5 Ways to Avoid Feeling the “Burned Out Blues”

by Nicole Bandes

It doesn't matter if you are a corporate exec, employee, WAHM or a SAHM because we all have times in our lives when we just feel physically "burned out".   Some of us feel that way so often that we begin to think it is normal.  

The good news: it isn't.  Not only is it not normal, but it can be successfully handled. Here are some suggestions on how to beat the "burned out blues":

1.     Get adequate sleep
Determine how much sleep your body really needs, by giving yourself 15 extra minutes of sleep a night until you don't feel as groggy during the day.  Once you have determined the amount you need, stick to it.

Go to bed and get up at the same time, even on the weekends.  When you get adequate sleep, you don't constantly feel fatigued.

2.     Exercise

Think you don't have time to exercise?  You don't have time not to.  Challenge yourself to walk at least 30 minutes, 4 out of 7 days, for two weeks.  At the end of those two weeks, you'll be getting more accomplished than when you didn't exercise.

Exercise makes you feel more alert and alive, allowing you to get more done in less time.  So go ahead, exercise!  Time isn't an excuse any more.

3.     Eat less processed carbohydrates

When you eat enough protein throughout the day, starting with breakfast, your blood sugar doesn't spike and dip like it does when you eat mostly breads, rice and carbohydrate junk food.  Without the blood sugar ups and downs, you won't get as fatigued during the day.  

Protein should accompany every meal.  If you need a great afternoon pick me up, try an apple with peanut butter.

4.     NO MORE CAFFEINE!  

I can't stress this enough, caffeine is a viscous cycle.  You drink it to get more energy, and it gets the energy by putting a strain on your adrenal glands.  You feel tired because your adrenals are worn out, so you drink more caffeine.  

5.     Support your adrenals

Your adrenal glands support your stress responses.  When you experience stress, whether physical or emotional, your adrenal glands produce hormones to combat the changes your body experiences during these times of stress.  

When you're under stress for extended periods of time, your adrenals can't continue to produce the hormones at the same pace and begin to shut down, thus causing more physical "burn out".  

There are many good herbal sources for the adrenals.  Find a company that promotes the quality of their products and produces formulations focusing on adrenal support.

You don't have to constantly feel fatigued. You can feel more alive and refreshed when you wake up, and more energized through out the day.  Make a few simple lifestyle changes and you will see a much happier, more productive person.
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About the Author:
Nicole Bandes is a trained Herb Specialist, Star manager with Nature's Sunshine Products and, most importantly, a Mom.  She practices what she preaches and is a walking testimony to the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.  She owns and operates Naturally Herbs at www.naturallyherbs.com