If you're always feeling tired and lethargic, it's important to see your physician to rule out any serious underlying cause such as cancer or a hormonal imbalance. If your tiredness is not found to be caused by a serious underlying issue, there are a few things you can try to manage it naturally.
Adopt an exercise routine.
Hitting the gym might be the last thing you feel like doing, but if you can force yourself to get out there, you'll likely feel a whole lot more energetic when you're done. Studies have shown that exercise is even more effective than stimulants at improving energy levels. Exercising causes your body to release endorphins, which are natural hormones that make you feel good and improve your alertness. It also stimulates blood flow to the brain, which helps make you feel more alert and interested.
You don't have to sign up for a marathon or hike up Mount Everest to gain the energizing benefits of exercise. Just commit yourself to spend 20 minutes walking, jogging, dancing, biking, doing yoga, or lifting light weights each day. As your energy levels start to climb, you'll likely want to work out even more.
Try aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is the use of scents to improve physical or mental well-being. There are a number of scents that will almost instantly make you feel more energetic. Peppermint is a good one to try. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your bath water, or light a peppermint-scented candle. You'll likely feel refreshed and invigorated.
Citrus scents are also quite energizing. Placing a few drops of orange oil in a diffuser will allow the scent to permeate the room, helping you feel more energetic for hours. You could also try giving yourself a temple massage with a 50/50 mixture of orange oil and olive oil when you're feeling particularly sluggish. Just use your forefingers to rub the mixture into your temples, using a circular motion.
Practice better sleep hygiene.
If you're feeling tired all the time, there's a good chance you're not sleeping well. Even if you're spending 8 hours in bed each night, you won't wake up well rested if you're not getting good quality sleep. Try these methods to improve the quality of your sleep and improve your energy levels:
- Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime
- Stay away from caffeine in the afternoon
- Go to bed at the same time each night
- Only sleep in your bed -- don't watch television or play on your phone
- Shut the shades and turn off the lights so you can sleep in a dark environment
By getting more exercise, using aromatherapy, and improving your sleep hygiene, you can improve your energy levels and feel more like yourself again.
