Learn the 3 Types of Fatigue & How to Heal Them with Ayurveda

Feb 12

A woman with light brown skin leans forward into the camera. Her eyes are closed and her face is withdrawn. The light shines softly on her face but she is in shadow against a dark backdrop.

Fatigue is “extreme tiredness, typically resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness”. And so we think that if we just get some rest and some sleep, the fatigue will start to disappear. And…we’re wrong. Because not all fatigue is the same, depending on the cause, it will manifest differently, meaning there are different fatigue remedies.

There are 3 types of fatigue.

There are three types of fatigue—mental, emotional, and physical. All three often result in feelings of extreme tiredness, but a different imbalance causes each. In Ayurveda, symptoms are viewed through the lens of qualities that also relate to the five elements of nature. Think about the kind of fatigue you are most experiencing—mental, emotional, or physical—and then use the guidelines below to help reduce your symptoms.

Mental fatigue.

Mental fatigue is caused by increased elements of air and space, whose qualities relate to movement. In the case of mental fatigue, there is increased movement in the mind or increased mental activity that has become overwhelming to the mind. When you have feelings of increased anxiety and agitation, poor concentration, and difficulty focusing, you are experiencing an imbalance of air and space. Other common symptoms that may also be present are constant worry, difficulty falling asleep, dry skin, or constipation.

To counter-balance these symptoms related to the qualities of air and space (mobile, light, dry, cold), cultivate the opposite qualities of stability, grounding/nourishment, moistness/oiliness, and warmth. Here are a few suggestions:

Slow down– your gait, your speech, your mental activity.
Observe a tech sabbath- starting at 7 pm- this means no work or mentally stimulating activity in the evening which means anything that glows is turned off at 7 pm.
Follow a regular routine– especially sleep and wake times.
Meditate– either on a cushion, in a chair, or walking in nature. Just 10 minutes and just do it.
Eat warm, cooked foods– no cold raw vegetables and no cold drinks.

Emotional fatigue.

Emotional fatigue is caused by increased elements of fire and water, whose qualities relate to transformation. In the case of emotional fatigue, there is increased heat in the emotions creating an intensity of emotions. When you have feelings of frustration, anger, and agitation, you are experiencing an imbalance of fire and water. Other common symptoms that may also be present are difficulty staying asleep/waking in the middle of the night, rashes, acne, acid reflux/GI upset, and diarrhea.

To counter-balance, these symptoms related to the qualities of fire and water (hot, sharp, oily, pungent), cultivate the opposite qualities of coolness, mellowness, dryness, and mildness. Here are a few suggestions:

Slow down and spend time in nature– walk in the mornings or evenings when it is cool outside. Limit time outside during the hottest part of the day.
Practice forgiveness– forgiving others is not forgetting, it’s releasing the emotional cords that bind you.
Try a guided meditation– find one online and make sure it is a calming voice at a slower pace.
Eat meals on time– follow a regular schedule and do not miss meals.
Eat cooling, naturally sweet fruits, and vegetables– decrease heavy animal protein, spicy foods, caffeine, and sugar from your diet.

Physical fatigue.

Physical fatigue is caused by increased elements of earth and water, whose qualities relate to structure. In the case of physical fatigue, there is increased earth in the body, creating heaviness. When you have feelings of lethargy, depression, loneliness, and “paralysis”, you are experiencing an imbalance of earth and water. Other common symptoms that may also be present are excessive sleep, falling asleep during the day, weight gain, congestion, pain, and difficulty thinking/remembering.

To counter-balance these symptoms related to the qualities of earth and water (heavy, dull, slow, static), cultivate the opposite qualities of lightness, invigoration, and mobility. Here are a few suggestions:

Get moving– start a daily routine of activity, movement, or exercise- even 15 minutes of walking will get you going in the right direction.
Get up with the sun– do not sleep late into the morning and no naps during the day.
Spend time with other people– social connection is rejuvenating and healing.
Eat lighter meals– lunch should be the heaviest meal of the day and breakfast/dinner should be light and easy to digest.
Eat more vegetables and fruits– decrease heavy animal protein, sugar, and grains in your diet.

Be well.