TIRED ALL THE TIME?

Many people complain of feeling tired all the time, with as many as 90% adults saying that they don't get enough sleep. But feeling tired isn't just about the hours spent asleep. Quality of sleep is also a significant factor is how well rested and healthy a person feels. Let's consider some reasons as to why you could be so tired all the time: It's important to check if there's an underlying health condition. Feeling continually tired, with low energy levels may be indicative of a health-related issue, so it's worth booking a check-up with your family doctor. Boredom and low mood can result in reduced energy levels, as well as feelings of apathy, inertia and ongoing tiredness. Notice if this continues, as an inability to be interested, motivated and inspired by what's happening around you can be symptomatic of depression and other health-related concerns. Stress may be an important factor in how tired you feel. Living with constant stress puts your mental and physical wellbeing at risk and, if left unchecked, can become a cause for serious concern. Being stressed can impact on a good night's sleep, with those worries playing on your mind and disturbing your ability to relax and rest. Notice if your dreams have become troublesome or disturbing. They can be an indicator that you have problems playing on your mind. Supporting healthy habits can improve your wellbeing and quality of sleep. Good dietary habits, with fresh fruit and vegetables, less junk and processed foods, plenty of good hydration, more water and less caffeine and pop drinks are important. As is fresh air and regular exercise, often an important way to take a break and manage your stress levels.

Becoming more organised can help you feel less tired and overwhelmed. Some people are reactive, which may well result in them working on several tasks at once, starting a new one as soon as they're asked, rather than complete the task already in hand. A chaotic and often unproductive use of their time! It can be more beneficial to list all that needs to be done and then plan accordingly. Delegating is often a useful step, which at home may include giving children responsibility for some chores. This can help clear your mind and encourage others to become more appreciative of what they have. Being proactive at work may involve becoming less obliging and handing over work to others, perhaps resulting in them learning new skills. Sometimes hiring help at home, maybe with tasks like cleaning, ironing and gardening, or at work, with admin, book-keeping, PR, can free up some time and be money well spent.

Certain areas benefit from being kept

free of clutter, even if there's a backlog of impending work that needs your attention. When you're in need of a good night's sleep it's especially important to be disciplined about having a clear bedroom, ensuring you have a calm refuge that's tidy and peaceful. Turn off your tech, leave your phone charging elsewhere, enjoy a relaxing bath or shower and unwind in

the peace and calm of your own, special place. Check on how comfortable is your bedroom? The quality of your mattress, pillows and linen can make all the difference. Clean sheets are top of many people's wish list, perhaps with a little lavender in the final rinse. Also, the temperature of your bedroom. We sleep better in a slightly cooler bedroom The change in seasons can impact on how well we sleep, with the dark, cold nights of autumn and winter often introducing a hibernating mentality. Invest time and effort into making your home cosy, bright and cheerful, paying particular attention to lighting. Lamps, wall lights and candles are often more soothing than severe, overhead lighting. Create a cosy atmosphere that supports a relaxing mood.

Throughout the colder months, wrap up warm and get outside to top up your vitamin D and daylight levels. Autumn and winter can be a time to enjoy cosy evenings shared with family and friends. A brisk walk kicking through fallen leaves and then home to a warming soup or casserole, followed by board games or a good book can be a positive way to unwind and enjoy the darker seasons.

And during the lighter days and nights take opportunities for walks, outdoor sports, activities and entertaining. Plant your garden, maybe even growing your own fruit and vegetables. All ways to support an active lifestyle, whilst also being an investment in your health and wellbeing. Finding balance in life is not always easy. Sometimes we may be too busy, other times worryingly quiet, with both situations being equally stressful, so affecting our ability to sleep well. Being over-tired or under-occupied can be helped by finding ways to utilise your time well, schedule breaks, invest in fun, exercise and reinforce your sense of feeling valued and valuable.

Adopting good self-care & quality 'me time' can be a satisfying approach to good health, wellbeing & be a refreshing way to ensure a good night's sleep.

Susan Leigh A.C.H.Qual, M.N.C.H.(Acc), M.S.M.S.(Acc), H.A.Reg from Altrincham,Cheshire, is a counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor,writer & media contributor who offers help with relationship issues,stress management,assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients,couples and provide corporate workshops and support.

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