nutrients from the
food we eat. About 45%-75% of our body weight is water [5], and when we are low on fluids, we can feel
tired or weak. Even mild dehydration can lead to increased tension, anxiety and fatigue [6]. When we
are dehydrated, the blood retains sodium, thickening the blood and making the heart work harder to
circulate the blood through the body [7].
A general guideline is to drink half your body weight in pounds as ounces of water. For example, if you
weigh 200 pounds then your daily recommended water intake would be 100 ounces, or around twelve
8-ounce glasses of water. If your current water intake is well below the recommended guideline, gradually
increase your hydration over time. Drink extra water if exercising or sweating more than usual [8].
The good news is that many of these factors can be managed with lifestyle choices. To help protect
circadian rhythms, set and keep regular routines for waking and sleeping, exercising and eating.
Practicing good sleep hygiene means creating the right environment and following recommended
behaviours to promote consistent, uninterrupted sleep. A sleep-promoting environment is one that is dark,
quiet, the right temperature and only used for sleep. While not proven to be a cure for insomnia, good
sleep hygiene can help improve sleep quality and help lessen fatigue caused by poor sleep [12].
Sleep apnea is commonly considered the culprit, but one study conducted over a seven-year period found
that fatigue is actually related to metabolic and psychological factors common with obesity [14]. Excessive
body fat negatively impacts the immune system, causing the release of inflammatory compounds that are
associated with sleepiness and fatigue [1].
The good news is that healthy weight loss in people who are overweight is a predictor of a reduction in
fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness. Following many of the tips in this guide can help you shed extra
weight and beat fatigue at the same time.
5. MOVE
YOUR BODY,
BUT DON’T
OVERDO IT
In a series of population-based studies conducted
between 1945 and 2005, the relationship between
physical activity, energy and fatigue was examined. These
studies suggest an association between physical activity
and a reduced risk of experiencing feelings of low energy
and fatigue[16].
Fatigue is generally associated with a lack of physical activity [3]; however, excessive physical activity can
actually cause fatigue. One study showed that 10-20 hours per week of exercise training is associated with
increased fatigue in people with medical conditions [17].
The bottom line: some physical activity can help fight fatigue, but don’t over-exercise. If you are just
beginning to exercise, increase gradually. Monitor yourself and notice if you feel energized or depleted after
physical activity even once you’ve rested. If your day-to-day exercise routine leaves you chronically fatigued,
consider cutting back.
8 HealthMeans
6. PRACTICE
YOGA
The ancient practice of yoga incorporates many
components, including meditation, breathing,
stretching and strengthening. Yoga has been
shown to have a positive therapeutic effect on
various ailments and conditions.
A recent study of 173 cancer patients found that those who attended a weekly 60-minute yoga therapy
class had a reduction in general fatigue, physical fatigue and depression over an eight-week period [20].
Other studies have shown similar results for other conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome [21],
multiple sclerosis [22] and rheumatoid arthritis [23].
Foods containing toxins, pesticides and hormones require more energy to be metabolized by the liver [25].
Organic, grass-fed, wild and pastured foods are easier for the body to process and have better nutrient
profiles. Eat seasonally and locally grown as much as possible for highest nutrient value.
8. CONSUME ENOUGH
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Deficiency in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been associated with fatigue [26], depression,
anxiety and other inflammatory conditions [27, 28]. The typical western diet is often low in omega-3 fatty
acids, so adding more to your diet could help with fatigue. Dietary sources of omega-3s include leafy
greens, walnuts, flax-fed chicken eggs and fatty fish like wild salmon, anchovies and mackerel [29]. Omega-3
fatty acids in supplement form is a common recommendation. Supplementation with fish oil has been
associated with a reduction of fatigue and inflammatory markers in lupus [30], chronic fatigue syndrome
[25] and rheumatic diseases [31].
9. TRY HYDROTHERAPY
Hydrotherapy uses water for health benefits and the therapeutic treatment of various illnesses. This can
include water at various temperatures and different levels of immersion. Hydrotherapy may incorporate a
single type of therapy or be used in combination, such as cold water immersion followed by a hot steam
bath or sauna.
