7 Reasons You’re feeling Tired

Top 7 reasons you might be feeling exhausted

Hello there, Monica here, helping you make healthier choices for a better life.

Why do I feel tired all of the time? Avoid these 7 energy zappers.

Of course, there are some variables that cause one to struggle with energy-as we age we lose mitochondria-the energy producing engines in the cells. This affects our bodies ability to produce the molecule Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in our bodies, which is the chemical that  provides energy. 

Other causes of chronic fatigue might be medications that produce that groggy feeling, chronic illness, especially depression, heart disease, kidney disease as kidneys regulate the hemoglobin in the body, and many more medical reasons one might need to consult with a doctor.

There are however, a few other reasons that you are feeling tired all of the time.

Lifestyle habits play a big role in the part of feeling fatigued. 

I am a mother of 4 (grown children now) and I had a kidney transplant 6 years ago.

I know a thing about fatigue, and I also know how you can change your energy to having more stamina and endurance to feel better throughout your day.

  • 1 Sleep-not just lack of sleep but when you sleep and how well you sleep
  • 2 Inactivity
  • 3 Stress
  • 4 Diet of low energy foods (think processed)
  • 5 What you drink matters and how much
  • 6 Social Isolation
  • 7 Anxiety

Lack of adequate sleep

Good sleep causes an increase in cortisol levels-the stress hormone that we are all learning is linked to that  sympathetic nervous system. The fight or flight hormone. This is also a hormone that is necessary, but not in large doses. We aren’t running from a saber tooth tiger anymore and do not need large doses of cortisol. Cortisol is linked to so many health issues, and might also be a reason you can’t lose weight. When you have high levels of cortisol the body’s natural system of releasing melatonin and serotonin, the chemicals connected to sleep and waking, can not fire correctly.

 

Inactivity–

since 2020, many people have created new habits of being a lot less active. Many of us couldn’t go to the gym, or started being able to work from home where we can sit on our cozy couches and work all day. And don’t even get me started on those individuals that play video games or scroll on social media endlessly, Inactivity leads to feeling lethargic. Less muscle mass causes them to use energy less effectively. Muscles need mitochondria, those ATP chemicals that are the molecules energy engine. When you have less muscle tone, the body is not in balance for effective distribution of this energy chemical. And for a more obvious reason, your heart. When you have a healthier heart, your body is able to produce more oxygen to the muscles in your body and your brain, you will have less brain fog and feel more alert.

Stress-

the silent killer. Stress is one of the most dangerous predictors of disease. Stress produces high levels of cortisol and inflammation in the body,Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, leading to adrenal fatigue. Stress is also a link to creating unhealthy habits, like overeating, drinking, binge watching netflix or scrolling on social media- and all of these negative coping skills lead to lethargy, 

Diet

there is so much information on the world wide web-that you can definitely feel overwhelmed with all of the choices. Honestly, it almost doesn’t entirely matter what diet you choose to follow-but it should be a diet that is a way of life not a quick fix. I am not a supporter of any weight loss company that sends you food and portions it out for you. So when I say diet, I mean a system of choosing healthier foods that work with your lifestyle and preference. There is a lot of debate between plant based, vegetarian, mediterranean, and so on. Choose a healthy diet that works for you and your family.

Stay away from low energy foods, any food that is not natural or comes in a box is probably a low energy food and it most likely has chemicals and ingredients that are not life giving. Watch the sugar in your diet as well. Sugar leads to spikes in your glucose and that is when you feel that dip in energy a few hours after lunch

Dehydration

Soda- there is really never a good time to drink sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are connected to obesity, diabetes, tooth decay and more. I can’t say anymore on this. If you want to wean your family off of soda, try lemonade and ginger ale. They are less evil than the dark sodas. Energy Drinks I can not believe they are not banned yet-because they need to be. Sports drinks are a no no as well. First they are high in caloric intake but they are also filled with sugar and chemicals. Natural juice is a good choice -not the sugary juices that are on the shelfs. Caffeine also dehydrates you, as well as alcohol. Sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol all dehydrate the kidney and dehydration can cause you to feel really run down.  Drink Water! Adults should drink between 8 cups of water a day or really for men (according to the Mayo clinic) should be drinking 3.7 liters- think a gallon and women should be drinking 2.7 liters a day. These recommendations for fluids can be from other sources, like fruits and foods but only 20% should be sources other than water

Social Isolation-

during covid I think we all became painfully aware of how social isolation can be so exhausting. It is also a sign of depression, when you begin or continue to isolate yourself from your friends and social groups. I experienced this recently when I moved-so there can be other factors that can cause social isolation, however it is detrimental to one’s health, and can cause exhaustion, And social media is not social interaction. 

Anxiety

We are hearing more and more about how anxiety is effecting our health. If you don’t know that anxiety and depression are two sides of the same coin. When we can’t stop our minds from racing-it is difficult to allow the bodies natural process of releasing melatonin to help put you to sleep. Learning coping strategies is a good way to start healing from anxiety. Meditation is a great place to start.

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