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August 5, 2016

How to Survive a Day in the Office when you Struggle with Chronic Fatigue.

cubicle office

It’s 9 a.m. in the office. I’ve only been here for an hour, but considering the sheer exhaustion and discomfort I’m in, you’d think I’ve been here for days.

I’ve got one eye closed, hoping it just might help make some sense of the words on the screen.

I read the same paragraph over and over, but the words just don’t sink in.

I have a constant urge to lie down.

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This was just a normal day in the office for me a year ago.

Fluorescent lights, air conditioning and relentless negativity seriously took their toll on me.

Trying to keep a full-time job while I was battling chronic fatigue was seriously tough.

While my life looks different now, and I can make it through the day without taking a sneaky nap in my car at lunch, I always turn to these fatigue-fighting strategies to stay energized and vital.

Here’s what I do:

  1. Move a little each morning. Before starting the day, I always move my body. When I was in the thick of chronic fatigue, this pretty much involved a stroll around the block. We just want to make sure to do just enough movement every day to energise ourselves without overdoing it and winding up more exhausted. Walking, stretching and yoga are great ways to move.
  2. Include healthy fats and protein for breakfast. This was a tricky transition at first, but that slow burning energy and nourishment first thing in the morning makes a world of difference in maintaining our energy levels throughout the day.
  3. Blend your meals to-go when short on time. When I really struggled to make breaky in the morning, and when life gets a little full, I keep pre-made smoothie bags in the freezer with banana, berries, steamed greens, gelatin, avocado and nuts or seeds. It’s easy to plonk the ingredients into the blender with some coconut milk and have a nourishing meal in a hurry.
  4. Drink less coffee. Caffeine intake stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. While in the short term caffeine gives us a buzz, in the long term it takes a toll on the adrenals, which leaves us feeling more depleted.
  5. Be social. When we’re exhausted all the time, our social lives can really take a hit. When I was drifting out of touch with friends, I found that listening to uplifting and inspiring podcasts and audio books really helps to fill that void. Those familiar voices can really brighten our day.
  6. Inhale some peppermint oil. I rub a few drops of peppermint oil between my palms and inhale deeply. It’s very uplifting.
  7. Head outdoors at lunch. There’s nothing quite like fresh air and sunshine for an energy boost. Plus, does anyone out there like lying down as much as me? I find it really helps me re-energize to make it through the afternoon at work. Sneaky snooze in the car? Even better.
  8. Try tapping. Yep, I’m not denying that we might look a bit loopy doing this in the office. You might feel more comfortable ducking into the bathroom for this one. Emotional Freedom Technique is an amazing tool for letting go of negativity and embracing a positive mindset, which plays a huge role in truly healing from fatigue.
  9. Sip on licorice tea. The afternoon run to the vending machine when we’re struggling to make it through the afternoon only exacerbates blood sugar imbalances and leave us feeling worse once the sugar high has worn off. Licorice tea is a sweet treat minus the sugar, so it helps knock off those sugar cravings, whilst supporting our adrenals.

“May these fatigue-fighting strategies be of benefit!”

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Relephant Links:

8 Ways to Manage Chronic Fatigue & Emotional Exhaustion.

Why Empaths Feel More Stress & How to Restore Energy.

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Author: Fran Dargaville

Apprentice Editor: Bailey Grover, Editor: Emily Bartran

Image: Flickr

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