Stop Chronic Fatigue

Posts Tagged ‘Fatigue’

I have all the symptoms for CFS and fibromyalgia. All my blood work comes up clean. Since I am a teenage girl, my doctors are trying to push depression although i don’t present the mental symptoms. My parents beleive it is more like CFS or fibromyalgia. How can i differentiate and get the correct diagnosis?

About 20% of adults experience excessive fatigue that impairs their ability to function well at work and at home. Some are able to bounce back after taking a short respite from work or by taking some medication.  But there is a significant number of people whose stressful experiences last longer that usual.  Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects at least 800,000 people in the United States. This disabling fatigue usually persists for as long as six months or even longer. The eight common CFS symptoms include muscle pain, joint pain, memory gaps or loss of concentration, sleeplessness, headaches, sore throat, and unusual fatigue after exercise.

Many people deal with fatigue and everyday stress by taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamins and minerals are necessary to maintain the many biological processes that take place inside our bodies. Mental alertness, proper digestion, and resistance to bacterial and viral infections are dependent on the proper working of internal organs which are, in turn, dependent on nutrients that come from the food and beverages we consume. 

Our bodies need carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to speed up chemical reactions and allow our internal organs to function.  Like a machine, nutrients from food serve as fuel.  These nutrients are the very foundations of good health. However, due to our polluted environment and the toxins found in the food we eat, sickness and muscle fatigue can no longer be totally eradicated.  All human beings eventually get sick and require medical treatment as well as supplements during the recuperation stage.

In this day and age, it has become necessary to supplement our daily meals with vitamins, minerals, and even herbal preparations in order to have optimum health and nutrition.  These are only some of the vitamins and minerals that should be consumed daily in order to sustain health:

l Vitamin E – This vitamin can be found in plain yogurt, rice milk, calcium-fortified soy, kale, nonfat milk, cheddar cheese, turnip greens, cottage cheese and spinach. Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant that helps prevent cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.  It also promotes good skin complexion; enhances sexual performance; and helps alleviate fatigue.

l Vitamin A – This vitamin helps prevent cancer, heart disease, and eye problems. It also helps  repair skin cells and promotes the formation of bones and teeth. It plays a big part in the functioning of the entire immune system. This vitamin can be found in cheddar cheese, steamed or raw carrots, fortified skimmed milk, cantaloupe, spinach, mangoes, and peaches.

l Vitamin K -  This vitamin is vital in bone mineralization, cellular growth, and the prevention of  hardening of the arteries. This can be found in broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, beef and sprouts.

l Vitamin D -  This vitamin is needed to absorb calcium and phosphorus, which, in turn, are needed for the normal development of the bones and teeth. Getting enough of this particular vitamin helps protect women against osteoporosis. Vitamin D-rich foods include salmon and fortified milk.  Sunlight is also a good source of Vitamin D.

l MAGNESIUM – This mineral is needed for protein and bone formation. Magnesium gives us  energy and helps prevent muscle spasms. Dark green and leafy vegetables such as spinach, grains,legumes and black-eyed peas are rich sources of magnesium.

l CALCIUM – This mineral is vital for proper bone and teeth development.

l POTASSIUM – It is a mineral that maintains fluid balance, sends nerve impulses, and releases energy. You can get this from potatoes, fish, yogurt, carrot juice, dried potatoes, citrus juices, and bananas.

There are other nutrients that should be included as part of our daily food intake.  Vitamin C, iodine, dietary fiber must be consumed every day. Filling these nutritional gaps is easy if you practice good eating habits and eat the right types of food.  Indeed, taking multivitamins will go a long, long way in boosting your energy levels and over-all health.

One of the most difficult challenges of menopause is dealing with the ups and downs. Most women suffering from menopause want to maintain a balance. Some woman with menopause deal with the annoyance of menopause fatigue due to past life styles that have worn their bodies down. At this point their bodies are screaming out to be rejuvenated and they want a good rest.

Some women with menopause say that stress helps them to preform at their best. Even if this is true, putting large amounts of stress on your body during menopause is not always a good idea. Menopause is not a very easily controlled problem so dealing with it can be a very hard task. But this does not mean that you should completely limit your daily activities.

High stress can cause this fatigue to set in which leaves you tired and uninterested in daily activities. But if you can limit how much stress you put on your body then you can beat the complications of menopause. Just because you have menopause doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get out and have fun or treat yourself to a great day.

