How to fight fatigue

Many of us struggle with fatigue for a variety of reasons, from busy schedules to chronic illnesses.

Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to fight fatigue and boost your energy. Alison Cullen, nutritionist and education manager at avogel.co.uk, has the lowdown.

Stay hydrated

First and foremost, make sure you aim to drink 1.5 litres of plain still water every day.

"This is the quickest and cheapest hack to boost your energy while improving your skin, reducing brain fog and warding off bladder infections," says Alison. "Just 1.36% dehydration has been shown to lower mood, increase perception of task difficulty, reduce concentration and increase headaches in women."

Lighten your load

Try to avoid making too many commitments to ensure you have enough time to recharge.

"Give yourself longer deadlines than you need; take on a few fewer tasks than you think you can manage; lower people's expectations of you and then you have the opportunity to surprise them without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself," she advises.

Go to bed on time

Sticking to a regular sleep schedule will help you feel more rested.

"Stick to your bedtime and wake-up time. Going to bed at a similar time each night helps your body plan its sleep schedule," explains Alison. "Make your bedtime as early as possible, as this is more effective than sleeping in later, which often leaves you groggy and extra tired."

Healthy fats

While you should try to avoid processed fats, healthy fats are needed for energy production.

"Whilst it is sensible to avoid processed foods high in trans fats, and keep away from the deep fat fryer, foods such as walnuts, avocados, oily fish, flaxseed, and pumpkin seeds all contain healthy fats that contribute to better energy, better skin, better brain function and better hormone balance," the nutritional practitioner recommends.

Magnesium

When it comes to boosting your energy, magnesium is a must.

"The mineral magnesium is vital for good energy levels and reduced fatigue," Alison states. "It is in high demand when our lives are stressful, as it is used up by both physical and mental/ emotional stress. It is only available in healthy foods, which is another reason it can be lacking when we're stressed and not looking after our diet."