5 things that contribute to Fatigue in Fibromyalgia and Chronic fatigue
5 things that contribute to Fatigue in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
I would wake tired.
Mornings were not my best time of day.
Exercise left me breathless and with physical work, I had no stamina.
This really got in the way of participating in sports, dancing, anything that required a bit of physical effort.
I ended up in sedentary jobs.
In the last few years, I learned how certain things made my fatigue worse.
Here are 5 things that can help:
1. Decrease Stress
The normal stress response causes us to breathe shallowly. This is ok for short moments of danger but when it happens for a long time we don’t get as much oxygen into our blood as we need.
Stress causes our muscles to tighten (ready to run and don’t relax), it can increase anxiety and heart rate and decrease blood going to the digestive system which can contribute to Irritable Bowel.
Our brain needs oxygen to function well and when it is not getting as much as it needs, it takes blood from the body to try and save itself.
2. Improve nutrition
I went flatting(moved away from home) in my teens and ate easy prep meals with poor nutrition.
Then I turned vegetarian where I worried about what I was not eating rather than concentrating on what I should eat.
I did a poor job of it and lacked in some vitamins and minerals because of it.
I am not saying being a vegetarian is wrong, just that I did not do it well.
Cells need a balanced diet, with fresh veggies, fruit, protein, etc and if one thing in a metabolic pathway (where things are converted into a final product in the body) is missing then it cannot do its job.
Make sure there is fresh food in the house.
3. Get into a deep sleep
I usually got to bed late, sometimes didn’t get to sleep quickly, would wake up frequently in the night and wake up in the morning feeling like I needed to sleep another 4 hours.
I always needed an alarm clock and would sleep through it.
One reason is that I was stuck in stress mode. Deep sleep is where our healing takes place.
Make sure your room is dark, with no street lights shining in.
Don’t use a computer or watch TV just before bedtime.
Reducing stress is the key to getting a good night’s sleep.
We have two types of stress happening and one of them is not helped with the usual stress release techniques. My Aches Away & Energize Health Program is for both types of stress.
4. Drink enough water
Fatigue is one of the symptoms of dehydration. Try to have at least 2 liters of water a day. Don’t count all of your cup of coffee, or tea as they are diuretics (make you pee).
5. Improve oxygen circulating to the brain and body
Cells need oxygen to make energy. Make sure to get enough oxygen into your blood.
There are a few ways to do this.
If there is a problem with your neck then less oxygenated blood will get up through the neck.
I work with people who have Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and Long COVID with a holistic approach to health support, and help to calm your mind and relax your muscles.
I also provide a whole-body approach to supporting the digestive system.
Make sure to join my Aches Away & Energize Facebook Group (different from the AA & E Health Program) for free tips and information.
Here is the link to join the group:
Posted: Tue 29 Mar 2022