How Can I Beat Tiredness?

Experts say that 10% of us at any one time are suffering from persistent tiredness. Persistent tiredness is more common among women than men. General Practitioners say they regularly see patients who come in complaining of severe tiredness.

As a consequence of our busy and stressful modern lifestyles, most of us will at some time experience tiredness. On most occasions, fatigue can be relieved after a good night’s sleep. However, this is not the case for everybody. Some people find that tiredness becomes a chronic problem which undermines their day-to-day functioning – i.e. it significantly affects their quality of life.

It’s extremely normal to feel tired after a hectic day or after a physical activity or even a mental exertion. As such, rest, relaxation, and a good night’s sleep is usually all that are needed to restore energy levels and bounce back to life.

On the other hand, persistent fatigue or fatigue that seems out of proportion to the energy you have expended may indicate the presence of an underlying health problem or the need for lifestyle changes.

Tiredness is insidious. Usually it creeps up on us slowly, making its presence more and more felt, until our lives become increasingly affected by it. Often is accompanied by depression and so not only can we do less, we actually don’t feel up to doing more. It becomes a vicious circle, and one that’s essential to break as quickly as possible.

How Do People Define Tiredness?

Patients who experience tiredness say:

• They lack energy
• They feel discomfort
• They feel unwell
• They feel sleepy
• They have lost motivation
• Their concentration is poor
• They find it hard to make decisions
• They find daily tasks difficult to carry out
• They feel depressed

What Causes Tiredness?

Some of the common causes of fatigue

• Stress
• Unhealthy diets
• Fast foods
• Obesity
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Certain illnesses
• Hormonal changes
• Caffeine abuse
• Infections
• Lack of exercise
• Certain medications
• Financial worries
• Divorce
• Relocating
• Small children
• Overworking
• Smoking

Tiredness Can Have Physical Causes

Chronic tiredness can become a vicious circle. If a person feels tired he may avoid most forms of physical activity. He could then become physically unfit and will be even more tired when trying to do something physical.

If your bodyweight is too high or too low for your height you may feel tired because of this. An overweight person’s body has to work harder to do everyday things, compared to a person whose bodyweight is normal. A person who is underweight might have less muscle strength and will tire more easily. The thyroid controls the body’s metabolic rate. If the gland produces too little hormone, you will put on weight, become both physically and mentally sluggish, feel cold, and become tired all the time. The main causes of hypothyroidism are deficiency of nutrients, toxicity (especially fluoride), alcohol, and infection of the intestinal tract by parasites or yeast.

Adrenal exhaustion occurs when a person is chronically stressed as frequently happens in modern day living. The adrenal glands produce hormones to help you in times of extreme physical danger. Adrenaline helps you to fight or run away. But the adrenals are not set up to keep manufacturing adrenaline all the time, and they become overtaxed, causing extreme fatigue.  The effects are not just limited to tiredness, however. The immune system works less and less well, making opportunistic infections more likely.

Tiredness May Have Emotional or Mental Causes

Some stress can be invigorating – in fact, many of us need some kind of mental pressure to get going. However, when stress levels are too high they commonly trigger fatigue – stress and worry are two emotions that most frequently cause tiredness. If your stress reaches such a point that you are unable to see the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’, the sensation can be draining. Some people say that when they have no control over a situation it makes them feel frustrated, irritable and tired. Depression can lead to tiredness for many reasons. It could be the depression itself, or the patient may not sleep properly and feel tired as a result. You may need to take medication for a short time, or else pay close attention to nutrition. Any lifestyle changes and taking up relaxation that can help you reduce stress will pay huge dividends.

Your Lifestyle Could Be Making You Tired

There are some jobs which are more likely to cause tiredness. Nurses, firefighters, doctors, the police, and shift-workers in general may have irregular sleep patterns which will often cause tiredness.

If there is a baby in the house you may find that getting a good night’s sleep is a distant memory. Small children may often cause their parent(s) to sleep less.

If you consume too many caffeinated or alcoholic drinks your ability to fall or stay asleep may be affected, especially if you consume them close to your bedtime.

