“Why Am I So Tired???”

It happens every year…. At some point during the summer I’ll have a client, or two, or several, who come in complaining of fatigue. The weather is beautiful, there are fun things to do outside, but they just don’t have the energy. They are frustrated and confused. They try to rest, but it just doesn’t fill up the tank!

In these situations I always ask the same question: “What were you doing in January? In February? How stressful were the winter Holidays?” They look at me like I’m nuts! But as the conversation progresses we uncover a lot of work travel, or an unexpected move, or the sudden needs of an aging parent. Anything that was strain on their time and energy.

But what does that have to do with fatigue in July??? Well, we are animals, friends. We’ve been acculturated to believe otherwise, but we are animals. And like all animals, we are beholden to the laws of Nature. One of those deeply significant laws is: In Winter We Rest! In the winter we should be stockpiling qi that will fund the rest of the year. When we don’t, the account is overdrawn by summer’s end. Or sooner.

I’m writing this in the United States of America, Inc. where we are expected to function like machinery. Every day is the same: the same energy, the same expectations, the same productivity. And yet, we are not built for that. When we don’t take time in winter to replenish our stores through rest, contemplation, whatever amount of solitude we can tolerate, and quiet engagement with our spiritual life we get summer fatigue.

But what do I do about it, Debra?? Well, unless you can travel back in time you’ll just have to support yourself the best you can. Some suggestions: Donna Eden’s Daily Energy Routine, adequate hydration and minerals, good, cooling foods like cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and DON’T OVERSCHEDULE YOURSELF! Rest when you can and be kind to yourself.

And next winter…try to fill up your tank…