Don’t feel down because some activities can help reduce the fatigue you may feel with menopause. Getting out and spending the day at a day spa is an excellent idea. Relaxing is a great idea for woman who suffer from menopause because it gives them the chance to let their body rest from the stress of daily life.

To greatly reduce the chances of menopause fatigue try to refrain from doing too much; invite a friend over for lunch instead of going out. Spending time with others and or treating yourself seems to reduce stress and ease the body of any fatigue. So dont let menopause get you down enjoy your life and don’t let menopause stand in your way.

You can fight back against it, take your life back and enjoy doing it. Isn’t it about time you do something for yourself? Reduce your chances of fatigue Relax and enjoy yourself today and have fun doing it. Rejuvenate your body and you might just feel better. You don’t have to suffer from menopause you have the power to reduce the annoying symptoms of menopause and take your life back. Enjoy those same daily activities without the hassle of menopause fatigue.

Enjoy the beauties of the world without the fatigue because the world is out there and its time to experience the wonders of life without fatigue. So enjoy and rejuvenate your body and remember to be good to yourself because it’s about time. Don’t you deserve it? Absolutely! You deserve to relax.

Today, life is more stressful than ever and more people are looking for natural help and Rhodiola provides a massive amount of health benefits to help us cope with stress and much more.

Add in its other benefits as an anti aging cure and its ability to boost the immune system and it’s no wonder it’s becoming so popular – Let’s look at it in more detail

Background

Known as the “golden root” in Russia where it has long been used to treat depression, stress and fatigue, Rhodolia is now gaining a worldwide following and it popularity continues to grow as our lives get more stressful.

Medical research and benefits

Research also indicates that it may help depression, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome and is also used for anti aging.

Why does it make you feel better?

Rhodiola rosea’s effects are probably due to its ability to optimize chemical balance in the neuron-transmitters of the brain namely serotonin and dopamine.

It also is able to its influence on opioid peptides such as the beta-endorphins

In one study, 76% saw a reduction in depressive symptoms and 50% percent felt their depressive symptoms had been cured.

In another study

In one double blind study, the Rhodiola group decreased proof reading errors by 88% while the other group increased proofreading errors by 84%

1. Boosts the immune system

Rhodiola rosea strengthens the immune system by reducing the effect of stress, which is known to weaken the body’s ability to defend against illness.

2. Acts as an anti aging supplement

Rhodiola boosts immune system function, rhodiola also helps the body fight conditions linked to free-radical damage, such as heart disease and mental deterioration.

3. Heart Protection

By decreasing the release of catecholamines and corticosteroids triggered during the stress response, it can help prevent cardiac damage.

Rhodiola’s support of the adrenal glands helps normalize blood sugar, potassium levels and blood pressure reducing further the risk of heart disease.

Helping you cope with modern living

Stress is the disease of the 21st century and it can very often lead to depression – both are killers and Rhodiola can help you fight back feel more alert and improve your mental wellbeing and that’s not all its benefits.

Its natural and can help you feel your best learn what the Russian’s and Vikings have known for thousands of years Rhodiola does you good.

Welcome to modern life. Doctors agree that our hectic pace-the endless meetings, rushing home to care for the children, and staying up a little too late at night-is taking its toll. People are feeling more tired than ever before, and there doesn’t seem to be any relief in sight.

You can’t turn the clock back to a simpler time, of course. But there are ways you can boost your energy and restore your enjoyment of life. Here’s what experts recommend.

Make sure the well doesn’t run dry. When you’re busy all day it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. When you don’t get enough fluids, cells throughout your body, including in the brain, begin to run dry, which can sap your energy. Don’t wait until you’re feeling thirsty, because our body’s “thirst-sensor” doesn’t always work efficiently. Doctors say to drink at least eight glasses a day.

Incidentally, don’t count coffee or cola toward your daily total. These drinks contain caffeine, which is a diuretic-meaning it removes more fluids from your body than it puts in. If you do drink coffee or other beverages with caffeine, you need to drink even more water to keep yourself hydrated.

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                                                  WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR

                         While fatigue is often caused by nothing worse than a lack of sleep, it  

                         can also be a sign of other, underlying problems, including diabetes,                           

                         anemia, hormonal imbalances, or even chronic fatigue syndrome. If  

                         you’re tired all the time and it seems to be getting worse, you need to  

                         get a checkup. Your doctor will probably do a variety of tests,  

                         including blood tests, to figure out what’s going on and what you need  

                         to do.

