Effects of Overexertion & Tips to Deal With It

Do you often feel tired or you think that you might collapse? If the answer is yes, then you may be one among the millions in the world suffering from Overexertion. Overexertion is a common condition experienced by many people. There are several causes of Overexertion and it is important to know about them in detail. Let us also look at tips to deal with Overexertion.

Overexertion is generally a result of straining your body too much or putting too much pressure on yourself, causing the body or the mind or both to be too tired. Overexertion may cause several health issues not just limited to fatigue. Let us understand the effects of Overexertion and then the tips to deal with them.

The primary effects of Overexertion on your body are fatigue, physical strain, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and dehydration. Let us look at these effects of Overexertion in detail, their symptoms and tips to deal with it.

Fatigue is defined as a constant state of weakness, or being excessively tired. Fatigue is not caused only by pushing your body beyond limits – it can be due to the Overexertion of the mind too. It is important to note that fatigue is a symptom, not a disease.

Tips to Deal With Fatigue: One of the most important tips to deal with overexertion causing fatigue is to get adequate sleep. As fatigue is a result of doing too much work and not balancing it out with the needful sleep. Sleep is absolutely necessary to help your mind and body rejuvenate. Without adequate sleep, your body will not get the proper chance to recharge and heal itself and thus will not be able to function properly.

Fatigue, due to lack of sleep, presents with symptoms like irritable mood, irrational thoughts or actions, confusion or even decreased cognitive function, nausea or dizziness and altered breathing pattern.

Here are some effective tips to deal with fatigue to counter Overexertion

• If you are an adult, you need to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each day. Children, teens and pregnant ladies may need more.
• Follow a pre-determined routine in terms of going to sleep and waking up daily.
• Cut down on alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.
• Cut down sugar intake.
• Exercise regularly.

If you frequently have trouble sleeping, it is advisable to consult a physician and not rely on sleeping medications. A change in the lifestyle often helps to get rid of sleeping disorders.

An important effect of Overexertion is physical strain, which is caused due to repetitive movements, either at work, in regular exercises or in sports. Physical overexertion or strain due to repetitive motions like lifting heavy objects, typing or working in an awkward position may cause injuries. The pain caused by such injuries may often prove to be acute. In such cases, proper medical care is absolutely vital to improve the condition and prevent complications.

Tips to Deal With Physical Strain: Here are some effective tips to deal with Overexertion related to physical strain.

• Practice good posture, whether you are working or sitting or even studying, preferably in a posture that keeps your spine straight and prevents slouching.
• Try not to lift heavy objects, and even if you do, you must follow proper lifting techniques to avoid injuring your back or other body parts.
• Decrease the vertical distance you have to cover to lift any heavy object.
• Using ergonomic work spaces is usually the smartest way to tackle workplace physical overexertion – an important tip to deal with overexertion and physical strain.
• Take frequent breaks from challenging and repetitive activities.
• Another important tip to deal with physical strain is stretching and strength training in your regular exercise routine.
• Understand your body’s limits and listen to your body signals to effectively deal with physical strain and Overexertion.

You may often be burdened by so much work or have to meet such short deadlines, that you may skip lunch, or even forget to eat. If this occurs regularly, you are at greater risk of suffering from hypoglycemia, which in turn, contributes to Overexertion. Hypoglycemia, the common term for which is low blood sugar, is caused by not eating enough food. In several cases, hypoglycemia can lead to serious health consequences.

The symptoms of hypoglycemia are widespread, ranging from mild to severe and varying from person to person. The common symptoms of low blood sugar include frequent hunger pangs, headache, confusion, dizziness, irritability, nervousness, difficulty in breathing, and sleeping.

However, if you are diabetic, then you are at risk of suffering from even more serious health complications like seizure or even coma. These conditions are related to Overexertion, hence it is important to follow effective tips to deal with hypoglycemia and Overexertion.

Tips to Deal With Hypoglycemia: There are a few very simple steps which you can follow to avoid hypoglycemia. These are:

• Eat proper meals at right time and avoid skipping meals.
• Make the habit of carrying a snack with you when you are travelling.
• If you are suffering from diabetes, then you must follow the blood sugar management plan as prescribed by your physician. Monitor your blood glucose levels and follow up regularly.

Dehydration is a condition where the human body loses more fluids than it takes in. This is often linked with Overexertion and may happen when you forget to drink enough fluids and water. Though overexertion and lack of intake of enough fluids result in dehydration, diseases like diarrhea, vomiting and fever may also cause dehydration. Such conditions may need treatment in addition to fluid replacement.

The most common symptoms and signs of dehydration include thirst, dry eyes, dryness in the mouth, cracked lips, reduced sweating, dark-colored or concentrated urine, joint pain and aches, tiredness and lethargy, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Severe cases of dehydration may lead to damage of kidneys, coma and even death.

Tips to Deal With Dehydration: Some of the effective tips to manage overexertion related dehydration include

• Keep yourself dehydrated with enough water and fluids, like juice or smoothies.
• If you have been sweating excessively, drinking water may not be enough, replenish the electrolytes with oral rehydrating solutions or sports drink.
• If you are working in a hot environment or in strenuous activities, you must take breaks from time to time and have fluids to maintain hydration.
• You can use a damp cloth to bring down your body temperature and to reduce sweating.

Overexertion is indeed a concern that needs attention. As the effects of Overexertion can directly affect your health it is necessary to control it. Following the tips to deal with Overexertion and its effects may surely help. However, you must watch out for alarming signals or any worsening of symptoms and seek timely medical help.