Health

Understanding the Causes of Fatigue and Strategies to Overcome It

September 13, 2023 by Erica Hughes 1 Comment

Do you find yourself yawning throughout the day and yearning for a much-needed power nap? Well, you’re not alone! In today’s ever-demanding world, fatigue has become a common problem for most individuals across the globe.

In fact, studies suggest that over 70% of adults experience fatigue regularly. What’s even more astonishing is that according to the World Health Organization, fatigue-related illnesses cost the global economy a whopping $1.8 trillion every year.

Fatigue is the most common problem, especially in adults. So, it’s crucial to understand what’s causing it and how to conquer it. In this article, we’ll discuss why you’re feeling drained all the time and explore ways to boost your energy levels. So, let’s begin:

1. Lack of Sleep

Lack of sleep is a big reason why many adults feel tired throughout the day. We understand that we live in a busy world where getting adequate sleep can be difficult.

When you don’t get enough rest and sleep, you’re not allowing your body to recharge and rejuvenate. That’s why you end up feeling tired and slow during the day. Not getting enough sleep can also make it tough to concentrate on tasks, whether it’s work or chores around the house.

But there’s more to it than just feeling tired. Not catching enough Zzzs can lead to serious health issues like heart problems, high blood pressure, stroke, obesity, diabetes, etc.

To beat the tiredness from lack of sleep, it’s important to have a set bedtime and stick to it.

And the place where you sleep matters too. Make your sleep spot comfy by getting nice sheets, making the room quiet, using nice smells like aromatherapy, and wearing a cozy night dress. Also, remember not to have heavy meals or caffeine too close to bedtime.

You can also practice some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or reading a book which can work wonders to calm your mind.

2. Low Testosterone Levels

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, including energy and vitality.

As you age, your testosterone levels tend to decline. This problem is more common in men than women. When testosterone levels decrease, you may experience a wide range of health issues, and low energy levels are no different.

But surprisingly, you can boost your energy with testosterone replacement therapy. It’s a medical treatment used to address low testosterone levels in individuals. The aim is to boost your testosterone levels back to normal to help with problems like feeling tired or having low energy. This treatment is done in different ways, like using gels, patches, shots, or implants.

However, before undergoing this therapy, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. The doctor will first assess your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment option accordingly.

3. Certain Medications

There are certain medications that can result in low energy levels as a side effect, making it challenging for you to maintain energy and focus. For example, if you’ve some blood pressure-related problems, then medications like metoprolol, propranolol, losartan, and amlodipine can cause drowsiness and fatigue.

If this is the case, then it is wise to consult your doctor immediately. Talk to your doctor about the medications and what are the symptoms you’re facing. After assessing your situation, your doctor will consider alternative treatments or adjust your current medications.

Besides consulting your doctor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to overcome medication-related fatigue. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress.

4. Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety, often coexisting conditions, can indeed lead to debilitating fatigue. The link between your feelings and being tired is pretty strong. It can work like a never-ending loop: When you’re super tired, it’s tough to keep your emotions in check, and that can make you even more exhausted. But fear not, there are some ways to overcome fatigue associated with depression and anxiety.

First of all, if your mental health is getting worse with each passing day, then make sure to seek help from a mental health professional. They will listen to your problems carefully and suggest the best treatment option accordingly.

Moreover, it is important to incorporate some stress reduction techniques into your daily routine. It includes mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. These techniques will help you break the cycle of anxious or negative thoughts, calm your nervous system, and promote a state of relaxation.

Summing Up

Knowing why you feel tired and using the right tricks to beat it is crucial for staying healthy and full of energy.

Just keep in mind that tiredness is a bit tricky. It’s not just about your body; it’s also about your thoughts and feelings. So, to beat it, you might need to try different things that help in many ways, not just one.

7 Self-Care Necessities to Indulge in Following a Divorce or Separation

August 5, 2023 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

Healing and reclaiming your life after a divorce or separation can be a challenging journey, but it is also an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.

Image by Iqbal Nuril Anwar from Pixabay

Divorce or separation often marks the end of a significant chapter in one’s life, bringing forth complex emotions, legal challenges, and practical adjustments. While seeking professional guidance, such as family law solicitors in Coventry, it is important to also practice self-care to help regain strength and find comfort.

As you navigate through the emotional rollercoaster of this life-altering event, it is crucial to prioritise self-care and nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. That’s why in this article, we’ll be exploring seven essential self-care practices that can aid in your post-divorce healing process.

1. Seek Professional Support

A separation process is difficult, and it can have emotional and psychological benefits. If you’re going to successfully navigate the aftermath, professional support can be a good idea.

Therapy and forms of counselling can be good for understanding your emotions and feelings after your divorce. We also feel that a divorce support group is a sensible idea too. Meeting people with similar experiences can help you better process your own.

2. Prioritise Your Physical Health

Your physical health can often be neglected during a separation – you don’t have time or motivation to exercise, eat right and look after your body. Once the divorce is complete, you’ll need to catch up.