A study of fibromyalgia patients who participated in warm water hydrotherapy showed improvement in
pain, sleep, fatigue, stiffness and general well-being [32]. One meta-analysis study showed that regular
outdoor winter swimming significantly reduced tension and fatigue and improved mood [33]. Basic forms of
cold therapy include plunging in cold water or simply taking cold showers. Start by switching your shower to
cold for 30 seconds and then alternate between hot and cold.
20. CHANGE
YOUR
MINDSET
The way we think about fatigue can make fatigue
even more persistent. Focusing on how badly
the fatigue is affecting you may actually make
the fatigue persist. When we believe that there is
something we can do, we are motivated to take
action [56]. Instead of ruminating on the sensations
of fatigue, distract yourself with positive thoughts
or implement some of the strategies in this guide.
HERE’S
TO HEALTH.
16 HealthMeans
REFERENCES
1. Lim W, Hong S, Nelesen R, Dimsdale JE. The association of obesity, cytokine levels, and depressive
symptoms with diverse measures of fatigue in healthy subjects. Arch Intern Med. 2005 Apr
25;165(8):910-5.
2. Van’t Leven M, Zielhuis G, van der Meer J, Verbeek A, Bleijenberg G. Fatigue and chronic fatigue
syndrome-like complaints in the general population. European Journal of Public Health. 2010
June;20(3):251–257.
3. Engberg I, Segerstedt J, Waller G, Wennberg P, Eliasson M. Fatigue in the general population-
associations to age, sex, socioeconomic status, physical activity, sitting time and self-rated health: the
Northern Sweden MONICA Study 2014. BMC Public Health. 2017 Aug 14;17(1):654.
4. Cole W. The inflammation spectrum: find your food triggers and reset your system. New York: Avery,
2019.
5. Laja García AI, Moráis-Moreno C, Samaniego-Vaesken ML, Puga AM, Partearroyo T, Varela-Moreiras
G. Influence of water intake and balance on body composition in healthy young adults from Spain.
Nutrients. 2019 Aug 15;11(8):1923.
6. Ganio MS, Armstrong LE, Casa DJ, McDermott BP, Lee EC, Yamamoto LM, Marzano S, Lopez RM,
Jimenez L, Le Bellego L, Chevillotte E, Lieberman HR. Mild dehydration impairs cognitive performance
and mood of men. Br J Nutr. 2011 Nov;106(10):1535-43.
7. Watso JC, Farquhar WB. Hydration status and cardiovascular function. Nutrients. 2019 Aug
11;11(8):1866.
8. Perlmutter D. Grain brain: the surprising truth about wheat, carbs, and sugar – your brain’s silent
killers. New York: Little, Brown, 2013.
9. Farhud D, Aryan Z. Circadian rhythm, lifestyle and health: a narrative review. Iran J Public Health. 2018
Aug;47(8):1068-1076.
10. Sadeghniiat-Haghighi K, Yazdi Z. Fatigue management in the workplace. Ind Psychiatry J. 2015 Jan-
Jun;24(1):12-7.
11. Fonken LK, Nelson RJ. The effects of light at night on circadian clocks and metabolism. Endocr Rev.
2014 Aug;35(4):648-70.
12. Irish LA, Kline CE, Gunn HE, Buysse DJ, Hall MH. The role of sleep hygiene in promoting public health:
a review of empirical evidence. Sleep Med Rev. 2015 Aug;22:23-36.
13. Shechter A, Kim EW, St-Onge MP, Westwood AJ. Blocking nocturnal blue light for insomnia: a
randomized controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res. 2018 Jan;96:196-202.
14. Fernandez-Mendoza J, Vgontzas AN, Kritikou I, Calhoun SL, Liao D, Bixler EO. Natural history of
excessive daytime sleepiness: role of obesity, weight loss, depression, and sleep propensity. Sleep.
2015 Mar 1;38(3):351-60.
15. Hales CM, Carroll MD, Fryar CD, Ogden CL. Prevalence of Obesity and Severe Obesity Among Adults:
United States, 2017-2018. NCHS Data Brief. 2020 Feb;(360):1-8.
16. Puetz TW. Physical activity and feelings of energy and fatigue: epidemiological evidence. Sports Med.
2006;36(9):767-80.
