Ashe Mountain Times

By Dee Petersen

http://www.jlgouldandassociates.com

This column is another in the continuing series providing readers the opportunity to ask questions of a life coach whose focus is "wellness".  The purpose of this column is to make a difference regarding your well-being. We will share ideas for you to ponder. We will address material that you send in so please know "your" questions are important.

What you will find in this column is not our "answers"; but, rather, the use of our coaching skills to provide possibilities for new thinking as you relate to the circumstances of your life. Questions or topics may be sent to (dee@listenfully.com) or through the About Us - Ashe Feedback link on the Ashe Mountain Times website at http://www2.mountaintimes.com

Now, for this week's focus for well-being: In our busy lives it is not uncommon to experience extreme fatigue and, as a result, a lack of motivation to do anything. We may find that, even after a good night's sleep, we awaken feeling tired. It is, of course, possible that some physical condition is occurring that needs to be addressed by our medical provider. However, in our experience, a large percentage of the time, there are some simple approaches that can be tried first that may alleviate the fatigue and create a spark of energy.

So, you ask: "How can I deal with feeling so tired that I don't want to do anything?" The first step in dealing with fatigue is to notice that it is present and listen to what may be lying underneath the fatigue. After 20 years of coaching people to fulfill their dreams we would say that 80% of the time one feels fatigue it is due to one of the following and not from lack of sleep. Consider asking yourself the following questions to restore your energy:

- Is there some place in my life that I am experiencing dissatisfaction?

- Is there something that I am resisting saying - to myself or to someone else?

- Is there something I want to communicate to someone that I am not saying?

- Do I have an unfulfilled expectation that I haven't seen?

If the answer is "yes", then consider finding a listening ear -- a friend, confidant, coach, etc. that can listen without judgment. Then, just say everything there is to say about the situation. If nothing comes when you ask the questions, it will still help to speak the truth about not seeing anything ~ this simple communication can open up something you were previously unaware of. Withholding our feelings consumes a tremendous amount of energy and results in fatigue in the body. Speaking the truth about our feelings, circumstances, or situations can release resistance and tension and open up renewed energy. You may also notice that this one simple step (speaking what's so for you) releases tension held in the body that shows up as physical symptoms; such as headaches, back pain, abdominal discomfort and other physical pain.

This is a simple step and . . . it is not always easy since we live in a culture where withholding our true thoughts and feelings is common and often required. We also live in a culture that wants to be increasingly well. We invite you to consider trying this approach and noticing the small or large shifts that occur in your fatigue and other symptoms. Be patient with yourself. It may be that the first step for you is to just notice your resistance or thoughts and feelings that you are letting go un-communicated. See if there is something there when you wake up feeling like you need another night's sleep before you start your day. Our next column will address another action you can take to address fatigue and the resulting lack of motivation.

We will continue to address questions regarding your well being in future columns as long as you continue to send them for us to explore.