✓ Accepted Answer
If you're experiencing fatigue, it's worth getting a blood test before assuming lifestyle causes. Common deficiencies that cause tiredness include iron (especially in women), vitamin B12, vitamin D, and thyroid issues.
For vitamin D specifically: most people in the northern hemisphere are deficient, especially in winter. Symptoms include fatigue, low mood, muscle weakness, and frequent illness. A blood test will confirm. Supplements are cheap — most doctors recommend 1000-2000 IU daily as maintenance.
Iron deficiency anaemia is also very common, especially if your diet is low in red meat. You might feel exhausted, look pale, get short of breath easily, and have cold hands. Ferrous sulphate tablets are the standard treatment — take with vitamin C to improve absorption.
B12 deficiency is common in vegans and vegetarians since it's mainly in animal products. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, brain fog, tingling in hands and feet. B12 supplements or injections resolve it.
See your GP first — a simple blood test rules out or confirms these quickly.
by tyronelee
· 91 upvotes
Managing anxiety without medication starts with understanding that anxiety is a physiological response. Your nervous system is activating a threat response. The goal is to calm that response.
Controlled breathing is the fastest tool. The 4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale slowly for 8. The extended exhale activates your parasympathetic nervous system — the "rest and digest" state. Do this for 4 cycles when anxious.
Regular exercise is as effective as antidepressants for mild-moderate anxiety according to several studies. Even 30 minutes of brisk walking three times a week produces measurable improvements. Exercise burns off stress hormones and boosts GABA, a natural calming neurotransmitter.
Limit caffeine and alcohol — both worsen anxiety despite feeling like they help in the moment. Caffeine directly stimulates the stress response. Alcohol provides temporary relief but increases anxiety the next day.
If anxiety is significantly affecting your daily life, please do speak to a GP or therapist. CBT is very effective and available online.
by nadinejoseph9016