Exhausted

danslevent

I was recently made unemployed so have started exercising daily to combat lethargy and boredom.

I generally try exercise first thing in the morning and then would eat my breakfast when I return home.

I have only just begun and my workouts aren't too hardcore. Mostly cardio and I could also swim for a bit too.

I find myself so exhausted afterwards that the rest of the day is a bit ruined. I don't have the energy to fill out job application forms. I am a bit worried,I thought exercise was supposed to enhance your energy? Is my body just in shock? Its not like I am vastly overweight,just a bit flabby and needing to tone up.

Yer Aul One

What's your diet like and what's your mood like?

danslevent

Yer Aul One wrote: »

What's your diet like and what's your mood like?

My diet has always been pretty healthy. Would eat porridge made with water for breakfast most days and then mix in some fruit or jam.

For lunch I made a salad with loads of seeds and some holomi (however you spell it) cheese. Spinach etc

For dinner I will probably have some brown rice with some stir fried vegetables and soy sauce.

I would be pretty health concious. My mood is okay,a parent died recently so I have bouts of crying and extreme sadness but that's normal under the circumstance...

Since I got back from a swim I went on this afternoon,I just ate lunch and have been lying around since. Feel unnaturally tired

Yer Aul One

Depression often manifests in lethargy and tiredness.

Your diet is good, that you are exercising is good.

How are you sleeping?

danslevent

Yer Aul One wrote: »

Depression often manifests in lethargy and tiredness.

Your diet is good, that you are exercising is good.

How are you sleeping?

Even when I get up early I generally can't sleep until about 2am.

Maybe I need more protein? I take fish oils already anyway

LuckyLloyd

I'd often have / need a nap after training sessions on a Saturday morning. Regular exercise is part of an overall picture that contributes to your energy levels and how you feel on a daily basis. If:

- you're back training for the first time in a while;
- your training sessions are hard and depleting;

You'll be tired after. If your sleep and nutrition is in check and exercise program reasonable you'll ease into it and start to feel better than you did.

fits

Op do you eat before these sessions? Id be wiped if i exercised first thing without eating.

Yer Aul One

More protein can help with recovery but its not usually a primary source of energy. Your diet seems like an ideal diet for energy.

I am really sorry to hear about your loss by the way. That is a terrible thing.

I think you are doing everything right, trying to get up on time and exercising and eating well. I think this is just a tough time for you but keep doing what you are doing

Yer Aul One

fits wrote: »

Op do you eat before these sessions? Id be wiped if i exercised first thing without eating.

I was thinking this as well but surely then after you ate you would gradually start to pick up and not be tired for the whole rest of the day?

danslevent

I can't really eat beforehand because even when I wait a while,I am way more likely to get cramps when running. I can keep going longer if I go before breakfast.

Yer Aul One

danslevent wrote: »

I can't really eat beforehand because even when I wait a while,I am way more likely to get cramps when running. I can keep going longer if I go before breakfast.

How long are your sessions? What distances are you running?

You do need to leave time from eating to exercising so you might try going later to the gym. Maybe fill out a couple of job applications after your breakfast and go to the gym before lunch. Try it out and see how that feels?

Oryx

Check the intensity and duration of your exercise. It could just be too much.

Also, schedule your day, have a routine that avoids times when you have nothing to do but sit around. That kind of aimlessness can make you sluggish and tired. Your sleep pattern sounds screwed up too, force yourself not to nap during the day so you are tired enough to sleep at night.

And accept that youve had a tough time lately, with the bereavement and job loss. That may be taking a bigger toll on you than you expect.

danslevent

Yer Aul One wrote: »

How long are your sessions? What distances are you running?

You do need to leave time from eating to exercising so you might try going later to the gym. Maybe fill out a couple of job applications after your breakfast and go to the gym before lunch. Try it out and see how that feels?

It really varies depending on if I am going to the pool after so it changes a lot.

How long would you recommend waiting after eating until you exercise?

Thanks so much everyone for your help,it is very much appreciated

Alf Veedersane

Oryx wrote: »

And accept that youve had a tough time lately, with the bereavement and job loss. That may be taking a bigger toll on you than you expect.

This.

You're mentally drained for a while after a bereavement and then add in the job loss as well in this instance.

I'm sorry for your loss. A nap might help after or you could try dropping the intensity of the exercise for a bit and building it back up.

On top of the mental aspect I would throw in protein. Loads more fish and meat. Don't see any in your current diet.


I personally always exercise first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, wouldn't have it any other way, so I wouldn't say it's that. We're all different though.
I'd still say protein first