Exhaustion

Exhaustion can be a reality in the lives of both workers and clients. I have personally experienced exhaustion from work and, over the years, have had a number of clients present in a state of total fatigue. I found it more helpful to encourage these clients to do something about catching up on rest, before addressing any other counselling issues.

The sources and impacts of exhaustion

Exhaustion/ fatigue can be related to lack of sleep, worry, over-work, metal stress, depression and over-exertion as well as medical conditions and certain medications. It can be both physical and mental.

Mental fatigue tends to come on gradually and impacts on cognitive performance and our ability to challenge negative thinking or unhelpful thoughts, but it can also decrease our physical performance.

The need for rest

It is more beneficial to take regular breaks rather than only resting after exhaustion, as this allows the body and mind to replenish energy, and sleep is not the only way to rest.

The concepts of Circadian and Ultradian rhythms have been around for some time and are based on research. Circadian rhythms occur in 24 hour cycles (of sleep and wakefulness), whilst Ultradian rhythms are cycles that occur multiple times during the day (dream cycles of sleep, and performance of tasks in 90 minute cycles). Whilst there is some debate about the length of optimum time for the   activity/ rest cycles of Ultradian rhythms, there does seem to be some evidence that if we continue to push ourselves without breaks during the day we will become stressed (and may crave endless cups of coffee, smoking or sugar laden foods).

Some of the signals that tell us that we need to take a rest to allow for break to allow for renewal include hunger, difficulty concentrating, tasks taking longer, memory loss, making errors, moodiness, feeling frustrated and irritable, weariness/ loss of energy/ sleepiness  and muscular aches and pains.

The article below from Psychology Today gives a simple overview of both Circadian and Ultradian rhythms:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200404/biorhythms-get-in-step

Fatigue fighting tips

This article from the Better Health Channel gives a good overview of fatigue, and lists a diverse range of ways to combat it. These include preventative strategies with suggestions related to diet, sleep and lifestyles. Psychological issues are also covered, and some advice is provided on coping with the mid-afternoon energy slump.

However, in working with clients, we may need to be creative in exploring ways to fight fatigue that best fit their unique situations. In particular I am thinking of mothers with babies and young children, and clients who find sleep very difficult. Similarly, we may need to be creative in finding ways to implement these suggestions in a work environment. One size does not fit all.

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fatigue_fighting_tips