How to combat that tired feeling - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

For some of us, "no" seems like the hardest word in the English language. We take on more and more, and sleep less and less. If you're tired all the time, there may be help for you.

Feeling burned out almost seems like the new normal these days. We're juggling kids, jobs, and parents who are getting older and need more help. Some of us are so stressed, we feel sick.  
    
One Emory doctor says there are some ways to slow down and simplify your life.

Laura Stuckey says she works seven days a week. She is juggling two jobs. In the morning, she walks dogs and pet-sits for Reigning Cats and Dogs. Then she jumps behind the wheel and crisscrosses the city for a business she thought up, At Your Service, where she's a roving personal assistant. She hasn't had a break since Christmas.

"I'm just so busy all day, all day long," said Stuckey.

Her fast-paced lifestyle isn't that unusual.
 
"I think a lot of people are thinking that exhaustion is a new way of life. It's a way you have to live, just to keep going, and keep sustaining yourself," said Dr. Sharon Horesh-Bergquist.

Emory internist Dr. Sharon Horesh-Bergquist says a lot of us are just tired all the time. If you're feeling rundown, the first step is to rule out a medical problem like anemia or thyroid disease.
     
Then, Dr. Horesh-Bergquist says look at your lifestyle. Most of us need to get more sleep. If you're not getting 7 to 9 hours a night, try going to bed earlier, and turning off all your gadgets.

And she says work in a workout. A quick 10 minute walk will pick you up faster than a 30 minute nap.
     
Food is another factor. Horesh-Bergquest says we need to eat for energy. She advises skip the junk food and go for high protein, high fiber foods that will keep you going.
    
And finally, she says learn to just say "no."
   
Stuckey is still working on that part. For now, she's got just too much to do.

For the record, Stuckey says she is not tired. She drinks a lot of water, eats small meals, and says she's always had a lot of energy. Dr. Horesh-Bergquist says make sure you're getting enough water. Sometimes we feel tired because we're dehydrated.