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See the light. When winter arrives and days get shorter, many people start feeling tired and fatigued. Studies have shown, however, that you can give your energy a boost by getting more sunlight. Even if you only get outside for an hour or two a day, the extra light may help put extra zip in your mood.

Shake things up. Sometimes it seems like every day is the same. We go to work, go home, cook dinner, go to bed. It’s no wonder that we sometimes feel a little tired and unmotivated. Doctors agree that one of  the best things you can do to fight fatigue is to put more variety into your life. Going for walks, taking adult education classes, or simply reading some new books will help you feel more motivated and energized by life.

Add some color to your life. Studies have shown that people who spend their time in dark houses with dull, muted colors tend to have less energy than those who are surrounded by visual “zip” – bright reds, soothing greens, or vibrant yellows. Even if you don’t feel like painting your house, it’s good idea to liven up your surroundings.

Eat for energy. Many people have been known to make themselves feel stronger and more energetic simply by eating a better diet. Unlike foods that are high in fat, Which are hard to digest and tend to sap your energy, fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates can help you feel more energized.

Bank the big meals. If you work in an office you know that the lowest-energy time of day is right after lunch, when just about everyone is nodding off. This is due in part to the body’s natural need for rest. But studies have shown that people who eat four or five small meals a day tend to have more energy than those who eat two or three big meals. Try to eat a good-sized breakfast, one or two healthful snacks during the day (but not a big lunch), and a good meal at supper. Eating frequent smaller meals helps keep your metabolism burning steadily, rather than working hard all at once. And eating regularly helps keep blood-sugar levels steady, which can be very powerful in fighting fatigue.

Get as much exercise as you can. Even when your energy is so low you don’t want to lace your tennis shoes, it’s worth making yourself stay active. Exercise helps burn off your stress and frustration, while at the same time increases the amount of energizing chemicals in your body. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly report feeling more ambitious, optimistic, and energetic.

Put relaxation on your calendar. Relieving stress is a skill that should be taught in school. Most of us have difficulty making time for rest and relaxation – and we pay for it in lost energy. One of the best ways to recharge your batteries is to put aside a little time each day to do something you truly enjoy – playing with your dog, shopping, or even getting a message. Taking a break from life’s stresses gives your body and mind time to recover, this will help you feel stronger the rest of the time.

Get to bed earlier. It’s obvious advice, but a lot of us walk around like zombies simply because we try to squeeze too much out of each day. Going to bed an hour or two earlier on a regular basis will help ensure that you get the sleep you need – the sleep you’re probably net getting enough of now.

