Personally, I’m tired of always feeling tired. “I’m so tired” might be one of my most used phrases. And when you combine general life anxiety, the pandemic, and politics, the result is *lots* of stress — which then turns into fatigue. Why do our bodies do this?

It’s really not such a big mystery, after all. In fact, it’s probably what you hear all the time: go to sleep early, eat nutritious food, work out, and get a good night’s sleep. Duh. Yes, it works, but for some reason, a lot of us still don’t follow these general life rules as good as we can. Me included. I try my best, but I am not perfect. 

Here’s a breakdown of how these factors can affect your energy levels throughout the day:

nutrition & hydration

The food you nourish your body with goes hand in hand with your energy levels. Eating at the right times and making sure you eat foods rich in fiber (like veggies) are a great way to boost your energy. Sometimes too many sweets or processed foods can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. And what happens after? The crash. 

Remember to be mindful of the foods you’re eating to prevent from feeling sluggish. Eating energy-boosting snacks throughout the day is also a great way to get a little kick. My fave snacks that always make me feel better after: Apples with peanut butter, nuts, hummus, and dark chocolate (because I always need chocolate in my life).

One more thing: Water. I don’t know how water does it, but it makes everything better. Stay hydrated! Being even just the tiniest bit dehydrated can make you feel less energetic. I like to keep a big jug of water next to me at all times. Brb, going to drink water now.

sleep 

Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep a night. I definitely only had 5 hours of sleep last night, hence why I feel so tired right now while writing about feeling tired. Meta.

That being said, I’m usually a morning person and wake up at the exact same time every day. This has been essential in helping me not be so tired. Going to bed and waking up at the same times every day can help you improve your sleeping schedule, and of course, help you sleep better. And when you sleep better, well, the answer is clear: You feel a lot less tired during the day. So put your phone down before bed, slip on your silk sleeping mask, and get your sleep.

exercise

Although I may not be super consistent with exercise, I do know one thing: I always feel so good after. And you can never be “too tired to exercise”. On the contrary, if you exercise, you’ll get the boost of endorphins you need to feel energetic. Find an exercise that you enjoy doing, go on walks, and remember to get up from your seat regularly during the day, especially if you have a job that requires you to be at the computer for long periods of time. 

when to see a doctor 

There’s a difference between being tired and being *extremely* exhausted and fatigued. If you’re noticing something strange in your body, talk to a doctor. Extreme fatigue can be a sign of iron deficiency, thyroid problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or sleep disorders. 

Do you always feel tired all the time too? What do you like to do to give yourself an energy boost? Let us know!

Sandy Sanchez is a freelance writer who was formerly a copywriter at Thinx.

by Sandy Sanchez