Prioritise a new physical fitness regime and make any necessary dietary adjustments. A healthy, well-looked-after body is an important part of everyday life. Don’t be afraid to make these changes and alter them as you go forward – life is always changing.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Meditation is a good way to gain more self-awareness, cultivate inner peace and heal the body. Mindfulness, in contrast, is more of a passive attitude to life – being constantly mindful of yourself and your emotions.

Both meditation and mindfulness have a role in a healthy, happy mind and soul. It’s good to be physically active and eat right, but you need to attend to your spiritual needs as well. Try downloading an app or visiting a guided meditation class to get started.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

4. Reconnect With Interests and Hobbies

During a separation period, most of who you are as a person is put into temporary storage while you process your emotions. You are so focused on getting through the divorce that you forget who you are and what’s important to you.

For this reason, a lot of people recommend that you reconnect with interests and hobbies after the divorce. It is important to not only reclaim your interests as a single person but also to enjoy life. This is also a good opportunity to try new things.

5. Spend Time with Friends and Family

You may have become isolated from friends and family during your separation or even your marriage as a whole. If this is the case, then the aftermath is a good time to begin reaffirming those connections.

These people are important to you and love you for who you are. Now that you’re in a position to spend more time with them, you should do so. Not only will it help you feel better, but it shows that you still care for them.

6. Indulge in Relaxation

Relaxation activities are important for getting the most out of your everyday life. Considering how difficult a separation can be – mentally very difficult – you should find time to unwind.

What you do to relax will be unique to you. You might want to go for a walk on the beach, take a bath or watch a movie. However, what’s important is that you take the time to focus on relaxing and dealing with life in a healthy way.

Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay

7. Limit Exposure to Difficult Situations and Triggers

Moving on from your separation often means you need a period of complete isolation from your ex-partner. Difficult situations and triggers can exacerbate stress and put you back into ‘survival mode’.

Review: Emsculpt at Dermoperfection #Ad

June 26, 2023 by Erica Hughes Leave a Comment

A few months ago I told you about EMSCULPT at Dermoperfection. Even after a trial session, I was able to notice a difference to the strength of my core muscles when I did my regular swimming sessions. So I was keen to see what results I would get with a full course of EMSCULPT at Dermoperfection.

What is EMSCULPT?

EMSCULPT is a non-invasive technology that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate muscle contractions, which leads to increased muscle tone and strength. This technology was first introduced in 2018 and has quickly gained popularity as a non-surgical alternative to traditional body contouring procedures.

During an EMSCULPT treatment, a special device is used to deliver electromagnetic energy to targeted areas of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks, arms, or thighs. This energy causes the muscles in the area to contract, which can lead to increased muscle mass and improved muscle tone over time.

How long does the treatment take?

The treatment typically takes around 30 minutes per session, and most patients require a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. The number of sessions needed depends on the patient’s individual goals and the areas being treated. I opted for a course of treatments for my tummy muscles and I had four sessions of half an hour each over a period of two weeks.

What’s the treatment like?

The paddles are attached to your body with a belt. So it’s quick and easy to set up. Then the intensity is taken up to 40%, the minimum needed for results. Gradually it’s increased beyond as you get used to the feel of the treatment. I started off in the 60-70% intensity range.

There are three phases: pulses of activity, a sustained longer pulse and then the muscles are tapped to encourage lactic acid to disperse. At 40% it felt like I had a vibrating phone on my stomach, but the higher intensities are obviously stronger than that. Obviously, you can have a say over the level of intensity you are comfortable with. I found my first session with an intensity of 65% quite challenging. It was a bit like being in early childbirth labour. I had a contraction, which I breathed through and then there’s a pause. I could really feel my muscles working. As soon as the session is over and the paddles are removed, you are good to go on your way. There’s no downtime. What surprised me is that there was no discomfort afterwards. If you step up your workout at the gym, you know about it a day or two later, but with EMSCULPT there was none of that.

I was expecting the second session to feel like the first, but my muscles had obviously responded to the challenge and whilst I could feel the pulses, it was easy. In fact, I very nearly fell asleep during this session and I wished I’d gone for a higher intensity. In later sessions, I chose to up the intensity and ended up at 85%. That level was fine for me as I’d worked up to it.

What were the results?

EMSCULPT claim their treatment leads to an increase of muscle mass of 16% and a 19% reduction in body fat. Do I think I achieved this? Yes I do and possibly a bit more. My abdomen definitely has a more defined muscle tone. I feel stronger when I do things that engage my core and it’s been obvious that I’m stronger in that area when I’m swimming. The flab has reduced too. I can fit into my clothes a bit better. My waistline is trimmer and I can do up zips a lot easier on tighter fitting clothes. I’ve had some compliments too about losing weight. I haven’t actually lost weight, but I have toned and trimed my waist.

I also teamed this treatment up with a course EMSELLA for my pelvic floor muscles and that is a great combination to work on all your core muscles.

Would I have the treatment again in the future?

Yes absolutely. I’ll definitely be going back for top up treatments to keep the results. But, I’m also considering having a course of EMSCULPT for a different part of my body – I’m thinking my upper arms could benefit most or maybe my inner thighs.

Disclosure: I was given a course of treatment for the purposes of this review.