Is it the middle of the morning or afternoon, and you can barely think of anything else but catching a little more shut eye? Even simple projects or tasks can sometimes seem incredibly hard to manage. You may even have to work to summon up enough energy to stay alert for your drive home from work.
Anyone can be tired for a number of reasons, but the most common one is not getting enough sleep. But, if you are getting enough sleep, then why are you having these daytime slumps half way through your morning or afternoon?
For many people, diets play a pivotal role in experiencing daytime drowsiness. Skipping meals or eating the wrong types of food and beverages can contribute to mid-morning and mid-afternoon fatigue sessions. Make time for the most important meal of the day, by eating breakfast. If you want to avoid a mid-morning slump, eat a higher amount of protein foods with complex carbohydrates, and less highly refined carbohydrates. Maybe you are tired of eggs, then try high protein food sources like peanut butter, cottage cheese, other cheeses, or lean turkey with your toast. Complex carbohydrates to include are fresh raw fruits and whole grains.
Lunch as well, should contain more protein rich foods with a few complex carbohydrates for long lasting energy, and less highly refined carbohydrates. If you choose to eat only a skimpy salad, or refined carbohydrates, you will then be left feeling short changed in the energy department later in the afternoon. The same effects also hold true when eating too heavily, or eating too much of a highly refined carbohydrate lunch. You will begin to feel sluggish soon afterward because, heavy meals will draw more blood from the brain to the digestive organs to help digest a heavy meal. Highly refined foods are also harder for your body to digest (this may take days for your body to accomplish) and takes energy away from your brain. Also, experiment with eating smaller amounts of food more often, instead of eating heavier fewer times in the day, and avoid refined sugars, grains, and sugary beverages. The short lived and nutritionally empty energizing effects of eating these will bring on the yawns much quicker.
At one time in ancient history (the past 40 years) a low-fat diet was considered a smart and healthy path to take, and was advised by many medical health experts. Today, many still believe and follow this unproductive diet strategy. Unfortunately, following this fat-free diet strategy will also leave you feeling tired and exhausted. Ironically, the reverse is actually true. Omega-3 essential fatty acids, along with saturated fats, are very much needed by the body, and used for a more concentrated form of energy. The newer diet fat strategy idea is to consume way less omega-6 fatty acids oils (polyunsaturated), which are found in vegetable and seed oils, and is abundant in processed junk foods.
Healthy diet fat oils, such as saturated, monounsatureated (olive oil), and omega-3’s (fish oil) are essential building materials for cell membranes, hormones, and act as carriers for the fat soluble vitamins A,D,E, and K. Fats also help improve mineral absorption. Saturated fats were once and long thought to be heart damaging but, this fat has recently been vindicated from its villain status. Coconut oil is a saturated fat and has been shown in published research studies to boost metabolic energy, thus enhancing mental and physical performance. Coconut oil has also proven to positively improve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Consider trying a short vigorous 20 to 30 minute exercise stint (walking is good) during your lunch hour, in being able to help you fight daytime lethargy. A quick and brisk walk improves cardiovascular blood flow, physical and mental performance, breathing capacity, and helps promote healthy sleep. Only get 30 minutes for lunch, don’t despair, use other opportunities through out your day to get some physical exertion. Use stairs instead of elevators, walk instead of driving, and break up long periods of sitting or standing with some sort of stretching or walking exercise.
If diet and exercise, together, are not quite enough to keep you as alert as you would like to be in the afternoon, here are some herbal options to consider. Adaptogenic herbs are safe, can be taken long term, and with very few (if any) side effects. Herbs in this class are ginseng (all varieties), rhodiola, and schisandra. Research data suggests the saponins called ‘ginsenosides’ in ginseng is the substance that may help strengthen the mind and immune system.
A quick mid-afternoon pick-me-up green drink made with ’spirulina’ mixed with tomato juice is a tasty treat, as well as a herbal flavored green tea, iced or hot.
The Japanese are leaders in the intriguing, yet very invigorating power of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has been shown to perk up an individual’s arousal and alertness, and helps reduce stress. Use chemical free and natural forms of scent like essential oils, Rosemary is especially good at fighting fatigue. There are many different scents to choose from. Put a few drops on a tissue or cotton ball. Place in a small plastic baggy or jar, inhale as needed. Infuse a few drops of Rosemary in a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil, massage on sore, aching, or tired muscles
Now, let us go back to diet tips. There is no denying that a small amount of caffeine can help fight fatigue but, excessive and daily overuse of this drug can leave you feeling anxious, nervous, irritated, and reduce the efficiency of physical and mental performance. Caffeine can also (in many individuals) compromise regular, restful sleep. Some of you know who you are, and some of you may not. A word of caution, use caffeine sparingly until you know how it affects you and your sleep patterns. Many people do not take the effects of caffeine seriously enough, using it willy-nilly, as if it is not much of a threat.
If daytime fatigue has eluded all of the tactics mentioned above, then it may be time to take a look at your hydration levels. Dehydration is a common, rampant problem around the world, and especially prevalent in modern industrialized cultures. It is estimated that approximately three-quarters of the human population is seriously and chronically dehydrated. Dehydration contributes to daytime fatigue by reducing blood flow to the brain and other vital organs through out the body by slowing them down.
To prevent this problem, everyone should be responsible enough in making the small effort to better keep themselves properly hydrated with water. This is easier to do than than eating better food, and will help flush toxins out of you. Water is the nutrient carrying solvent the body prefers above any other. Water is energizing enough, in itself, to greatly help you avoid daytime sluggishness.
How much should you be drinking in water? That depends on your body weight. You should be drinking your body weight, divided in half, in ounces every day. After about 2 quarts of water consumption, add about a half a teaspoon of unrefined salt to the mixture.
Considering how much water is needed to replace what you are loosing constantly every day, in breathing, sweating, urinating, you get a better understanding of why it is so important to replenish it. And, understand this important factoid, the brain is made up of about 80% water, 20% fat. Depriving the brain of the energizing substance it is mostly comprised of, is an energy deprived brain.

Brighten your morning.

Wake up at the same time, and bathe yourself in sunlight. It enables your circadian rhythms, which are governed by your body’s “master clock” in the hypothalamus gland, to stay in sync with the 24-hour day. In the absence of light, your body’s sleep-wake cycle wants to delay by an average of twelve minutes every day and work on a 24.2-hour rhythm. Experts don’t understand why, but think it may relate to the sun’s seasonal shifts. That means your body wants to keep pushing your bedtime to later, but if you let that happen and still have to get up at the same time every day, you’re going to be tired.

