Crossroads Fitness Blog

Everyone knows what it is like to be tired. Fatigue is our body’s way of telling us it is time for rest.

However, with busy schedules, work, meetings, kids and deadlines, it is common to ignore these signs and power down another coffee or energy drink.

These quick fixes merely subdue the symptoms for a brief period of time. The feeling of tiredness should come naturally. Depriving your body of its required rest will leave you with symptoms that are not only unhealthy, but also unproductive.

Sure, you can resist the urge to sleep in order to accommodate for your busy lifestyle for a short amount of time. Staying up late and getting up early are easy habits to find yourself in. Consequently, you may find yourself actually accomplishing less.

Studies show adults need six to eight hours of sound sleep per day. Without this necessary time allotment, the human brain/body can’t function to its ability. Work can become complacent, family time can become scarce, and workout regimens become nonexistent.

While they sound like contradicting impulses, exercise will improve your overall fight against fatigue.

So, when you are finding yourself in the middle of a fatigue battle, MOVE! If you can’t make it to the gym, do something to release those endorphins. Do a series of jumping jacks or go for a brisk walk at the very least. Moving will keep you going.

The best choice is to set aside a time in your day just for physical training. Whatever your fitness level may be, start doing something.

You are what you eat. If you hurriedly scarf down a fast-food burger and fries every day for lunch, your body will treat you as such. If you prepare your meals ahead of time that consist of all the food groups, you will have more time to enjoy the nutrients you are giving to yourself.

Your body is working hard for you all day, give it the essential things it needs, and it will provide the energy you need. Being dehydrated also leads to feeling fatigued. Keep that full bottle of water near you and sip on it all day. Sometimes you aren’t even hungry, you are just thirsty. It works!

Fatigue can also come from stress. Try taking a yoga class. The breathing and stretching can help you feel better, more centered and more confident.

In order to be the productive, family-oriented, present individual you aspire to be, you must make yourself a priority. Ensuring your six to eight hours of sleep per night, regular healthy meals, staying hydrated and 30 minutes of exercise at least five days per week will make you more inclined to stay focused on tasks and enjoy the life you live with the people that matter most to you.

Paula and Dale Reece own Crossroads Fitness Centers. For more information, call (970) 242-8746 or visit the website crossroadsfitness.com.