Lethargy
Ddsb11
Posts: 607 Member
Reaching out for useful tips to help. I’ve felt lethargic for far too long and it’s only getting worse.
What helps you feel energized? What were some reasons you felt a lack of energy?
For those who have a considerable amount of energy, what does your routine look like?
Thank you in advance!
What helps you feel energized? What were some reasons you felt a lack of energy?
For those who have a considerable amount of energy, what does your routine look like?
Thank you in advance!
2
Replies
-
If I usually felt that way it was 2 things: lack of sleep or lack of food. Haven't felt that way in awhile.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
9 -
Have you had a check up lately? Blood work done?6
-
When my iron level is low, I feel a level of lethargy that I cannot even describe. It's like a struggle to get up in the mornings, feeling sluggish all day and needing a nap after work, even though I had a full night's sleep the night before.
Also, to a lesser extent, I feel lethargic when I am lacking in Vitamin D. I have a hormone imbalance which makes my body not absorb enough vitamin D, even if I am out in the sun a lot. I take a daily supplement to help with this.
I would suggest getting these levels checked, and asking your doctor about any other bloods that could help to indicate a problem.7 -
I'm assuming you've had recent blood work done by your Dr to rule out anything like hypothyroidism or iron-deficiency anemia?
My 2nd question would to be look at your sleep. Are you getting enough on a regular basis, and do you feel well-rested when you wake up.
The other thing would be to ensure you're hydrated and eating well, or look at the foods you're eating and when you feel the most lethargic. I know I personally feel very tired if I eat a carb-heavy meal that's not balanced with a good amount of protein, especially mid-day.
Assuming those things aren't a factor, there are a couple of things I've noticed about myself (and sleep is an issue for me). One is that I often get sleepy in the early afternoon, soon after lunch. To counteract that, I just plan on having a 2nd cup of coffee after lunch.
The other thing I've noticed about myself is that the more I sit, the sleepier I feel. So, getting up and moving frequently helps counteract that. It's even better if I can get out in the fresh air to do it. Speaking of, if you're not getting out in fresh air/sunlight regularly, that can definitely impact sleep and energy levels.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 13 years ago, so I just make sure it's tested every year. Since I don't sleep great, I've created a nightly winddown ritual, make sure the room is cool, and use nasal strips and nose spray for chronic stuffiness and a deviated septum.
Hope you find something that works for you.
I2 -
To double down on some of the questions, I haven’t had any recent blood work done, and perhaps it’s time I do. I wanted to try some at home things before taking up the doctors time, but the iron and vitamin D deficiency comment sounds exactly like how I feel.
It seems any amount of movement depletes me. I can barely keep my eyes open around 3pm, which is why I skip lunch often. Typically I’m in excellent health, and still might be, so I don’t really know what’s going on. I thought maybe it was all mental and I needed to just force myself into a new routine or something, but how can I when the energy isn’t there? It’s a catch 22. Am I being lazy, unmotivated, or is it something else?
Thank you for pointing out a few things that weren’t previously on my radar. It has certainly given me some food for thought.4 -
To double down on some of the questions, I haven’t had any recent blood work done, and perhaps it’s time I do. I wanted to try some at home things before taking up the doctors time, but the iron and vitamin D deficiency comment sounds exactly like how I feel.
It seems any amount of movement depletes me. I can barely keep my eyes open around 3pm, which is why I skip lunch often. Typically I’m in excellent health, and still might be, so I don’t really know what’s going on. I thought maybe it was all mental and I needed to just force myself into a new routine or something, but how can I when the energy isn’t there? It’s a catch 22. Am I being lazy, unmotivated, or is it something else?
Thank you for pointing out a few things that weren’t previously on my radar. It has certainly given me some food for thought.
Do get blood work done. Don't supplement iron without it - too much unneeded iron can be harmful.
That said, you sound exactly like I do when my anemia gets out of control. Having you also noticed your hair shedding more, or more split ends?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-203550343 -
Depression?2
-
kshama2001 wrote: »To double down on some of the questions, I haven’t had any recent blood work done, and perhaps it’s time I do. I wanted to try some at home things before taking up the doctors time, but the iron and vitamin D deficiency comment sounds exactly like how I feel.
