5 Natural Ways To Fight Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom among Lyme patients… and I’ve had my fair share of it.
And when I say fatigue, I don’t mean just tired. I mean waves of soul-sucking fatigue would overtake me with no warning. My limbs would turn to lead, and my mind would turn to mush, making tasks or conversations impossible to complete.
These symptoms went undiagnosed for four years, and the fatigue and other symptoms progressed to the point where I was housebound and mostly bedridden for over a year.
Luckily, with Lyme treatment, lots of immune and detoxification support these waves of fatigue take me down much less often nowadays. And when it does show up, these are my go-to methods to get through it.
Make sure to scroll all the way down for a short practice with me, and let me know how it works for you in the comments!
Cold water
A simple yet powerful way to fight fatigue is to simply turn your tap to cold! The science behind cold water therapy is astonishing. Just 1 to 2 minutes of cold water plunge or shower can increase energy, flush the lymph system, constrict the circulatory system, burn fat, stimulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation. Daily cold showers may also combat depression.
After learning the benefits, I knew I had to give it a try! As someone who hated the cold, I didn’t think I could keep it up, but to my surprise, I became hooked. Now, I’ve been taking cold showers daily for over two years. This practice lifts my fatigue, brain fog, and chronic pain, it has changed my life and I don’t think I will ever stop!
If you decide to try it, read up on the benefits, it will help motivate you to get started. Once you’re ready I recommend starting with a normal warm shower, then step away from the stream of water and turn to cold. Slowly exhale as you dip one body part into the cold water at a time. Making sure to control the breath and stay relaxed. Get out of the shower before you feel cold. Aim to end your warm showers with 15 to 30 seconds of cold water at first, and incrementally work your way to 1 minute or more slowly over time.
For midday pick-me-ups try splashing the face and back of the neck with cold water and take some full deep breaths.
Breathwork
20% of the oxygen we breathe goes to the brain. Hunched over our computers and phones, most adults are taking short shallow breaths throughout the day using only a small percentage of our lung capacity. This can cause serious fatigue, headaches, irritability, digestive issues, neck and shoulder tension, and a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
When I’m feeling mentally and physically fatigued a few minutes of breathwork can shift everything!
One simple practice is to place one hand on the belly and one hand on the chest. With the eyes closed focus on breathing in and out of the nose. Directing the breath into the belly for the count of five, then into the upper chest for the count of five, then exhale strongly through the nose for a count of 10. Repeat this breathing pattern for 5 to 10 minutes for rejuvenating effects.
Aromatherapy
Inhaling the aroma of essential oils can promote clear open airways to increase the supply of oxygen to the cells, and the brain. I often turn to invigorating essential oils to fight fatigue and help with memory retention with the methods described below.
Diffuser: Fill the room with therapeutic aroma. Follow your diffuser’s instructions to fill with water and add 5 to 10 drops of essential oils.
Spray: Create an aromatic spray with a 4 oz glass spray bottle, distilled water, 30 to 50 drops of essential oils.Shake well before each spray.
Hand diffuser: Add one drop of carrier oil, and one drop of your favorite essential oil to the palms of your hands, and rub together. Cup hands over the nose, and mouth, being careful to avoid the eyes. Inhale the aroma, breathing in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Repeat for 1 to 3 minutes.
A few of my favorite energizing essential oils include: peppermint, rosemary, basil, wild orange, eucalyptus, lemongrass, cinnamon, Siberian fir, and doTERRA’s On Guard blend.
Light Therapy
Light therapy has been shown to improve mood, energy, and sleep. I have noticed a big difference in my energy levels, and sleep quality since learning about the influence light has on our cells.
Exposure to light early in the morning and in the afternoons can support the circadian rhythm functions of the cells. Simply turning on my Happy Light for around 15 minutes each morning has been extremely beneficial for my morning energy levels, mood, and focus. And when I’m more functional during the day I can sleep better that night!
I sit in front of the Happy Light each morning while I journal. During the winter months, I also turn it on for about 15 minutes in the afternoon.
Reducing screen time and wearing blue-light blocking glasses each evening has also transformed my sleep and energy levels! During evening hours the blue-light from the computer, phone, and TV screens can cause eyestrain, headaches, and actually confuse our brain into thinking it's daytime.
If you struggle to get to sleep and stay asleep, or you’re not feeling rested when you wake up try my favorite sleep tips and some blue-light blocking glasses at night.
Thymus Tap
The thymus gland is located in the upper chest between the lungs and sternum. It lays directly in line with the heart chakra. To locate it place your fingers in the notch between the collarbones, then slide your fingers down one to two inches to a slight bump and there you’ve found it! This butterfly-shaped organ is responsible for creating the hormone thymosin. Thymosin stimulates the development of natural killer T cells. The thymus gland is most active throughout childhood and is crucial in the development of the immune system.
Thymus tapping is believed to stimulate the thymus, boost energy, stimulate the immune system, and release energy blocks between the mind and body. This simple practice is very powerful when combined with deep breathing and positive affirmations.
I love to practice thymus tapping along with the affirmations often used with emotional freedom tapping technique (EFT). Below are a few of my go-to affirmations when I’m feeling fatigued. It may feel a little silly at first but give it a try while taking deep slow breaths and gently tap the thymus gland for 30 seconds while saying aloud or to yourself:
Even though I feel fatigued, I still love and accept myself
Even though I feel fatigued (and frustrated), I choose to let that go
Even though I feel fatigued, I know I am strong
Even though I feel fatigued, I choose to acknowledge my strength
Even though I feel fatigued, I know I am resilient
Even though I feel fatigued, I know I am pure energy
Even though I feel fatigued, I still love and accept myself
Join me for a guided practice using these methods starting around the 20-minute mark >>
I hope you found this information helpful! For more information on Lyme disease, prevention, and holistic treatment options check out my new book, The Lyme Ease Survival Guidebook designed to separate the facts from fiction to educate and empower Lyme patients.
