Sarah Rees Evans

Chronic Fatigue    Vitality      Serenity

Chronic Fatigue    Vitality     Serenity

Sarah Rees Evans

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Chronic Fatigue and Constipation: How to Get Unstuck (Literally and Figuratively)

July 7, 2024

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Let’s cut to the chase—burnout is the worst. It’s not just about feeling mentally fried; it can also mess with your body in ways you never imagined. We’re talking about the kind of stuck that makes you want to scream.

Yep, we’re going to talk about chronic fatigue and constipation. Trust me, this connection is real and it’s time to get you unstuck in every way possible. So, buckle up and let’s dive into how you can manage stress, beat chronic fatigue and get your digestive system back on track.


The Not-So-Obvious Link: Burnout and Constipation

You’re pushing through your to-do list, feeling like you’re carrying the weight of the world. Suddenly, you realise something’s off. You’re not just mentally constipated with ideas; your body is playing the same game.

Chronic stress can seriously mess up your digestion and constipation is often a sign that your body is waving a white flag.

Scientific Insight: According to research in the ‘Journal of Gastroenterology‘, stress impacts the gut-brain axis, causing your digestive system to slow down.

When stress hits, your body’s ‘fight or flight’ response kicks in, diverting energy away from digestion. The result? Constipation. Yep, your brain and your gut are having a miscommunication issue, and you’re the one suffering.


Real-Life Scenarios: Where Chronic Fatigue Meets Constipation

Let’s get real with some everyday scenarios where chronic fatigue and constipation might be showing up in your life:

At Work: The Desk Dilemma

  • Scenario: You’re grinding away at your desk, skipping breaks, and downing coffee to stay awake. By the end of the day, you’re bloated and haven’t had a proper bowel movement.
  • Do this: Efficient work habits that include regular breaks, mindful eating and herbal tea to support both your emotional and digestive health.

At Home: The Stress Snacking

  • Scenario: You’ve had a rough day, and you reach for comfort food—chips, cookies, anything easy. The stress and poor diet choices combine, leading to digestive discomfort and constipation.
  • Try: A nutritional path that supports your digestive health, even when you’re stressed.

In Your Personal Life: The Exercise Evader

  • Scenario: You’re too exhausted to hit the gym and skipping exercise that will help your digestion keep moving.
  • Do This: Regular, gentle exercise such as Yin Yoga, Qigong and light movement that helps keep your digestion and stress levels in check.

During Downtime: The Screen Time Trap

  • Scenario: You’re glued to your screen during downtime, be it work, TV, or scrolling through your phone. Did you know this sedentary lifestyle contributes to constipation.
  • Try this next time: Activities that promote gentle movement and relaxation to reduce both stress and digestive issues.

Take Charge: Holistic Strategies to Get Unstuck

Here’s how you can tackle stress and constipation using natural, holistic approaches:

  1. Mindful Eating:
    • Fibre-Rich Diet: Load up on fruits, vegetables and legumes. Fibre is your friend and helps keep things moving. However, too much, or the wrong type at the wrong moment can cause even more constipation.
    • Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps soften stools and supports regular bowel movements.

2. Regular Physical Activity:

  • Gentle Exercises: Activities like walking, yoga or gentle stretching can stimulate digestion and reduce stress.
  • Consistency Over Intensity: It’s better to have regular, moderate exercise than sporadic intense workouts. Find something you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.

3. Stress Management Techniques:

  • Deep Relaxed Breathing and Meditation: Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation to calm your mind and relax your body. This can improve digestion and reduce stress levels.
  • Routine Breaks: Schedule regular breaks during your workday to stand up, stretch and move around. This can help prevent the physical and mental strain that leads to burnout.

Natural Remedies:

  • Herbal Teas: Teas such as peppermint and chamomile can soothe the digestive system and reduce stress.
  • Probiotics: Foods rich in probiotics, like organic kefir, supports a healthy gut flora, aiding digestion and reducing constipation. Be mindful as for maximum benefit, it works best in combination with other holistic health changes. Not all probiotics are equal.

Quick Win: The Morning Routine Boost

Start your day with a glass of warm lemon water. It’s a simple, natural way to kickstart your digestion and hydrate your body. The vitamin C in lemon boosts your immune system and promotes digestive health, setting a positive tone for the day.

Wrap-Up: Time to Get Unstuck

Understanding the link between chronic fatigue and constipation is your first step towards reclaiming your health. By integrating these holistic strategies, you can manage stress, enhance your digestive health, and bring your body, spirit and mind back into harmony.

Remember, you deserve to live a life filled with energy, joy and vitality.

For those ready to dive deeper, I invite you to join me on a personalised journey to manage stress, overwhelm and overcome chronic fatigue. Together, we can develop a tailored roadmap to support your well-being holistically.

Stay inspired, stay empowered, and remember—each step you take towards understanding and caring for yourself is a step towards a healthier, happier future.

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