Do you often feel lifeless lately and constantly wonder what could be causing this? Then we might have the answer for you… There could be many different reasons why you feel sluggish, including the 7 we've worked out for you below.
You may need your morning cup of coffee to get going, but coffee can also be the reason why you feel so lethargic. Too much caffeine can actually make you lose your energy; Caffeine contains cortisol, which can boost your mood and energy, but which, in too large amounts, causes a dip. In other words, you go from a high high to a low low by drinking too much coffee. You will also need more caffeine after a while to maintain a high energy level and not suffer from a relapse...
There really is such a thing as screen fatigue. Many people spend too much time staring at a screen, which can lead to eye strain, headaches and general fatigue. Blue light also has a negative effect on your sleep. Blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that maintains your biological rhythm. So make sure you don't expose yourself too much to screens to avoid feeling constantly lethargic.
Believe it or not, drinking too little water can also make you feel sluggish. Your brain does not only need fuel in the form of food, but also liquid † Therefore make sure you always have a bottle or have water nearby so you can drink plenty of water throughout the day. It can also help to put some fruit in your water for an extra energy boost.
Most processed foods contain simple carbohydrates, which cause huge spikes and dips in your blood sugar levels and can make you feel extremely sluggish. Eating too much sugar and simple carbohydrates can therefore cause you to get a head full of cotton wool and be constantly tired. Many processed products also contain a lot of sodium, which makes you thirsty if you don't drink enough water. Your body needs vitamins, minerals and nutrients to function optimally and processed foods usually do not contain a lot of them.
When your body first experiences stress, adrenaline will pump through your body and cortisol and norepinephrine will be released into your bloodstream. This is also known as the fight-or-flight system. When you're constantly stressed, it's like being in action mode all the time, which can be extremely tiring. People with stress can suffer from higher blood pressure, tired muscle aches and headaches. The longer they experience stress, the more exhausted your body becomes, which can make you feel lifeless.
If your sleep rhythm If your body is very irregular, your biological rhythm can no longer give you the right sleep signals. This means that you will receive sleep cues during the day when you actually need energy, which will make you feel lifeless. Inconsistent sleep can have negative effects on your body and mood, appetite, memory, alertness, energy levels, stress levels, immune system and even your sex drive. Research also shows that people who sleep irregularly often experience symptoms of depression more quickly. And pay close attention to your pillow. You might benefit from this ergonomic pillow.
Although exercise can give you energy, overtraining can make you feel lethargic. Overtraining can make you feel depressed, stressed or irritable, have trouble sleeping, can't motivate yourself or get sick more easily. Therefore, make sure that you do not exercise at least one day a week and do daily recovery activities, such as stretching and foam rolling.
Text Santenl, Image:GettyImages
