Fatigue is something many people experience at different points in their lives. It can be caused by mental stress, physical exertion, lack of sleep, or even boredom. However, fatigue isn’t the same as simply being tired or drowsy. In this post, we’ll explore what fatigue is, who it affects, and how you can manage your energy to prevent burnout.
What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is a deep feeling of tiredness or exhaustion that often doesn’t improve with rest. It’s different from drowsiness, which is the need for sleep. Fatigue can have both physical and mental causes, including:
- Stress or overstimulation
- Lack of sleep
- Vitamin deficiencies or anemia
- Illness or chronic conditions
While fatigue can happen to anyone, it’s important to recognise that it’s a sign your body or mind needs attention. Fatigue can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, so it’s always important to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis.
Your Energy as a “Bank Account”
One way to understand how to manage fatigue is to think of your energy as money in a bank account:
Each day, you have a certain amount of “energy” to spend. Some people may have more energy in their “account” than others.
If you overspend and use more energy than you have, you will become “overdrawn.” Just like in a bank account, it takes time and effort to “pay back” that energy.
You have control over how you spend your energy. For example, you may choose to spend energy on a social event, but this might mean you need to skip other activities like shopping to avoid feeling overdrawn.
Managing Fatigue: Tips for Conserving Your Energy
Managing fatigue requires careful planning and energy conservation. Here are a few practical tips you can use to help balance your energy levels:
- Pacing Your Activities: Don’t try to do everything at once. Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if you have a busy day ahead, plan rest periods in between activities to allow your energy levels to recover.
- Energy Priority List: Write down the activities that are most important to you. Focus on these and try to minimise or delegate less important tasks. For instance, if you want to attend a social gathering, you might decide to skip a shopping trip that day to save energy.
- Balance High- and Low-Energy Tasks: Avoid scheduling back-to-back activities that require a lot of energy. Alternate between tasks that require more effort and those that are less demanding, such as alternating between house chores and reading a book.
- Rest When You Need It: Don’t wait until you’re completely exhausted to take a break. If you feel your energy dropping, pause and rest, even for a few minutes. Rest is essential to prevent burnout.
Balancing Your Life With Fatigue
It’s important to be mindful of your energy levels and make choices that allow you to conserve energy. Some days you may feel more capable of doing more, while other days you might need to scale back. It’s perfectly okay to say “no” to activities that might drain you or to reschedule when you feel more rested.
Managing fatigue is not about pushing through the exhaustion but learning to balance your energy and prioritise your well-being.
References
· Mayo Clinic. (2023). Fatigue: Causes and Symptoms. [Online] Available at: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fatigue
· NHS UK. (2022). Fatigue and Your Health. [Online] Available at: www.nhs.uk/fatigue-and-health
· WebMD. (2023). Coping With Fatigue. [Online] Available at: www.webmd.com/fatigue-guide
· Healthline. (2023). How to Manage Fatigue. [Online] Available at: www.healthline.com/fatigue
· Verywell Health. (2023). Fatigue and Energy Management. [Online] Available at: www.verywellhealth.com/fatigue-management
· Harvard Health Publishing. (2022). Managing Fatigue: Tips and Tricks. [Online] Available at: www.health.harvard.edu
· Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Energy Conservation Techniques. [Online] Available at: www.clevelandclinic.org/fatigue
· Better Health Channel. (2023). Understanding and Managing Fatigue. [Online] Available at: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/fatigue