9 Ways To Fight Low Energy and Fatigue

If you are dealing with ups and downs in your mental health, you likely know the feelings of low energy and fatigue all too well. Fatigue can certainly put a damper on your quality of life, and it can largely interfere with your ability to complete day-to-day tasks and activities like errands, household chores, or work. It can also impact your ability to socialize or engage in enjoyable activities.

Fortunately, there are several different things you can do to help you fight off fatigue and get your energy back. That said, if you feel as though your fatigue is a result of a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, it is important to seek mental health treatment so you can receive an appropriate diagnosis and receive evidence-based treatment and get back to feeling like you. 

Before diving into strategies for combating fatigue and low energy, let’s talk about some common causes of these symptoms.

What Causes Low Energy and Fatigue?

Fatigue and low energy can be caused by a multitude of things, and the only true way to get rid of these symptoms is to address the root of the problem. Thus, finding the cause is an incredibly important part of effectively treating it, and it is important to rule out any form of illness.

Common causes of low energy and fatigue include:

• Excessive alcohol and drug use
• Excessive physical activity
• Sleep deprivation
• Poor eating habits
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Other health conditions, such as heart disease, thyroid issues, and hormonal imbalance
• The flu, the common cold, or other illnesses

Low energy is most often caused by treatable conditions, but getting to the bottom of your symptoms on your own can be difficult. If you are experiencing frequent or chronic fatigue or low energy and you are not sure what might be causing it, you should consult your medical provider in order to find the cause. 

If you struggle with mental health and have a hunch that depression, anxiety, or another form of mental illness is causing your fatigue and low energy, there is help to be found, and Brightside is here to support you every step of the way. 

Seeking Professional Help To Resolve Low Energy and Fatigue 

Sometimes, persistent fatigue and low energy levels are your body’s way of telling you that something is not quite right inside your mind. If mental health is the culprit for your tiredness, speaking to a professional can be very beneficial, and at  Brightside our expert providers are here to help you understand what’s going on, and what you can do about it.

With Brightside, you’ll have unlimited access to expert psychiatric care, and we’ll work with you to evaluate your symptoms and determine if depression or anxiety is a root cause. From there, we’ll find a treatment personalized to you, including precision-prescribing where we’ll match you with the right antidepressant medication based on what symptoms you’re experiencing and what your needs are.

The first step towards getting a tailored treatment program is to fill out our free online assessment that helps us better understand your individual needs and concerns. From there, you will be matched with a psychiatric provider and/or therapist, setting you up to receive therapy, medication, or both depending on what you’re going through and what treatment plan fits best for you. Either way, with Brightside, you can get the care you need in the comfort of your own home.

Now that the basics have been covered, let’s talk about some other ways that you can reduce your fatigue and get your energy levels back on track.

8 Ways To Naturally Give Your Energy A Boost

Regardless of what is causing your fatigue, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your symptoms and give your energy a boost. 

These are eight of the best ways to naturally get your energy back:

• Pay attention to your eating patterns: Taking a good look at your diet can help you identify potential issues that may be causing your fatigue. Working to maintain a regular meal schedule and avoiding skipping meals for example, can improve your energy by regulating your metabolism and blood sugar. 

• Make sure you are getting enough sleep: Sleep plays a huge part in boosting your energy levels, so if you are not getting enough sleep, or if your sleep is poor quality, it can surely take a toll on your body and mind. Limiting your caffeine intake and practicing relaxation or mindfulness techniques can help improve your quality of sleep and may help you get to sleep more easily. 

• Work to control the stress in your life: Stress can be hard on both your body and mind, and while some stress is unavoidable, there are some coping strategies that might be helpful when it comes to managing your stress in healthy ways. Talking it out, meditating, practicing yoga, and working on your time management may be great ways of helping you get through stressful times. 

• Rethink your to-do list: Overworking yourself is yet another potential reason why you may be feeling fatigued. Whether it be work obligations, family obligations, or social obligations, putting too much pressure on yourself is a surefire way to end up feeling run down, so it is important to take a closer look at your to-do lists and make sure the items on that list are actually necessary. 

• Get moving: Getting enough exercise can help improve your quality of sleep, which in turn can help improve your energy levels. Plus, exercise can increase your dopamine levels, thus having a positive impact on your mood, too. 

• Focus on whole, healthful foods: Consuming plenty of whole foods whose sugars are absorbed more slowly may help you feel less sluggish. This includes whole grains, high fiber vegetables, nuts, and olive oil. 

• Drink plenty of water: Keeping your body well hydrated is a key part of fighting fatigue and supporting your overall health. 
• Take a look at your lifestyle: Sometimes, a few lifestyle changes can get you back on track. If your current lifestyle is not ideal for your overall health and wellbeing, changing things up and opting for healthier choices, whatever that might mean for you, can help boost your energy. This may mean taking more time to practice self-care, doing things you enjoy, or spending more time outdoors.

The Bottom Line

If you find yourself constantly battling fatigue and low energy levels, there are a variety of potential causes that could be contributing to your symptoms. 

Illness, eating and sleeping patterns, and mental health are all contributing factors to your overall health and wellbeing, and thus your energy. There are a few natural ways you can help boost your energy regardless of what is causing your fatigue. For example, making sure to get enough exercise each day, focusing on eating regular and well-balanced meals, staying hydrated, and taking time to practice self-care and do things that you enjoy are all great ways to reduce stress, improve your mood, and fight fatigue. 

That said, if you are struggling with your mental health, it is quite possible that this is the cause of your low energy and fatigue, in which case it may be very beneficial to seek out professional help. 

Brightside is here to support you with medication and evidence-based therapy, guided by anxiety & depression experts every step of the way.

 

Sources:

Fatigue Causes – Mayo Clinic

Fatigue fighting tips – Victorian Government Health Program

9 tips to boost your energy naturally – Harvard Health