Americans are constantly on the go. While our workaholic disposition can work wonders for our productivity, it does have one major downside: fatigue. Fatigue is a very real problem here in America (and around the world, but especially here in America), and it can have many harmful effects on both our physical and mental health. Those harmful effects, and the solutions for reducing fatigue, will be examined in the article below.
Fatigue Can Take A Huge Toll On Your Physical Health
Anyone who has ever been exhausted knows some of the physical effects of fatigue: you are sluggish, prone to headaches, your reaction time is slowed, and you are more susceptible to sickness. While these short-term effects do pose problems for our day-to-day physical health, the long-term effects of chronic fatigue are even worse. Chronic lack of sleep can lead to weight gain, elevated blood pressure, lowered tolerance for glucose (and therefore an increased risk for diabetes), and heart disease. These are all serious ailments, and underscore the necessity of combating fatigue.
Fatigue Can Take A Toll On Your Mental Health As Well
We all know some of the short-term mental effects of fatigue: it can cause irritability, mood swings, and the feeling that you are just not yourself. As with the physical effects, the long-term mental effects of chronic lack of sleep can be devastating in their own way. Fatigue can contribute to anxiety and depression, as well as impaired memory.
The good news is that some of the mental and physical effects of fatigue can be reversed by a change in lifestyle and work environments. When anti-fatigue products are used in the workplace, everyone benefits. To find out more about the lifestyle changes that you can make to beat fatigue and increase your health and wellness, read below.
Ways That You Can Beat Fatigue
As harmful as fatigue is, there are choices and behavior changes that you can make to overcome it. The obvious behavioral change is getting more sleep. This, of course, is easier said than done. Lack of sleep can result from a variety of factors: sleep apnea, an irregular sleeping schedule, stress and anxiety, or just being a new parent. Avoiding caffeine and sugars at night can be a big help, as can losing weight. In general, it also helps to have a consistent routine when it comes to your sleep: going to bed and waking up at around the same times, and maintaining a similar nightly ritual will help you get the sleep you need. If stress and anxiety are causing you to stay awake, consider talking to a therapist about these problems.
Reduce Fatigue At Work
Aside from lack of sleep, fatigue can also result from constantly being on your feet at work. Fortunately, there are products that can help reduce the fatigue that results from a hectic work environment. And no, we are not talking about caffeine shots or energy drinks. Anti fatigue mats are designed to provide cushioning for those who are always on their feet at work, and are recommended for reducing work-related fatigue.
Special areas may need traction and cushioning, and the addition of ribbed rubber anti slip tape can really improve specific work environments. Relieving fatigue, while increasing safety, is a win-win situation for any company.