Are you tired?
Most of us are. In the past, for me, tiredness really hit at 3 p.m. The way I would combat the tiredness was to go for a Starbucks run. I now know since eliminating caffeine, it wasn't the coffee that was helping me wake up but the actual act of going to get it. Throughout the day your brain gets fatigued and you need to take breaks. Get up, walk around, get outside if possible. 15 minutes of movement away from your computer or whatever task you are doing can recharge you.
Another issue with tiredness is the lack of sufficient sleep in a quiet location void of distractions. How often do you fall asleep with the television on or wake up because of some random text or update on your cell phone. And how often do you wait until way too late to actually go to bed? Is it time for you to make sleep a priority? Getting to bed earlier, removing the electronic distractions and using simple sleep inducing techniques like lavender on your pillow or in your room, clean comfortable sheets, lowering the temperature in your room to 67 degrees, staying away from food before bed, eating foods that are high in melatonin and magnesium at night and stretching or doing yoga before bed. It can also help to journal, by letting go of your thoughts to paper and including the things you are grateful for allow your brain to let go of the negative and rejoice in the good. (I also recommend writing your thoughts and whatever list of things you have to get done as soon as you wake up, this allows you to be clear headed as you start the day) Adding meditation and exercise to your life can also help you to sleep longer and deeper.
“And if tonight my soul may find her peace
in sleep, and sink in good oblivion,
and in the morning wake like a new-opened flower
then I have been dipped again in God, and new-created.
”
After making changes to your lifestyle if you're still tired, it may be time to speak to your doctor. Excessive tiredness can also be a sign of a bigger problem. And I do implore you no matter what your age to find the root of the cause. For me, it was a blockage in my heart. I spoke to four doctors about it, but because of my age and lifestyle factors they did not see that it was a warning sign. Of course, not everyone that is tired has a heart problem, but take your care seriously and know what your instincts are telling you. You know your body better than anyone. Pay attention to how you feel, do the necessary things to live a healthy life and be your best advocate.
Our bodies and brains need rest to function at our best. Spend a week working on a good night rest and see what a difference it can make.
Wish you Sweet Dreams, Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,
Lorraine
