Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something? How to Honor the Message of Fatigue

Last month I was dripping with fatigue. Something I had dealt with daily after my concussion. Back then I had to force myself to get up, get dressed, brush my teeth, and get on with my day as a mom to five and a kinesiologist. I didn’t realize that the fatigue was part of the concussion symptoms, or even all of the factors that can contribute to fatigue.

This recent bout of fatigue came on as a result of me adjusting to some jet lag after a trip across the country to see my son compete in a national archery competition. Why? Why was I so tired? I again had to force myself to walk my dogs, feed my family, and see clients. After 3 days I gave in and started to listen to my body. I’ve been here before and there’s no use fighting it. If I am fatigued, I need to rest. So every time I was sleepy or having a hard time moving, I rested. I had the flexibility in my schedule to do so as it was the weekend. 

One day during that time I had three small naps. Yes three!

Active Rest Can Be Just as Beneficial

You don't always have to sleep, sometimes a short rest or active rest can be helpful. If you can’t sleep, do an activity that requires less energy. You will use less energy and still feel productive at the same time. I spent my weekend cooking food that I could start and leave as it cooked without me monitoring it. And guess what? Monday some of my energy had returned. I didn't feel that I was at 100 percent or back to my pre-trip energy level, but I felt significantly better. I still couldn’t walk my daily 4 km hike, but instead did 2 km with my dogs in the forest. I chose a less demanding trail and felt better after moving and getting some fresh air with my sons and the dogs. We even came across a bear! The following day was even better and I walked 2.5 km. And the day after that I was able to do a more demanding hike and walked about 3.5 km. Slowly, my energy was returning. Why? Because I just ignored my body and powered through? 

No, because I listened.

I paused.

I gave my body what it was asking for. 

Rest. 

Your Body is Sending You Signals

Your body is constantly sending you signals, letting you know what it needs to function at an optimal level. Fatigue is one of these signals. When you feel tired all the time, it’s your body’s way of telling you that something needs to change. This could be related to a variety of factors, including poor nutrition, lack of movement or stress. Understanding and responding to these signals is key to restoring your energy and vitality.

The Role Nutrition Plays

One of the most common causes of fatigue is poor nutrition. The food you eat directly impacts your energy levels. Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can leave you feeling sluggish and drained. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, can provide the sustained energy your body needs.

It’s important to pay attention to how different foods make you feel. Do you notice a slump in energy after eating certain meals? Are there times of the day when you’re more tired than others? Keeping a food journal can help you identify patterns and make adjustments to your diet that can improve your energy levels.

What About Stress?

Stress is another major contributor to fatigue. When you’re under constant stress, your body remains in a state of heightened alertness, which can be incredibly draining over time. Chronic stress can disrupt sleep, impair digestion, and lead to a host of other issues that contribute to fatigue.

It’s crucial to incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and Yoga Nidra can help calm the mind and reduce the impact of stress on your body. By addressing the root causes of stress, you can alleviate some of the fatigue and start to feel more energized.

The Benefit of Moving When You Don't Feel Like It

While it may seem counterintuitive, lack of movement can actually make you feel more tired. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining energy levels. Exercise increases blood flow, boosts endorphins and improves overall mood, all of which contribute to increased energy.

However, it’s important to find a balance. Over-exercising can lead to burnout and increased fatigue, while not moving enough can leave you feeling sluggish. Listen to your body and choose activities that you enjoy and that leave you feeling refreshed rather than drained.

More Than Just Being Tired

Fatigue is more than just a feeling of tiredness after a long day. It’s a persistent sense of exhaustion that seeps into every part of your life, making it difficult to focus, feel motivated, or even enjoy the things you once loved. While many people view fatigue as a normal part of a busy life, it’s important to recognize that chronic fatigue is not something to be ignored or pushed through. Instead, it should be seen as a powerful signal from your body that something isn’t quite right.

It’s also important to be patient with yourself. Restoring your energy and vitality takes time, and it’s not something that will happen overnight. Give yourself the grace to rest when you need to, nourish your body with healthy foods, manage your stress, and move in ways that feel good. By honoring your body’s needs, you can begin to feel more energized, vibrant, and alive. Remember, your body is always communicating with you; it’s up to you to listen and respond with the care it deserves.