People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often endure months of persistent fatigue, muscle pain, and impaired memory and concentration. Understanding the physiological changes that accompany CFS, however, has been difficult, but a new study accepted for publication in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) reveals that abnormally low morning concentrations of the hormone cortisol may be correlated with more severe fatigue in CFS patients, especially in women.

Fatigue and morning sickness

So after a month of experiencing fatigue and just total loss of exercise motivation I went to my Dr and much to my shock I’m pregnant! It is still sinking in, found out on Wednesday and while my husband and I are thrilled it’s still damn scary.Causes

There are many possible physical and psychological causes of fatigue. Some of the more common are: An allergy that leads to hay fever or asthma, Anemia (including iron deficiency anemia), Depression or grief ,Persistent pain

Home Care

Here are some tips for reducing fatigue: Get adequate, regular, and consistent amounts of sleep each night. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Exercise regularly. Learn better ways to relax. Try yoga or meditation.

Early pregnancy: Morning sickness, fatigue and other common symptoms:

Early pregnancy has its share of discomforts. Some, such as mild nausea and fatigue, are almost universal. Others, including nosebleeds and bladder infections, are less common.

Fatigue is a normal part of pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimester. This doesn’t mean you should ignore it or resign yourself to being continually exhausted. As always, fatigue is a signal from your baby that you should slow down. Take the hint: Make rest and relaxation a priority. Cut back on the nonessential activities. Make sure your spouse or partner and family members are helping out with the household chores.If possible, try to get extra sleep at night or take a nap during the day. Make sure your diet is nutritious and well balanced.

Meditate in short bursts:

Take some time out from the daily grind and spend it on meditation. Even in the span of 3 minutes, meditation can decrease the stress hormones that tense your muscles and constrict your blood vessels, and boost endorphins. Quick time-outs throughout your workday are also easier to fit into a busy schedule than a longer one at the end.

Copyright (c) 2007 Hailey Harris

There are 3 basic steps in learning how to completely rid fatigue and live a pain free, rested life again. Do you want more energy? Do you want to be able to get a good night’s sleep? Fatigue is a problem for a lot of sufferers but there are steps you can take to lead a more restful and pain free life. There is an answer to this horrible condition and it takes 3 simple steps to get rid of it.

Completely getting rid of your chronic fatigue symptoms involves 3 steps. It’s the balance of these steps that can allow you to take back your life from this horrible condition. Let’s take a look at the first. Diet and detoxification is the first thing you can do to help your body recover and put in place the environment of healing. Finding the right nutrition for your body is going to help your body heal itself. Nutrition can help rid toxins and provide each cell with the right stuff to move towards a new healthier you.

Then your body can focus on providing you energy instead of expending it on trying to rid itself of the toxins that may have built up over the years. Many people find that altering their lifestyle in the area of diet is difficult because it requires hard work. However, you, as a fatigue sufferer, know that you would much rather get your life back fatigue free than worry about a few fries you may miss. This step is critical in allowing your body to heal and expend energy in the right places. Your sleep and energy will improve.

Rejuvenation is another step that is important in the comprehensive healing program of your body. There are many areas in this category that can help. Vitamins and supplements play a part as well as and including:exercise, breathing and relaxation techniques and other beneficial tools your body needs to beat the fatigue.

Basically, when your body has a condition such as Chronic Fatigue, a lot of stress has been added to it. The rejuvenation phase helps your body to recover from this and allow it the chance to heal and prepare itself to take on new life, fatigue free!

Exercise plays a role in the rejuvenation phase and the next phase, called maintenance. Exercise can do great things, even for fatigue sufferers. Simple exercise such as yoga, swimming, walking, and other low impact exercises are very beneficial to fatigue sufferers. Always consult a physician or medical expert before engaging in an exercise program. You can also consult your physical therapist as to which exercises are best for your particular needs.

Also in the maintenance phase, continuing your diet or maintaining your healthy lifestyle is key to keeping your symptoms gone and living pain free. These steps are simple and you can do it and live symptom free. Despite your fatigue condition right now, there is an answer and these simple steps can help lead you back to the life you lived without the , fatigue, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms of chronic fatigue. These will help you become full of energy and vitality and finally get the rest you deserve.

For menopause sufferers, fatigue it is all too common. Some women report lying on the couch with their eyes closed unable to move for long periods of time. Or they experience mental fatigue that provides for feelings of indifference and an overall slumber from day to dusk that makes them unable to perform activities with maximum effort.  