It seems any amount of movement depletes me. I can barely keep my eyes open around 3pm, which is why I skip lunch often. Typically I’m in excellent health, and still might be, so I don’t really know what’s going on. I thought maybe it was all mental and I needed to just force myself into a new routine or something, but how can I when the energy isn’t there? It’s a catch 22. Am I being lazy, unmotivated, or is it something else?
Thank you for pointing out a few things that weren’t previously on my radar. It has certainly given me some food for thought.
Do get blood work done. Don't supplement iron without it - too much unneeded iron can be harmful.
That said, you sound exactly like I do when my anemia gets out of control. Having you also noticed your hair shedding more, or more split ends?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034
That's a good point - I forgot about how my nails behaved when I was deficient in iron. I had little ridges across them that gradually grew out once I was on the supplements my doctor recommended.1 -
kshama2001 wrote: »To double down on some of the questions, I haven’t had any recent blood work done, and perhaps it’s time I do. I wanted to try some at home things before taking up the doctors time, but the iron and vitamin D deficiency comment sounds exactly like how I feel.
It seems any amount of movement depletes me. I can barely keep my eyes open around 3pm, which is why I skip lunch often. Typically I’m in excellent health, and still might be, so I don’t really know what’s going on. I thought maybe it was all mental and I needed to just force myself into a new routine or something, but how can I when the energy isn’t there? It’s a catch 22. Am I being lazy, unmotivated, or is it something else?
Thank you for pointing out a few things that weren’t previously on my radar. It has certainly given me some food for thought.
Do get blood work done. Don't supplement iron without it - too much unneeded iron can be harmful.
That said, you sound exactly like I do when my anemia gets out of control. Having you also noticed your hair shedding more, or more split ends?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034
My hair and nails have been brittle for a long time, so started taking a multivitamin for that. I also get enough sleep, it’s just not quality sleep unfortunately. I’m starting to think this isn’t in my head at all.1 -
Not sure how long you have been feeling this way, but have you been tested for Covid? Fatigue and extreme fatigue are symptoms that many people describe.4
-
ChickenKillerPuppy wrote: »Not sure how long you have been feeling this way, but have you been tested for Covid? Fatigue and extreme fatigue are symptoms that many people describe.
I had a late term miscarriage last July. I can’t say I’ve completely bounced back from that, physically or mentally. Instead of getting better, I think I’m getting worse as far as energy is concerned. That was one thing I was looking forward to having again and it just didn’t come back the way I thought it would.14 -
I just got diagnosed with very low vitamin D about a month ago. The Dr put me on a high dose supplement and it has made a huge difference.3
-
Not taking up your doctor's time sounds.... like bad strategy at this stage!
3 -
How many calories are you eating? Do you workout?1
-
-
How many calories are you eating? Do you workout?
I’m currently eating maintenance, maybe slightly above. I haven’t had the energy to work out, and only take 2- 20 min walks a day with my dog. Maybe I need to force workouts for a few weeks in the hopes something clicks, but even those dog walks are a struggle sometimes.1 -
How many calories are you eating? Do you workout?
I’m currently eating maintenance, maybe slightly above. I haven’t had the energy to work out, and only take 2- 20 min walks a day with my dog. Maybe I need to force workouts for a few weeks in the hopes something clicks, but even those dog walks are a struggle sometimes.
Do you track calories? Do you know how many grams of fat and protein you are consuming? Do you eat animals foods?0 -
Are you at risk for Type 2 diabetes? Extremely high blood sugar can make you really tired.0
-
How many calories are you eating? Do you workout?
I’m currently eating maintenance, maybe slightly above. I haven’t had the energy to work out, and only take 2- 20 min walks a day with my dog. Maybe I need to force workouts for a few weeks in the hopes something clicks, but even those dog walks are a struggle sometimes.
Do you track calories? Do you know how many grams of fat and protein you are consuming? Do you eat animals foods?
I haven’t logged since I got married over a year ago. He does ALL the cooking, he just loves it so much, and trying to track his concoctions haven’t been worth the struggle. It’s been bittersweet lol.
