When you’re having to deal with all of the symptoms and feelings that come as part and parcel of a mental illness, it can be exhausting: a word too often used to describe the debilitating feeling of no energy. Fatigue describes a feeling of tiredness and lack of energy. It can make it difficult to do the simple things – even just getting out of bed.
It’s really important to make sure that you’re not vitamin deficient if the feeling is overwhelming. Checking for your vitamin levels simply involves asking your doctor for a blood test.
There are a few that can have a big impact:
- Vitamin D
- Iron
- Vitamin B-12
- Magnesium
- Potassium
Fatigue feels like trying to run while someone’s holding you back. It can creep up on you when you think you’re feeling okay which can make it feel inescapable. Please don’t blame yourself if you’re feeling fatigued for prolonged periods of time. It doesn’t mean you’re lazy and it definitely doesn’t mean that there aren’t steps you can put into place to help yourself, even if it’s just as simple as allowing yourself some extra rest.
Below, I’ve included a couple of important reminders which might help you give yourself a bit of a rest!
- Remember not to over-schedule.
This will give you less to worry about when thinking about what you have to do!
- Allow yourself to rest
Although we don’t always realise it, resisting against relaxing and trying to keep going 24/7 can make matters worse and is definitely not healthy. It’s a skill to be learned so can take time but it’s so important to get to grips with. Rest can look like having a nap, doing an activity different to your work or simply doing something you enjoy. I 100% know that when you’re feeling low no amount of time seems to help but internally, you don’t know how much your body is appreciating that rest!
- Give yourself enough time to sleep
In a world where we’re constantly surrounded by communication and technology, it’s important to give yourself some down time. I know I’m certainly guilty of getting into bed with the intention of sleeping and then 2 hours later, still scrolling through social media or playing a game. Even if it means you need to invest in an alarm clock and charge your phone in a different room, make sure you’re giving yourself the chance to fully rest and recharge.
- Drink lots of water
Being dehydrated can impact your energy levels massively. Making sure you’re drinking enough water is a simple task but is easy to forget. Try setting reminders throughout the day or keeping a bottle of water with you at all times.
Take care of yourself. You might not feel it right now but you’re an important part of this world so hang in there.
Love and good vibes,
Amrit