How to cheat fatigue

by NAOMI COLEMAN, femail.co.uk

Fatigue is a sign that we are running out of fuel and need to repair ourselves.

Here, we look at four ways which can help you cheat tiredness and stress.

Balance work, home and leisure

Most of us are very organised at work, but when it comes to our home life we haven't got a clue. The key, says Tucker, is to schedule your chores such as ironing and washing. Equally important is to fit in seeing friends as this makes us happy, producing adrenalin - the natural feel good hormone.

Inform your brain

Believe it or not, once you've told your brain that you're going to eat, complete a chore or exercise, it will stop nagging you to do these things. Worrying about completing the constant onslaught of tasks that awaits us each day will stop us from being irritable and frustrated - symptoms that trigger adrenalin and make us tired.

Informing your brain of when you intend to eat, exercise or visit your mother will help lower stress levels because you will have dealt with any niggling thoughts. So if you are worrying that you haven't completed a chore, make a mental note that you are going to do it and when. To reinforce your mental note you may want to write down when and where you are going to do the chore.

Have long-term goals

Achieving goals makes us fulfilled, even if they are fraught with obstacles along the way. Giving up can lead to understimulation which can make us just as tired as overstimulation. Not getting enough adrenalin - the body's own feel good hormone - can make us feel depressed and sluggish. Tuckers claims there are ways of reducing such obstacles which can make up give up by planning and research. For example, if you want a job, read about the company, create an interview situation with friends and learn to deal with your nerves. There is plenty you can do to reduce the risk of failure and help realise your goals.

Role play

Everyone suffers from low confidence or self-esteem at some point in their life. Feeling vunerable leaves you open for attack - which can leave you feeling stressed, and in turn, tired. Tucker suggests that if you are going for a job or meeting someone for the first time, pretend to be someone you admire. Being positive, paying compliments and putting up a protective shield will help you get better results. Once you've established yourself in your job or circle of friends, you can let your true self shine through.

Click below to find out how to spot the signs of fatigue and how to cheat it.

Liz Tucker teaches stress and fatigue workshops at Champneys health farm in Hertfordshire every month. A two night stay including course, meals and room, costs £510. Body image workshops are also taught at Greyshott health farm in Surrey, from £450 for a two night stay. Call 01428 602020 for more details.

Most watched News videos