Jul 9, 2018

Regain: Eight Energy-Boosting Tips

Fighting fatigue is a daily struggle for people who have arthritis. Instead of suffering through or missing fun activities because arthritis has you exhausted, follow these eight energy-boosting tips.

Eat superfoods.

What we put into our body has a huge impact on how it operates. Unhealthy, high caffeine, or sugary foods may provide a brief boost of energy but they will have you feeling sluggish and tired before long. Eat lean meats, fresh fish, citrus fruits, and whole grains instead. These healthy foods are full of vitamins and minerals and will help to even out your blood sugar so you can avoid the roller coaster ride of hunger.

Crank the music.

Create a playlist of all your favorite tunes. Listen to it on the way to work, while cleaning the house or when you are feeling fatigued. Studies have shown that listening to music helps boost energy and keep you motivated.

Get up.

Even if it’s just a quick break from sitting, get moving. Go for a short walk around the house or office. Do some quick stretches or head out to the mailbox. If you are sitting and starting to feel sluggish, it’s time to get up and get the blood flowing.

Sit up.

Research shows that bad posture can drain your energy. Slouching requires your body to work that much harder to hold you up and will lead to fatigue. Just a few minutes of bad posture can strain your body and leave you feeling tired. Try to really focus on your posture throughout the day and correct yourself if you find your posture declining.

Exercise.

We know all the benefits of exercise for arthritis sufferers, but research also shows that adding 30 minutes of exercise to your daily routine can fight fatigue. Not only does this boost energy, it can help improve mood as well.

Stay hydrated.

Believe it or not, dehydration is huge source of fatigue. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid feeling lethargic, and avoid drinks with lots of sugar and caffeine.

Meditate.

Carve some time out of your day for meditation. Meditation helps to put the day on pause and allow time to reflect and relax. It also helps to refocus your thoughts and stimulate positive energy. When thinking about meditation, most people assume it takes time and a lot of instruction, when in reality all you need is a few minutes and some quiet. Sit in a relaxed position and focus on your breathing. Leave outside thoughts behind and continue to breathe in and out. If this doesn’t seem to be your thing, look into yoga or take a peaceful walk outside in the sunshine. Just be sure to take some time for yourself.

Get a good night’s sleep.

While this may seem obvious, getting a good night’s sleep is key in fighting fatigue. Sleeping comfortably with aches and pains may be difficult so follow good advice to ensure you are resting properly. Use heat therapy, declutter your room, remove electronic devices, and look into medication if needed.

Don’t forget your biggest resource while on your arthritis journey is your doctor. Your doctor will have ideas for you on how to fight fatigue and can help find different methods that work for you. If all else fails, your doctor may be able to prescribe a medication that can help keep your fatigue at bay. If you need help fighting fatigue or are considering medication, give us a call at Carolina Arthritis and together we will put you on a path that has you feeling rested and ready to take on your day!