Tips for Fighting Fatigue
Many people experience fatigue due to various factors, such as working long hours, having a busy schedule, or taking care of children or other loved ones who need around-the-clock care.
Fatigue is generally considered a decline in mental and/or physical performance caused by prolonged exertion, sleep loss and/or disruption of the internal clock. It can result in slower reactions, reduced ability to process information, memory lapses, absentmindedness, decreased awareness, lack of attention, underestimating risk and reduced coordination.
Fatigue can even be dangerous. According to the HSE, fatigue is implicated in 20 per cent of accidents on major roads and is said to cost the UK £115 million to £240 million per year in work accidents alone.
Avoiding this type of extreme exhaustion is important to keep yourself and those around you safe. Follow these helpful tips for fighting fatigue:
- Establish a routine. A regular routine helps establish structure and rhythm to the day so your body knows when it should be awake and when it should be asleep. This could be as simple as waking up and going to bed at the same time each day but could be even more detailed.
- Eat regular meals. A good addition to your routine is to eat regular meals and healthy snacks every three to four hours. Make sure these meals provide a healthy, balanced diet.
- Exercise often. Even a single 15-minute walk can give you a boost of energy and have a positive impact on your mental health.
- Be careful with caffeine. Caffeine might seem like the answer to fatigue, but it can actually make things worse. Try to decrease caffeine consumption and stay away from caffeinated drinks and food later in the day when it can affect your ability to fall asleep.
- Drink water. Fatigue can be a sign of dehydration. Make sure you are drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated and alert.
Fatigue may just seem like a minor inconvenience but it’s vital that you take it seriously to prevent accidents from happening.
If you're interested in getting a deeper understanding of the risks your business is exposed to, contact our risk management team in Belfast today. They are a team of local health and safety experts who can provide impartial, business-focused advice on healthy and safety for SMEs, large corporate businesses or public sector organisations.