by Dana Ullman.

Symptoms that commonly accompany fatigue include the inability to think clearly, sleep disturbances, constipation, apathy, depression, swollen glands, and difficulty reading.

The One-Minute
(or so)
Healer

by Dana Ullman

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fatigue is a frustrating condition; not only does it affect one's physical energy, but it affects one's mental energy, too. Mental jogging becomes as difficult as physical jogging. Symptoms that commonly accompany fatigue include the inability to think clearly, sleep disturbances, constipation, apathy, depression, swollen glands, and difficulty reading.

Some fatigue syndromes have nothing to do with viral infections, but could be the result of anemia, a thyroid problem, or some other disease. And some fatigue syndromes result from psychological problems, although in these cases, it is difficult to determine if the psychological problem caused the fatigue or vice versa.

Fatigue can be caused by overexertion, but it can also result from under exertion. An overstressed athlete is as likely to become as fatigued as a couch potato.

The fact that you've read this far means that you're not a total basket case. Here are some strategies to get you up, on your feet again, and raring to go.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The strategies presented here are taken from the book: "The One Minute (or so) Healer" by Dan Ullman, MPH. While we present 8 suggestions here, the book contains 18 one-minute strategies for fatigue.)

Energy creates energy

Exercise may sound like an impossible dream when you're fatigued, but it does stimulate circulation and metabolism. Regular exercise usually enhances energy, but be careful not to exhaust yourself.

Take a cold shower

Taking a cold shower will really wake you up! If you're not brave enough to take one, then take a cold footbath, or simply splash your face with cold water.

Avoid cheap tricks

Drinking coffee and eating sweets may give you short-term energy, but they can lead to greater fatigue because these substances sap the adrenal glands and disrupt blood-sugar levels. Stay away from these energy robbers.

Watch your protein

Fatigue can result from having too much protein or too little. Make certain that you're getting enough but not too much. One meal per day, maybe two at the most, should have a food rich with protein. Meat and dairy products are sources of protein, but there are healthier alternatives. You can get complete protein meals with less fat by eating plenty of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and seeds.

Herbal interferon

Echinacea is an herb that has been proven effective in reducing viral activity. It also stimulates the immune system, and some people with fatigue who take it have noticed improved energy and stamina. Take 15 drops of Echinacea tincture three times a day.

Consider super herbs

Ginseng and ginkgo are two powerful herbs that tend to energize people. Because these are usually expensive herbs, get standardized extracts of them so that you know precisely what and how much you are getting of the herb.

Consider super foods

Spirulina and bee pollen are nutrition-rich super foods. Some people claim that they get a big boost in energy from them. Blend one teaspoon of each into a juice, or take a couple capsules of each with a meal.

Take your job and love it

If you truly love your work, it can be the best energizer for you. Anything that gives your life purpose and meaning is highly therapeutic. If you're unable to change jobs and work at something you really feel passionate about, find something in your job that you love.

This article was
excerpted from 

"The One Minute 
(or so) Healer"
by
Dan Ullman, MPH
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