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Photo:Design elements: Getty Images. Collage: Cassie Basford.
Design elements: Getty Images. Collage: Cassie Basford.
Anemia has been part of my life since childhood when my doctor first identified it. While it has been a constant companion throughout my life, I carried the condition without experiencing significant complications until I transitioned into adulthood. Recently, I noticed it’s getting trickier to bounce out of bed in the morning, my energy has taken a nosedive and I just don’t feel as lively as I used to—is anemia playing a more significant role in my daily well-being than I previously thought?
Anemia arises when the body lacks sufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin for effective oxygen transportation. This deficiency in hemoglobin, crucial for binding and carrying oxygen to tissues and organs, can result in fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath, symptoms I find myself grappling with as I navigate daily life.
To combat these symptoms, I’ve been trying different tricks with my diet and exercise. Here are five things that are helping stabilize my energy levels.
Related:7 Sneaky Signs You Could Have Iron Deficiency
Eating More Iron
Related:7-Day Anemia Diet Plan to Help Boost Iron Levels
Taking Supplements
Related:What Is Iron & Why Do You Need It?
Limiting Caffeine Consumption
Getting Regular Exercise
You may think that if you’re feeling fatigued, jumping into regular exercise could make things worse. However, engaging in regular physical activity strengthens your body’s systems and promotes overall function. Whether it’s a morning walk, a workout class or astrength-training session, incorporating these activities has become essential in my efforts to improve circulation throughout my body. Most importantly, my approach involves listening to what my body needs and refraining from pushing myself when fatigue does set in.
Related:6 Health Benefits of Walking
Ensuring Adequate Rest
In the age of elaborate bedtime rituals, I’ve ditched the trends and try to keep it fairly simple. By maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule, along with reducing screen time before hitting the pillow, my nights have transformed into a haven of relaxation and recovery. Ensuring I get consistent high-quality rest has become a nonnegotiable habit that helps me wake up feeling ready to take on the day.
Related:The #1 Habit You Should Break for Better Sleep, According to a Dietitian
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