The human body is a marvel of biology and genetics. It is capable of accomplishing tasks ranging from building massive structures to running a marathon. When it’s working at peak efficiency, few animals on Earth can compete with the grace and power of the human body. Unfortunately, there are times when everything just doesn’t come together. So, if you feel like your body isn’t functioning optimally, here are 5 signs to look for.
Excess Fatigue
When it comes to ensuring that your body is functioning optimally, few things are as important as receiving adequate rest. This is especially true if you live a very active lifestyle. After you’ve participated in strenuous exercises, you may feel sore or stiff. This is because your muscles have undergone microscopic tears and become damaged. It’s during sleep that your body can begin to remove the damaged tissue, reduce inflammation and start the healing process.
Should you find yourself feeling overly fatigued, it may be an indication that you are pushing your body to hard. Make sure you get plenty of sleep. Avoid caffeine at night, limit time spent in front of TVs and phones (they can increase brain activity and make falling asleep more difficult), and try to go to bed at the same time each day.
Your Bathroom Habits Change
Although your bathroom habits may normally be the furthest thing from your mind, they can be an early indicator that your body isn’t functioning at peak levels. If you feel under the weather, or just “off” in general, things like incontinence or constipation can indicate causes such as poor diet, lack of water intake, or something potentially more serious. Maintaining a consistent diet filled with fruits and vegetables will help keep you regular and running at top form.
Joint Pain
It’s perfectly normal to feel a little sore after a trip to the gym or running a 10k. After all, you’re putting your body through an intense, exhausting physical experience. But persistent, chronic pain within the body’s joints could be indicative of a much larger issue. Pain, followed by excessive swelling in the knees can mean there is a sprain or tear to one of the ligaments. Should you find that your body is in constant pain that doesn’t seem to go away over time, speak with a physical therapist. They may be able to show you exercises that can reduce symptoms and have you back on your feet in no time.
Constantly Sick
Being sick is, unfortunately, just a part of life. No matter what steps you take to prevent illness, there are going to be days where you feel under the weather. However, if you find that you are sick more than several times a year, or are constantly feeling like you have a cold, your immune system might be worn down.
Stress, lack of sleep and poor diet can all knock your immune system down a peg and stop your body from working optimally. If you find that even the slightest breeze causes you to come down with a cough, take a look at some of the other aspects of your life. Do your best to reduce stress, eat healthier foods, and drink plenty of water.
Exercise Has Become More Difficult
It’s a feeling that’s all too common for those who enjoy exercising; you’re going through a routine you’ve done dozens of times, only to find that it seems so much harder than before. If you haven’t taken any time away from your exercise regimen but don’t seem to be able to complete activities as easily as before, it might be a sign that your body hasn’t been functioning on all cylinders. Changes to your diet and sleep habits could be the culprit. Should the issues persist, consult your physician and physical therapist. They’ll help make sure your body is working better than ever.
