10 Things Draining Your Energy
Here’s a problem that affects a LOT of people … feeling exhausted!
I’m sure you’re no stranger to how this feels, given that it’s one of the core symptoms of fibromyalgia.
I thought it would be helpful to list some things you can do to cut out a few sneaky drains on your energy.
Because the truth is, many everyday habits can actually leave you feeling tired.
10 Things Draining Your Energy
1. Not moving your body.
Not moving your body can make you want to move even LESS! Making time for exercise can get your blood pumping, decrease your pain, and boost your energy. The key to this one is finding movement that makes your body feel good. You should NEVER feel worse after exercising.
2. Eating processed and refined carbs.
These might give you a quick shot of energy thanks to the blood sugar rush … but when your body sends out insulin to remove the sugar, it can make your blood sugar level plummet – leaving you tired and drained. Opt for foods higher in fiber and protein to help level out your blood sugar levels and provide the nutrients you need.
3. Not getting enough quality sleep:
Your body needs sleep to fully recover and recharge. Your body also does a TON of healing while you sleep. Pay attention to your bedtime routine and optimize it to support sleep. Speak with your health care providers about supplements or medications that can help you sleep. If you’ve never had a sleep study done, it may be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. Undiagnosed sleep apnea is a huge contributor to poor sleep with fibromyalgia.
4. Food sensitivities.
One side effect of eating foods that your body is sensitive to includes fatigue, as well as brain fog, headaches/migraines, digestive issues, and pain. If you think that you might have sensitivities, it’s worth checking with your doctor. Common culprits include gluten, wheat, dairy, corn, soy, and eggs. In people with fibromyalgia, nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant), can also cause symptoms.
5. Eating too LITTLE.
Not getting enough fuel (i.e., food) can make you feel tired – and so can eating a poor-quality diet without enough nutrients.
6. Not getting enough protein.
Studies show that eating protein boosts your metabolism and scientists believe this may help prevent tiredness. Protein also provides the necessary building blocks your body needs to heal.
7. Drinking too little water.
Studies show that being even a little dehydrated can make it harder to stay focused and leave you feeling drained.
8. Caffeinated drinks (including coffee).
Like refined carbs, these can send your energy up before crashing back down very quickly. Not only that but caffeine can take 8 hours to clear your system, making it harder to get a good night of sleep, adding to the energy drain. In some people, metabolism of caffeine is even slower than this.
9. Stress.
Feeling constantly stressed can definitely deflate your energy, both mentally, physically and emotionally. When you have fibromyalgia, your stress response doesn’t shut off when it should. With a chronically active stress response, your body uses a ton of energy and breaks down tissues (muscle and fat) to keep this response active. Just another reason it’s important to have (and follow!) a plan for managing stress.
10. Being in a negative environment.
It’s possible to “catch” the moods of the people around you, but being aware of it can help lower your susceptibility, as can finding things that make you feel positive! We’re going to talk more about “toxic relationships” later this month.
Bottom line … move your body in ways that make it feel good … eat healthy whole foods … drink your water … and surround yourself with a positive environment.
This will help you feel as energetic as possible with just the basics and it will make any other health changes you’re working on so much more effective.
In the Fibro Fix Formula, we believe that your results are all connected – sleep, stress, nutrition, movement, mindset, and more.
If you’re looking to take control of your fibromyalgia symptoms, schedule a Fibro Breakthrough Consultation and we can determine your best next step to living a life free of pain, exhaustion, and fibro fog.
