Worn out, wiped out, drained, shattered, beat, weary, tired, exhausted, fatigued, done in, finished, dog-tired, useless, pooped! Most of us living in this hectic world know what it is to feel exhausted…
With our five children between the ages of 18 and 10 we have a busy schedule, and like most parents of young children, must fetch, carry and juggle between three schools, extramurals, afternoon sports, club rugby, visits to the dentist and singing lessons. Not to mention weekend social activities! And what about those untimely pleas (just as you begin to prepare the evening meal!) for an urgent visit to the stationery and hardware shops for the strangest bits and bobs needed to complete an urgent project due tomorrow – and it’s 15 minutes before the shops close!
While my cooking skills have deteriorated to an all-time low, I can proudly (but wearily) tell you that I am an expert at making (at high speed and shortly-before-bed) a suspension bridge out of rolled-up newspaper, a warthog mask out of plaster-of-paris and a dangling mobile out of coat hanger and chewing gum! While dinner is in the making, there is homework to check and sign (now you know why the bank can no longer recognise my signature), a scolding for those children who haven’t yet had their bath, confirmation of the next day’s appointments by sms, setting the table for dinner and a much-needed, life-renewing glass of red! Finally, there’s barely enough spark left to drag myself to the lounge, flop on the couch and assume the head-nodding position!
For a few years, this endless pattern of mental and physical exhaustion pursued until I decided that, rather than changing profession, schools, city, country, job or home to alleviate our stress levels, we need to improve how well we are able to cope with and respond to the stress. Of course, we must all make sensible adjustments where possible to any known causes including disordered life-style, poor habits, lack of sleep, poor diet/nutrition, excessive mental and physical work, lack of rest and recreation, chasing the clock from morning to night, hyper-toxicity (including the use of suppressive medicines), the use of stimulants and emotional dis-ease. However, this may not be enough.
A bombardment of mental, emotional and physical stressors in the long term results in adrenal gland burnout or fatigue, and leads to chronic exhaustion, mineral imbalance, hyper-acidity, hyper-toxicity, mild anxiety or depression, reduced coping ability, poor blood sugar regulation, headaches, digestion disorders, unexplained hair loss, low libido, sleep disorders, water retention, weak memory, and many more.
Mental and physical exhaustion is no longer exclusive to high-powered executives. Today, even young schoolchildren are under enormous pressure and will benefit greatly from homeopathy. I have found that a combination of homeopathic remedies and selected herbal extract supplements can make all the difference. These include:
Homeopathic remedies for mental & physical exhaustion
Aconitum – an effective remedy for anxiety, fears
Coffea – promotes a restful sleep, especially when the mind is overactive and you just can’t switch off.
Sepia – an effective remedy for worn-out mums and women at any stage of life, restores hormonal and emotional balance.
Nux vom – known as the 21st century remedy, for those living life in the fast lane. Helps with detox, irritability and stress.
Kali Phos – one of the best brain, nerve, heart and lung remedies. Improves potassium balance which is essential for mental and/or physical exhaustion brought on by excitement, overwork or worry, brain fog, poor memory, irritability, nervousness, easily startled, hysteria, dizziness especially on standing up or looking up, light headedness, shortness of breath on exertion, anxiety or feeling of panic; disinclined to talk or go out; great despondency about business; every activity or duty seems an overwhelming task; worn out.
Nat Mur – use for a general feeling of tiredness, weakness and weariness (especially in the morning in bed) accompanied by lightheadedness; headaches and irritability/emotional tension.
Mag Phos – this remedy is excellent for general muscular weakness
Bach flower remedies for mental & physical exhaustion
Olive – for tiredness, weariness, mental and physical exhaustion, can’t face the day, doubts ability yet finds the strength to carry on.
Hornbeam – for complete exhaustion, mental fatigue, long suffering under adverse conditions, mind and body are utterly drained, everything is a huge effort, helpful in convalescence.
(available from Dischem and leading health shops)
Dietary support for exhaustion
In terms of diet, it is important to reduce your intake of salty and sugary foods, and stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol. These are very acid-forming foods and although you may find that you crave these when you are exhausted – try to keep away from them. They disorder the water balance in the body and this in turn disorders the mineral balance and makes the body acidic, which will contribute even further to your fatigue. Also, you’ve heard it countless times before, it is essential to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
Mineral support for exhaustion
The body functions optimally when the four main minerals, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium are in balance. For adults, I would suggest additional support with:
Multiforce Alkaline Powder – my favourite organic mineral supplement, which is extremely effective in improving calcium and magnesium balance. These are essential minerals for alleviating adrenal fatigue. This alkaline powder also contains potassium, an essential nutrient for the brain and nervous system. (Available from Dischem and leading health shops)
Above all, add a generous measure of love and gratitude to every aspect of your life – it’s a wonderful addiction!
“Human beings who leave behind them no great achievement, but only a sequence of small kindnesses, have not had wasted lives.” – Charlotte Gray b. 1937
