Ask Aunt B

B

Dear Aunt B, I am really really tired. I hate to be a real downer but I am so tired I don’t know what to do. Can you give me some advice on how to turn this around? I have not taken care of myself for a really long time. Please tell me it is not too late.

I want to feel better Dear I want to feel better, First things first. Please make an appointment to see your healthcare professional. Always want to make sure that there is not something going on with you that needs medical attention. I understand that can be scary when you feel bad and possibly haven't checked on your health. Trust me, most things can be addressed. However, you need to understand where you're starting. At this time of year, it can take a bit to get in to see your provider but at least get something on the books. You are not alone with this. Many people are facing feeling less than they desire. The first of the year is the time many set resolutions to do better for themselves.

Before you start with the arguments that you and everyone else never follow through with resolutions, remember you can. Now is the time to make needed changes. Best time ever is right now.

So let's look at what might be going on with you. Remember, no medical advice here. Aunt B is not a doctor so she can’t be giving you any medical advice, right?

How long have you been so tired? Is this a new situation? Have you been tired for a long time? Do you sleep well? Are you in good physical shape? Do you need to lose or gain some weight? Do you eat well? By well, I don’t mean do you eat anything you desire. I mean, do you eat healthy food? Do you drink good clean water? Do you move your body?

You know feeling better always starts with the basics. I find it so interesting that no matter what we are talking about if we go back to the basics, we can make so many improvements. I remember when my youngest son was pretty young, my husband got him VHS tapes (oh, how I wanted to lie here and say DVDs) about the basics of basketball. I think of this often because I truly believe if we focused on the basics of just about anything, we could transcend our situations.

So I think I covered the basics of our physical health and energy level. Food, sleep, water, and movement covers most of the basics. Of course, we can dig deep on each and every one of these areas, but just start with the simplest.

Get your best sleep. Research shows us most do well on 7-9 hours of sleep. If that is not giving you the rest you need or if you have reason to believe you have a sleep problem then get checked for sleep apnea. A large number of people suffer from this condition. It is hard to get the rest you need if you are stopping breathing throughout the night.

Eat good food. I believe the most natural of food you can eat is the best. Reduce or eliminate processed food. Eat more fruits and vegetables. If possible, eat organic. Eat grass-fed locally grown meats. Locally grown sounds funny, doesn’t it? I think you know what I mean. Find a local farmer that doesn’t feed their animals bad stuff.

Give up the sodas. Drink water, filtered water. Look up how much. I can guarantee it is more than you think and more than you do. If you can’t drink water, add some lemon to it.

Move your body. Just start with whatever you can do. Anything is better than nothing.

Next week, we will talk about your mind and all you can do to have more energy and feel better.

Love, Aunt B

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