The following lifestyle changes will assist you, whatever the cause of your tiredness:

• Reduce stress by making changes to your work/life balance and simplifying or downsizing if necessary.
• Practice relaxation and/or meditation techniques as often as you can.
• Create a good sleeping environment by making your bedroom dark, quiet and cool.
• Make a ‘quiet hour’ before bed with a warm bath, some uplifting reading or music and avoid television during this time,
• Make exercise a habit, preferably daily. Walk for 20 minutes, or swim, or do a gentle yoga practice or stretching.
• Avoid junk and fast foods as these put your body under stress. Make good nutrition a priority.
• When you are suffering from tiredness, try to put yourself at the center of your own life and make choices that will help you to recover.

Good Luck and Take Care and Beat Tiredness…

Are you happy?

Hi there, how are you, are you happy with your life? You coming over for this post suggest you are not doing very well. You may be very successful or you may be not. You may be rich or may be broke. What ever situation you have got yourself into you are not happy with that. Well it’s ok. Shit happens.

Being happy is a choice

We human beings are among the most confused creatures among all the animal kingdom. You are not sole responsible for all this confusion. There are lot of reasons. Your parents who want you be like them or like someone else they never became. Your friends who always cheered for being or doing something that they never wanted to do for themselves. Your neighbor, your school teacher and there is long list of such persons. Well it was ok to be in confusion till you are a kid and you having no idea what is right for you. But when you grow up whatever decisions of your parents, teachers, friends or anyone else you agreed to it was your choice. You chose to accept those decisions. So after all those decisions if you are still not happy then take some time for yourself to find out what exactly you want. Forget everything for a moment just be yourself and discover the real you. Believe me once you discover yourself, every path you choose will be towards happiness that you have always dreamed about.

Here are 20 ideas to get you started. Choose the ones that work for you.

1. Practice mindfulness. Be in the moment. Instead of worrying about your checkup tomorrow while you have dinner with your family, focus on the here and now — the food, the company, the conversation.

2. Laugh out loud. Just anticipating a happy, funny event can raise levels of endorphins and other pleasure-inducing hormones and lower production of stress hormones.

3. Go to sleep. We have become a nation of sleep-deprived citizens. Taking a daily nap or getting into bed at 8 p.m. one night with a good book — and turning the light out an hour later — can do more for your mood and outlook on life than any number of bubble baths or massages.

4. Hum along. Music soothes more than the savage beast. Studies find music activates parts of the brain that produce happiness — the same parts activated by food or sex. It’s also relaxing. In one study older adults who listened to their choice of music during outpatient eye surgery had significantly lower heart rates, blood pressure, and cardiac workload (that is, their heart didn’t have to work as hard) as those who had silent surgery.

5. Declutter. It’s nearly impossible to meditate, breathe deeply, or simply relax when every surface is covered with papers and bills and magazines, your cabinets bulge, and you haven’t balanced your checkbook in six months. Plus, the repetitive nature of certain cleaning tasks — such as sweeping, wiping, and scrubbing — can be meditative in and of itself if you focus on what you’re doing.

6. Just say no. Eliminate activities that aren’t necessary and that you don’t enjoy. If there are enough people already to handle the church bazaar and you’re feeling stressed by the thought of running the committee for yet another year, step down and let someone else handle things.

7. Make a list. There’s nothing like writing down your tasks to help you organize your thoughts and calm your anxiety. Checking off each item provides a great sense of fulfillment.

8. Do one thing at a time. Studies have found that people who multitask are more likely to have high blood pressure. Take that finding to heart. Instead of talking on the phone while you fold laundry or clean the kitchen, sit down in a comfortable chair and turn your entire attention over to the conversation. Instead of checking e-mail as you work on other projects, turn off your e-mail function until you finish the report you’re writing. This is similar to the concept of mindfulness.

9. Garden. Not only will the fresh air and exercise provide their own stress reduction and feeling of well-being, but the sense of accomplishment that comes from clearing a weedy patch, watching seeds turn into flowers, or pruning out dead wood will last for hours, if not days.Walk on the grass on bare foot, its a great stress reliever.

10. Tune out the news. For one week go without reading the newspaper, watching the news, or scanning the headlines online. Instead, take a vacation from the misery we’re exposed to every day via the media and use that time for a walk, a meditation session, or to write in your journal.

11. Take a dog for a walk. There are numerous studies that attest to the stress-relieving benefits of pets. In one analysis researchers evaluated the heart health of number of couples, half of whom owned a pet. Those couples with pets had significantly lower heart rates and blood pressure levels when exposed to stress than the couples who did not have pets. In fact, the pets worked even better at buffering stress than the spouses did.

12. Scent the air. Research finds that the benefits of aromatherapy in relieving stress are real. In one study people exposed to rosemary had lower anxiety levels, increased alertness, and performed math computations faster. Adults exposed to lavender showed an increase in the type of brain waves that suggest increased relaxation. Today you have a variety of room-scenting methods, from plug-in air fresheners to essential oil diffusers, potpourri, and scented candles.

13. Ignore the stock market. Simply getting your quarterly statement can be enough to send your blood pressure skyrocketing. In fact, researchers found a direct link between the daily performance of the stock market and the mental health of those who closely followed it. Astute investors know that time heals most financial wounds, so give your investments time — and give yourself a break.

14. Visit a quiet place. Libraries, museums, gardens, and places of worship provide islands of peace and calm in today’s frantic world. Find a quiet place near your house and make it your secret getaway.

15. Volunteer. Helping others enables you to put your own problems into perspective and also provides social interaction. While happy people are more likely to help others, helping others increases your happiness. One study found that volunteer work enhanced all six aspects of well-being: happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of control over life, physical health, and depression.

16. Spend time alone. Although relationships are one of the best antidotes to stress, sometimes you need time alone to recharge and reflect. Take yourself out to lunch or to a movie, or simply spend an afternoon reading, browsing in a bookstore, or antiquing.

17. Walk mindfully. You probably already know that exercise is better than tranquilizers for relieving anxiety and stress. But what you do with your mind while you’re walking can make your walk even more beneficial. In a study researchers divided 135 people into five groups of walkers for 16 weeks. Group one walked briskly, group two at a slow pace, and group three at a slow pace while practicing “mindfulness,” a mental technique to bring about the relaxation response, a physiological response in which the heart rate slows and blood pressure drops. This group was asked to pay attention to their footsteps, counting one, two, one, two, and to visualize the numbers in their mind. Group four practiced a form of tai chi, and group five served as the control, changing nothing about their lives. The group practicing mindfulness showed significant declines in anxiety and had fewer negative and more positive feelings about themselves. Overall they experienced the same stress-reducing effects of the brisk walkers. Better yet, the effects were evident immediately.

18. Give priority to close relationships. One study of more than 1,300 men and women of various ages found that those who had a lot of supportive friends were much more likely to have healthier blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar metabolism, and stress hormone levels than those with two or fewer close friends. Women, and to a lesser extent men, also seemed to benefit from good relationships with their parents and spouses. Studies also find that people who feel lonely, depressed, and isolated are three to five times more likely to get sick and die prematurely than those who have feelings of love, connection, and community.

19. Take care of the soul. In study after study, actively religious people are happier and cope better with crises. For many people faith provides a support community, a sense of life’s meaning, feelings of ultimate acceptance, a reason to focus beyond yourself, and a timeless perspective on life’s woes. Even if you’re not religious, a strong spirituality may offer similar benefits.

20. Count your blessings. People who pause each day to reflect on some positive aspect of their lives (their health, friends, family, freedom, education, etc.) experience a heightened sense of well-being.

Warning: If you are constantly unhappy or depressed, seek professional help.

Good Luck and be happy.

About GM Diet Plan

General Motors Diet plan has been developed to help you cleanse your body and as a side effect, lose
some weight too. There are reasons why GM diet plan works. Just have a look at it.

GM Diet Day One

You are preparing your system for the upcoming program. Your only source of nutrition is fresh
or canned fruits. Fruits are nature’s perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to
sustain life except total balance and variety.

GM Diet Day Two

Start with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning
for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and
provide essential nutrients and fiber.

GM Diet Day Three

Eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now
prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day
four.

GM Diet Day Four

Bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You’re in for a surprise. You
probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the
sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You
will be surprised how easy this day will go.

