How to beat mid day fatigue?

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

Quite simple really. As title says – how to beat Fatigue? (not medically!)

Here’s my situation. I’m 27, Have a 4 yo DD, Work PT, Get approx 8 hours sleep a night – minimum I’ll get is 6 hours. I have half a thyroid (removed) and I’m on 75 mcg Levothyroxine. I exercise a few times a week – mainly taking the dog for a walk – sometimes we have a little jog. And occasionally I’ll Hula hoop! I’m pollo-pecestarian BUT OH will occasionally make me have a bit of red meat. Generally drink squash or coffee (not so much plain water but I have had half a glass today, I just don’t like the taste!)

Now – Here’s my problem. It’s 14:20, and I’m shattered. I could quite easily crawl under my desk and sleep (obviously cant!)

I’ve had my thyroid tested last month, and the Doctor also did a full blood check. Nothing wrong as far as they’re concerned – initially they blamed my diet but give me any more information other than “stop gorging and drinking coffee” – Well – I don’t gorge, I try not to go over 1430 calories a day, and coffee is my little “fix” – I don’t drink Alcohol or Smoke. Coffee wise – I have around 5 cups a day if I haven’t drunk any squash.

I do get easily stressed – mainly over money! But I’m also a bit of a clean freak and hate the house being dirty (not so much as in an OCD way, I like to do the house work so that when I get home from work or wake up in the morning its clean!)

So – does anyone have any ideas of how to combat this very annoying tired mid day spell i seem to be getting?

Many Thanks

Nimeth

It's apparently normal for humans to be a little tired in the afternoon. In fact a short power nap around 2pm-3pm can be good for you. The Italians and the Spanish certainly understand that, which is why they go off about mid-afternoon for their siestas. Obviously sleeping in the afternoon longer than 30 minutes to an hour will generally leave you feeling more fatigued than before, so set an alarm if you do nap.

If not, I would seriously consider changing what you eat/drink during the day. Coffee is good for a brief perk but once the caffeine rush goes, you do get tired. Tea or water would be better to drink throughout the day as they dehydrate you less and don't have all the caffeine ups and downs. I'd also munch on some fruit around that time, perhaps a banana or something that will give you a small boost.

HTH.:)

footymadgal

I'd question whether your calorie intake is high enough as 2000 calories is the daily recommended intake for women. Maybe this is having an impact on your energy levels?

Mrs_P_Pincher

Maybe your thyroid results aren't actually as good as your GP says and you need more levo? Did he do free T4 and free T3 as well as your TSH, because without them you can't get a full picture.

Mrs P P

Murtle

5 coffees are likely to cause peaks and troughs. If you drink them at the same time each day they could be a reason for feeling tired at the same time. Try substituting coffee for water or squash.

What are you eating during the day as that can cause sugar lows / tiredness etc.

purplerose

I find if I eat bread, pasta or anything too heavy at lunch time I'll get sleepy in the afternoon. Having some soup or a salad with an apple afterwards leaves me wide awake for the rest of the day whereas something like a sandwich will leave me shattered.

geri1965_2

A pollo-pescatarian who sometimes eats red meat. In other words, you are a meat eater like all other non veggies!

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

I get tricked into eating the meat. OH add's it into meals he's made and i wont realise until its too late - He doesnt believe its healthy to cut out meat all together. I didnt stop eating meat for the whole animal rights thing - I stopped because I found i was sluggish on the days I ate it. OH only adds a few bits so not as if im chowing down on a huge steak.

Coffee is drank different times depending on where I am.

This is what I ate yesterday:

Breakfast (8:30am): Sultana, Raisins, Cranberry & Apple Oats so simple.

Lunch (12pm): Honey Nut Cherios and a kitkat

Dinner (5pm): Carbonara Pasta bake with Salmon and Onion.

Snack: (6:30pm ish) Gingerbread man that DD had made me.

I had 1 cup of tea, 1 hot choc, 1 squash, 3 coffee's, 1 water throughout the day.

Today so far i've just had My breakfast (same as yesterday) and instead of my usual coffee I had some squash instead.

Myrtle

You need to avoid quick release carbs and sugar in the morning: they cause energy peaks and troughs.

I'd have a wholemeal sandwich, some nuts and a banana for lunch with some decaff tea or coffee. Juice (even proper orange ) is too sugar-laden.

Mojisola

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel wrote: »

I try not to go over 1430 calories a day

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel wrote: »

This is what I ate yesterday:

Breakfast (8:30am): Sultana, Raisins, Cranberry & Apple Oats so simple.

Lunch (12pm): Honey Nut Cherios and a kitkat

Dinner (5pm): Carbonara Pasta bake with Salmon and Onion.

Snack: (6:30pm ish) Gingerbread man that DD had made me.

I had 1 cup of tea, 1 hot choc, 1 squash, 3 coffee's, 1 water throughout the day. .

Only 1430 calories a day and most of them from high sugar and high carb food! It's not surprising you don't feel as well as you ought to.

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

That was one day though. Not had pasta for ages

Been having steamed veg and salmon most days - Or a prawn salad.