To answer your question though, we eat animal protein, and get our veggies in. But it’s certainly not cuisine I have been used to. He’s Cambodian and Vietnamese so it’s fair to say my diet has completely changed. No idea how many fat or protein grams tbh.0 -
I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I would think that would take a lot out of you, both physically and mentally. If I'm not mistaken, anemia is a risk after miscarriage, so definitely something to get checked out. Hypothyroidism is another big one that affects women more so than men. I was diagnosed around age 29 or 30, so still fairly young.
Don't worry about taking your doctor's time--that's what they are there for!
2 -
Speakeasy76 wrote: »I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I would think that would take a lot out of you, both physically and mentally. If I'm not mistaken, anemia is a risk after miscarriage, so definitely something to get checked out. Hypothyroidism is another big one that affects women more so than men. I was diagnosed around age 29 or 30, so still fairly young.
Don't worry about taking your doctor's time--that's what they are there for!
I appreciate that thank you. Sounds like I might have been in denial about my health, so I’m glad I asked y’all. Hypothyroidism wasn’t even on my radar, nor was anemia. Really good to know and consider. If all comes back fine then wow... but at least I’ll know.2 -
If you have bloodwork, have B12 levels checked, too.1
-
springlering62 wrote: »If you have bloodwork, have B12 levels checked, too.
Thank you! I’ll be sure to ask how that looks as well. Appreciate the feedback.0 -
ChickenKillerPuppy wrote: »Not sure how long you have been feeling this way, but have you been tested for Covid? Fatigue and extreme fatigue are symptoms that many people describe.
I had a late term miscarriage last July. I can’t say I’ve completely bounced back from that, physically or mentally. Instead of getting better, I think I’m getting worse as far as energy is concerned. That was one thing I was looking forward to having again and it just didn’t come back the way I thought it would.
I am so sorry about your miscarriage. I would imagine that would mess up your body and mind for a while. Sending you love just overall.2 -
In 2010 when unknown to me my anemia was out of control, I felt like I hated my job and my life, gave notice at my job and made plans to move back home. It all worked out in the end, and I got the job back working remotely, but one major factor for everything stinking was being low iron. So don't make any major life decision before blood work 4 -
How many calories are you eating? Do you workout?
I’m currently eating maintenance, maybe slightly above. I haven’t had the energy to work out, and only take 2- 20 min walks a day with my dog. Maybe I need to force workouts for a few weeks in the hopes something clicks, but even those dog walks are a struggle sometimes.
My first swim of the year last year was a struggle and was on Sunday, June 28. When I got home I messaged my doctor and asked to get blood work. She put it in on Monday, June 29 and I got tested that day. She freaked out over how low my iron was and suggested I go to the emergency room. I got a blood transfusion at the ER that day.
Now, it's unlikely you have anemia as serious as I did, but if you do, the last thing you want to do is force workouts, because that could lead to a heart attack. That's why I was authorized to go directly to the ER, do not pass go, do not collect $200.3 -
kshama2001 wrote: »
In 2010 when unknown to me my anemia was out of control, I felt like I hated my job and my life, gave notice at my job and made plans to move back home. It all worked out in the end, and I got the job back working remotely, but one major factor for everything stinking was being low iron. So don't make any major life decision before blood work
Wow, this is interesting. I’ve had some dark moments for sure. It’s crazy that this could be caused by anemia! Thank you for the heads up.1 -
kshama2001 wrote: »How many calories are you eating? Do you workout?
I’m currently eating maintenance, maybe slightly above. I haven’t had the energy to work out, and only take 2- 20 min walks a day with my dog. Maybe I need to force workouts for a few weeks in the hopes something clicks, but even those dog walks are a struggle sometimes.
My first swim of the year last year was a struggle and was on Sunday, June 28. When I got home I messaged my doctor and asked to get blood work. She put it in on Monday, June 29 and I got tested that day. She freaked out over how low my iron was and suggested I go to the emergency room. I got a blood transfusion at the ER that day.
Now, it's unlikely you have anemia as serious as I did, but if you do, the last thing you want to do is force workouts, because that could lead to a heart attack. That's why I was authorized to go directly to the ER, do not pass go, do not collect $200.
Duly noted. Seriously, thank you again!1
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions