Do you wake up with a feeling of tiredness even after taking a good night’s rest? If you often question yourself, “Why does my body feel so heavy?” Your answer is fatigue. This condition presents itself in the form of sluggish behavior and not wanting to move around or be active. Let’s take a deeper look at this issue.
A Bit on Fatigue
Fatigue is when you experience an unexplained, sudden onset of persistent and relapsing exhaustion. It is a normal response to strenuous physical activity, emotional stress, or lack of sleep; however, it may be due to more grave illnesses like anemia, depression, thyroid problems, or chronic ones. If your body feels persistently heavy and not relieved by resting adequately, along with a change in diet, get it evaluated.
Symptoms
Fatigue is usually self-explanatory, but it presents as follows:
- Lack of energy: Not having enough energy makes it harder to move along in everyday life. It negatively impacts your working ability, quality time with friends or family, or other activities.
- Drowsiness: You may have a feeling of going back to sleep right after waking up. It is like you are struggling to stay up, but tiredness persists after sleep.
- Brain Fog: It mainly hinders right thinking, and you have less attention span, deal with forgetfulness, or lack focus on detail-oriented tasks.
Why Is Your Body Feeling Heavy?
Several factors can contribute to the sensation of heaviness in the body. Here are some common reasons:
- Sleep Deprivation
- Lack of Exercise
- Dehydration
- Poor Diet
- Stress
- Anemia
- Insulin Resistance
- Depression or Anxiety
- Hypothyroidism
- Food Intolerances
Can You Make Your Body Feel Less Heavy?
If you are feeling heavy, there are multiple things to focus on that can help alleviate this problem.
- Dedicate Proper Hours To Sleep: Set a goal to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night to feel rested and lightweight.
- Exercise Regularly: Make physical activity a part of your daily routine. This boosts energy levels and reduces feelings of sluggishness.
- Adequate Hydration: Lack of water is one of the reasons why your body may feel heavy. Keep up with hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Never consider eliminating a particular food group to become healthy. Plan a well-balanced meal regime with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Manage Stress: Practice stress-releasing activities like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, etc., to make your body feel light.
- Treatment for Medical Conditions: If you have a chronic disease, like anemia or hypothyroidism, strategize a proper treatment plan with a healthcare provider to manage the condition and alleviate symptoms.
- Seek Therapy: If you are dealing with feelings of depression or anxiety, your body may take the load and feel heavy. Taking measures like having sessions with a therapist can help.
Closing Note
Fatigue is a feeling of constant exhaustion or mental and physical burnout. It is rather a symptom than a condition, and getting to the root cause is necessary. If you want help regarding your condition, contact Dr. Shanti Bansal – board-certified in Internal Medicine (2010), Nuclear Cardiology (2011), Cardiology (2011), and Electrophysiology (2013) at Atrial Fibrillation Centers of America, to deal with your needs. You can consult us at (832) 478-5067 or visit us in Houston, TX, for more information.