GM Diet Day Five

Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fiber.
Lots and lots of water purify your system. You should notice colorless urine today. Your allowance calls
for the equivalent of five “quarter ponders”. Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six
tomatoes.

GM Diet Day Six

It is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fiber from vegetables. By now
your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you
look today, compared to day one.

GM Diet Day Seven

Finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much
healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you
just gave it.

I hope this info will give you more insight to GM Diet Plan, All the best !!!

Everybody has many questions when they read about GM Diet Plan. I am just consolidating the additional pointers about GM Diet which will help you to understand do’s and don’ts of GM Diet Plan.

GM Diet Plan additional pointers

• This is not a diet to follow for life. This is more of a cleansing diet, to be done once in a while. You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to
  eat.
• You may substitute vegetables in the wonder soup according to your taste. You may add any
  vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay
  away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories
  even though they are very good for you.
• Vegetables may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine
  vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs.
• No more than one tea spoon of oil in a day during GM Diet Program.

Beverages you may consume while on GM Diet program are as follows:

•  
  • Water (flavored with lemon/lime if desired).
  • Club Soda is OK.
  • Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
  • Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
  • Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of Day Seven. No fruit juices before day seven.
• If you are underweight or right weight, you might not lose any weight. But even for others, the
  weight loss depends on the body composition. Generally, physical exercises are the most ideal
  for keeping your weight under check. Such diets act as catalysts to lose weight. Exercises form
  the core matter.
• Although rigorous exercise is not advisable while on GM diet (as you will not be getting enough
  energy through carbohydrates), you are advised to go for 20-30 minutes’ walk daily.
• Ideally you should not add salt to soup/vegetables/fruits. But if you cannot live without it, add in
  very limited quantities.
• If you are suffering from some disease and planning to go on GM diet then it is good to consult
  your doctor first, unless you really know what you are doing.

• If you are pregnant then please do NOT follow GM diet plan.

All the best for GM Diet Plan.

I had been looking for weight loss diet plan and also for a full body cleanse. When I was looking for these, I found out a very good diet plan which can serve both these purposes – weight loss as well as body cleanse. I just thought of writing a post on the same.

The following diet and health program was developed for employees and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is intended for their exclusive use. This program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1995. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management’s intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone.

This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.

The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burns more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.

This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.

During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol.
You must drink 10 glasses of water each day.

Day One All fruits except bananas. Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.

Day Two All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.

Day Three A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.

Day Four Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. You can also have one bowl of vegetables soup.

Day Five Today is feast day (specifically for non-vegeterian who will go for option of beef ).

Non-vegeterians will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes.

In Vegetarian Variant of this diet, you will eat 1 (one) cup of rice. You also have to eat 6 (six) whole tomatoes (raw or cooked).

On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. Or 12 talk glasses This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.

Day Six Beef or Rice and vegetables.

Today non-vegeterians may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your heart’s content.

For Vegetarians, Today is another all vegetables day. You must eat 1 cup of rice today and eat all the vegetables you want cooked and uncooked to your heart’s content.

Day Seven Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.

Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. Repeat the program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you rest for three days before every repetition.

You have your system under control now and it will thank you for all the purging and cleansing you just gave it. Even more than a diet program it is good to follow this diet once in a while to clean your digestive system and remove toxic substances that have a accumulated in the system.

G.M.’s Wonder Soup

The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.

• 23 oz water

• 06 large onions

• 02 green peppers

• 03 whole tomatoes

• 1 cabbage

• 1 bunch celery

• Add herbs and seasoning as desired.

This program is highly recommended for women and men above 40 for whom excess weight is especially dangerous. Excess weight for women aggravates arthritis problems and leads to rapid joint decay. Pain and joint deterioration can be lessened by weight loss as weight loss removes the stress on the knee joint. Excess weight is the most critical factor in keeping good health and excess weight is responsible for the most problems including coronary diseases, heart problems, arthritis and cancer among other serious life threatening diseases. Most serious health problems can be avoided by the single function of maintaining an ideal weight. Daily mild exercise of 20 minutes is also essential. Do not tire yourself out, but being regular in your exercise and maintaining an ideal weight goes a long way in ensuring a happy, healthy and long life.