17. O’Connor PJ, Puetz TW. Chronic physical activity and feelings of energy and fatigue. Med Sci Sports
Exerc. 2005 Feb;37(2):299-305.
18. Woodyard C. Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life. Int J
Yoga. 2011;Jul;4(2):49-54.
19. Oken BS, Zajdel D, Kishiyama S, Flegal K, Dehen C, Haas M, Kraemer DF, Lawrence J, Leyva J.
Randomized, controlled, six-month trial of yoga in healthy seniors: effects on cognition and quality of
life. Altern Ther Health Med. 2006 Jan-Feb;12(1):40-7.
20. Zetzl T, Renner A, Pittig A, Jentschke E, Roch C, van Oorschot B. Yoga effectively reduces fatigue and
symptoms of depression in patients with different types of cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2020 Oct 7.
21. Oka T, Tanahashi T, Chijiwa T, et al. Isometric yoga improves the fatigue and pain of patients with
chronic fatigue syndrome who are resistant to conventional therapy: a randomized, controlled
trial. BioPsychoSocial Med. 2014; 8(27).
22. Cohen ET, Kietrys D, Fogerite SG, Silva M, Logan K, Barone DA, Parrott JS. Feasibility and impact of an
8-week integrative yoga program in people with moderate multiple sclerosis-related disability: a pilot
study. Int J MS Care. 2017 Jan-Feb;19(1):30-39.
23. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care
(IQWiG); 2006-. Rheumatoid arthritis: living and dealing with fatigue. [Updated 2020 May 20].
24. Azzolino D, Arosio B, Marzetti E, Calvani R, Cesari M. Nutritional status as a mediator of fatigue and its
underlying mechanisms in older people. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 10;12(2):444.
25. Blum S. The immune system recovery plan: a doctor’s 4-step plan to achieve optimal health and feel
your best, strengthen your immune system, treat autoimmune disease and see immediate results.
New York: Scribner, 2013.
26. Maes M, Mihaylova I, Leunis JC. In chronic fatigue syndrome, the decreased levels of omega-3 poly-
unsaturated fatty acids are related to lowered serum zinc and defects in T cell activation. Neuro
Endocrinol Lett. 2005 Dec;26(6):745-51.
27. Larrieu T, Layé S. Food for mood: relevance of nutritional omega-3 fatty acids for depression and
anxiety. Front Physiol. 2018 Aug 6;9:1047.
28. Castro-Marrero J, Zaragozá MC, Domingo JC, Martinez-Martinez A, Alegre J, von Schacky C. Low
omega-3 index and polyunsaturated fatty acid status in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/
myalgic encephalomyelitis. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2018 Dec;139:20-24.
29. Zivkovic AM, Telis N, German JB, Hammock BD. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids aid in the modulation of
inflammation and metabolic health. Calif Agric (Berkeley). 2011 Jul;65(3):106-111.
30. Arriens C, Hynan LS, Lerman RH, Karp DR, Mohan C. Placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of
fish oil’s impact on fatigue, quality of life, and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Nutr J.
2015 Aug 18;14:82.
31. Akbar U, Yang M, Kurian D, Mohan C. Omega-3 fatty acids in rheumatic diseases: a critical review.
J Clin Rheumatol. 2017 Sep;23(6):330-339.
32. Silva KM, Tucano SJ, Kümpel C, Castro AA, Porto EF. Effect of hydrotherapy on quality of life, functional
capacity and sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia. Rev Bras Reumatol. 2012 Dec;52(6):851-7.
33. Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L. Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of
the body. N Am J Med Sci. 2014 May;6(5):199-209.
34. PLoS Medicine Editors. Social relationships are key to health, and to health policy. PLoS Med. 2010
Aug 31;7(8):e1000334.
35. Jaremka LM, Andridge RR, Fagundes CP, Alfano CM, Povoski SP, Lipari AM, Agnese DM, Arnold MW,
Farrar WB, Yee LD, Carson WE 3rd, Bekaii-Saab T, Martin EW Jr, Schmidt CR, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. Pain,
depression, and fatigue: loneliness as a longitudinal risk factor. Health Psychol. 2014 Sep;33(9):948-57.
36. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences
and Education; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences;
Board on Health Sciences Policy; Committee on the Health and Medical Dimensions of Social Isolation
and Loneliness in Older Adults. Social isolation and loneliness in older adults: opportunities for the
health care system. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2020 Feb 27.
37. Jaremka LM, Fagundes CP, Glaser R, Bennett JM, Malarkey WB, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. Loneliness
predicts pain, depression, and fatigue: understanding the role of immune dysregulation.
Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2013 Aug;38(8):1310-7.
38. Pearson DG, Craig T. The great outdoors? Exploring the mental health benefits of natural
environments. Front Psychol. 2014 Oct 21;5:1178.
39. Hansen MM, Jones R, Tocchini K. Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) and nature therapy: a state-of-the-art
review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Jul 28;14(8):851.
40. Wu LL, Wang KM, Liao PI, Kao YH, Huang YC. Effects of an 8-week outdoor brisk walking program
on fatigue in hi-tech industry employees: a randomized control trial. Workplace Health Saf. 2015
Oct;63(10):436-45.
41. Chevalier G, Sinatra ST, Oschman JL, Sokal K, Sokal P. Earthing: health implications of reconnecting the
human body to the Earth’s surface electrons. J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:291541.
42. Rose, D M et al. Associations of fatigue to work-related stress, mental and physical health in an
employed community sample. BMC Psychiatry. 2017 May 5;17(1):167.
43. Kocalevent, R.D., Hinz, A., Brähler, E. et al. Determinants of fatigue and stress. BMC Res Notes.
2011; 4:238.
44. Sajadi-Ernazarova KR, Anderson J, Dhakal A, et al. Caffeine withdrawal. [Updated 2020 Nov 10]. In:
StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan.
45. Spaeth AM, Goel N, Dinges DF. Cumulative neurobehavioral and physiological effects of chronic
caffeine intake: individual differences and implications for the use of caffeinated energy products.
Nutr Rev. 2014 Oct;72 Suppl 1(0 1):34-47.
46. Ebrahim IO, Shapiro CM, Williams AJ, Fenwick PB. Alcohol and sleep I: effects on normal sleep. Alcohol
Clin Exp Res. 2013 Apr;37(4):539-49.
47. Vashadze ShV. [Insomnia, serotonin and depression]. Georgian Med News. 2007 Sep;(150):22-4.
48. Green PH. Alcohol, nutrition and malabsorption. Clin Gastroenterol. 1983 May;12(2):563-74.
49. Hussain Z, Wegmann E, Yang H, Montag C. Social networks use disorder and associations with
depression and anxiety symptoms: a systematic review of recent research in China. Front Psychol.
2020 Feb 21;11:211.
50. Taylor-Jackson J, Moustafa AA. The relationships between social media use and factors relating to
depression. The Nature of Depression. 2021:171–82.
51. Wennberg P, et al. Acute effects of breaking up prolonged sitting on fatigue and cognition: a pilot
study. BMJ Open. 2016 Feb 26;6(2)e009630.
52. Bellingrath S, Kudielka BM. Effort-reward-imbalance and overcommitment are associated with
hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses to acute psychosocial stress in healthy working
schoolteachers. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008 Nov;33(10):1335-43.
53. Manu P, Matthews DA, Lane TJ. Food intolerance in patients with chronic fatigue. Int J Eat Disord. 1993
Mar;13(2):203-9.
54. Lozinsky AC, Meyer R, De Koker C, Dziubak R, Godwin H, Reeve K, Dominguez Ortega G, Shah N. Time
to symptom improvement using elimination diets in non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergies.
Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2015 Aug;26(5):403-8.
55. Wahls TL, Adamson E. The Wahls protocol: a radical new way to treat all chronic autoimmune
conditions using paleo principles. New York: Penguin, 2014.
56. Ng B. The neuroscience of growth mindset and intrinsic motivation. Brain Sciences. 2018 Jan
26;8(2)20.
If you like what you’ve read here, be sure to explore HealthMeans for hundreds of additional health talks,
eBooks and programs!
© 2021 HealthMeans. The contents of this document are for informational purposes only and are not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
This document does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your
physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.