Fatigue comes in many forms: loss of energy after working out, motion sickness fatigue as a result of senses mixing signals in the brain causing your ears and eyes to overwork, and more. Some women suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and others are diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

If you think you are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, see a doctor. This is a complicated syndrome and needs constant medical attention. For people who think they might have a sluggish thyroid, one suggestion is to buy a bottle of iodine tincture and place a circle of iodine on your stomach or thigh. If it disappears before 24 hours, keep applying it until your system doesn’t absorb it within that time period.

Fatigue in woman suffering from menopause is typically due to (surprise) a hormonal imbalance.  Estrogen regulates homeostasis as well as the life processes in the body that determine body shape by distributing fat, constructing vital tissues, maintaining blood flow and correct cholesterol level.

Besides lack of this female hormone, there are lots of menopause symptoms that contribute heavily to fatigue symptoms such as the inability to sleep or waking up intermittently in the night, an insufficient diet compounded by too much caffeine and alcohol, night sweats that wake you up periodically, and overall depression and stress.  

Another factor of menopausal fatigue is the lack of progesterone produced in the body.  Progesterone is the ¨happy hormone¨ that accounts for a woman’s sexual drive.  With the introduction of menopause, levels of this hormone can decrease significantly.

The magical question now is: how can you combat fatigue during menopause? Luckily, there are a variety of answers.  Introducing certain herbs into your diet can greatly boost energy levels.  Herbs like sarsaparilla and wild yam root contain plant estrogen, which is like the estrogen produced in our bodies.  In some women, hormone replacement therapy is required. Also, the use progesterone vaginal cream goes a long way to restoring sexual desire.

Exercise is reported to help with numerous menopause symptoms, fatigue being one of the major ones.  The simple act of walking and basking in the sun which is an excellent source of Vitamin D can noticeably boost energy levels.  Do you smoke? Get rid of those cigarettes right away – they have been scientifically proven to lower estrogen levels.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

As a former sufferer of hypoglycemia, adrenal fatigue and various allergic conditions I often asked myself ‘why me?’ I sometimes wish that I’d known then what I know now as it would have made it so much easier. I am here to offer you hope that you are not alone.

It is suggested that the majority of people with fatigue disorders are sensitive people. Can you recognise yourself here?

Are you easily overwhelmed by such things as bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics, or sirens nearby?

Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time?

Do you make a point of avoiding violent movies and TV shows?

Do you need to withdraw during busy days, into bed or a darkened room or some other place where you can have privacy and relief from the situation?

Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations?

Do you notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art?

Do you have a rich and complex inner life? When you were a child, did your parents or teachers see you as sensitive or shy?

Visit http://www.hsperson.com and take the full test devised by Elaine Aron. She also has some very interesting books to read.

If you recognise yourself here IT IS NOT BAD THING. It means that you are one of only 15-20% of the population, a special group. Without sensitive people the world would be a harsher place. You have the rare ability to know what people need, to be there for them, to care for people ‘ unconditionally. Your gifts are special, unique and selfless. In exchange for all your wonderful gifts you are sensitive to the harsher things in this world. You are sensitive to foreign substances and environmental pollutants. You may worry forever about things people have said and they can eat you up inside. Too many things bombarding you everyday has left you weak and unable to cope. As you develop symptoms of fatigue you don’t have the energy to carry on your special work anymore and you feel even more detached.

Rue Hass encourages you to remember your ideal qualities; these are featured on her website http://www.intuitivementoring.com

Internally deeply caring

Deeply committed to the positive and the good

On a mission to bring peace to the world

Strong personal morality

Often make extraordinary sacrifices for someone/something you believe in

If you’re suffering right now I urge to you look for what you could get out of this situation. You rediscover reading, self help books are so inspiring, getting back with nature would help a sensitive person to ground themselves again. Could you use this opportunity to retrain or somehow find a way of helping other sensitive people? You need to allow yourself time to recover and your energy can only pick up if you’ve allowed yourself some time away from the noise, people, pollutants, demands etc. You’re not odd, just because the majority of the population seem to cope. You’re not odd ‘ you’re special.

So go forward and nurture your sensitive side. It took me years to build myself back up again and I wish I had understood all about sensitive people at the time. Don’t dismiss what I’ve told you as unbelievable and impossible.

Visit the links I’ve given you and read more about other people in similar situations. It’s the best thing you could do for yourself today. You can absolutely conquer this.