London, England – A recent survey conducted by YouGov revealed that a significant portion of Brits are experiencing constant exhaustion, with one in eight individuals reporting feeling fatigued on a regular basis. Additionally, a quarter of those surveyed admitted to feeling tired most of the time, highlighting a prevalent issue in modern society.
The term ‘hyper-fatigue’, coined in a 2023 trends report by market research firm Mintel, has been used by 55 percent of people to describe their overwhelming sense of exhaustion. This phenomenon has been attributed to the bombardment of information and the various societal challenges such as the ongoing pandemic, cost of living crisis, energy crisis, geopolitical unrest, and climate crisis. These factors are collectively contributing to the fatigue felt by individuals across the country.
Fatigue, as explained by Vincent Deary, a professor of applied health psychology at Northumbria University, is a response to an excessive demand or reduced capacity, encompassing physical, emotional, and mental aspects. The distinction between fatigue and tiredness lies in the fact that tiredness typically dissipates with rest, while fatigue persists as a prolonged feeling of being overwhelmed by demands.
Taking care of oneself is crucial in combating fatigue. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, prioritizing sleep, and managing stress levels. The National Health Service (NHS) recommends reducing alcohol intake, avoiding caffeine before bedtime, and addressing issues like obesity, which can contribute to long-term fatigue by straining the heart.
When fatigue becomes a chronic and disproportionate issue, it may signal an underlying medical problem. Seeking help from a general practitioner is essential to rule out conditions such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies, kidney disease, thyroid problems, or post-Covid-19 syndrome. Specialists may be consulted to investigate conditions like myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.), commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome, which manifests as extreme tiredness, sleep disturbances, concentration issues, and post-exertional malaise.
Addressing fatigue also involves prioritizing joy and rest in one’s life. Identifying activities that bring happiness, allowing oneself to rest without guilt, and engaging in activities that recharge and rejuvenate are all critical steps in managing fatigue. By incorporating restorative practices into daily routines, individuals can better cope with the challenges of modern life and combat the pervasive issue of fatigue.