One in five of us visits our GP suffering with tiredness and fatigue. While a blood test can rule out a medical cause, stress is usually the underlying reason. Try these tips to manage stress
Me-time
It’s imperative that we learn to make time for ourselves. Without it, we won’t reduce the daily stress that bogs us down. Set aside some ‘me-time’ once a week to read a book or get a manicure.
Slow down
Ever heard of the saying ‘less is more’? Doing less will make you happier because you’ll have less to be stressed about. Life can be more enjoyable if you slow down and appreciate the little things. Try to avoid multi-tasking and focus on one thing at a time.
Sleep
Poor sleep remains one of the biggest contributors to stress. A bad night’s sleep can make everything feel harder to cope with. You also tend to eat more sugary foods that make you feel worse. Sleep at roughly the same time every night, create a dark, quiet space in your bedroom, and give yourself time to wind down.
Food
You can zap your energy by making poor food and drink choices. Caffeine and sugary foods make your blood sugar levels fluctuate, causing feelings of stress and anxiety.
If you want to feel happier and more alert, choose slow-release carbohydrates and seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Exercise
When you’re tired, it’s tempting to skip exercise. But being active for just 20 minutes a day can reduce fatigue, improve alertness and bat away stress.