By Dr. Sajeev Kumar, General Physician

Fatigue refers to the exhaustive and tiring condition most people experience due to lack of strength or energy. We’ve all encountered fatigue problems at some point in our lives. More often than not it acts as a negative force that takes a toll on your health if ignored for long. Although fatigue is not an acute condition, it can lead to various physical or mental disorders in the long run.

Symptoms you should look out for -

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Chronic tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Mood swings and irritation
• Anger and agitation
• Lethargy

Although minor fatigue is temporary, more acute forms of fatigue are often caused by anxiety or stress for a prolonged period, overwork, and other medical conditions like anemia, diabetes, heart ailment etc.
Severe fatigue becomes dangerous and acts as a threat to your body and system in a more fatal way. The longer stress lasts, the more damage it causes to your body and mind. In this period of chronic stress, one may feel highly vulnerable and often show traits of restlessness, irritation and excessive anger.

Usually this condition resolves on its own but if it persists for more than 2 weeks, you will require medical attention. Moreover, adjusting your daily routine and making lifestyle changes can help reduce fatigue.

1. Promote healthy eating- Maintain a balanced diet that will help reduce other risk factors. You will most likely lose your appetite during this period so make sure you drink lots of liquids to keep yourself hydrated and rejuvenated. Cut down on alcohol and caffeine. Include foods rich in fats since they provide more energy to the body.
2. Avoid intake of medications that may cause fatigue- Medications used to treat allergic reactions come with a number of side effects that often lead to fatigue. So it is always advisable to consult a doctor first.
3. Get enough rest- Your body needs plenty of rest and relaxation as it helps release excess stress and anxiety. Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
4. Exercise- Although trying out hardcore exercises may be strenuous and tiring, occasional exercising and yoga can relax your body, soothe your senses and relieve you from stress.
5. Talk it out- Counseling therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help beat fatigue. Talking to someone near and dear can help reduce stress and thereby boost your energy.

Fatigue may seem a constant companion in our life these days, but there are ways to prevent it. All you need to do is understand what triggers it, watch out for the symptoms, and adopt healthy changes in your routine.