The first article in this series explained the word "holistic" originated from the Greek word "holos," meaning whole, complete, or entire. This article is about the physical aspect of wellness.

Our physical bodies are very complex. Consequently, many things can influence the amount of energy one either does or does not have. Feeling overly tired takes away from the experience of feeling well. However, that may not mean we are sick, or it might.

Extreme fatigue may warrant a visit to the doctor in case something is going on beyond your control. With lab work and an exam, a doctor may discover problems you might not have been aware of yet. However, a person may come home with a clean bill of health, just as exhausted and frustrated.

Many things, including stress, can cause one to be overly tired. A lack of sleep is a cause of fatigue, but stress, worry, and too much caffeine can also cause poor sleep. Eating whole, healthy food, supplementing with necessary supplements, and avoiding sugary or processed foods can help with fatigue. Not enough physical activity causes fatigue. Negative thoughts and feeling overwhelmed or lonely may cause fatigue.

A healthy type of fatigue may happen after a day of hard work. There's a feeling of accomplishment. The fatigue one experiences when simply doing mundane chores may cause depression, which worsens fatigue.

If a medical physical gives no answers to what may be causing extreme tiredness, examining your daily life is needed. What are your daily thoughts, activities, interactions with friends and family, your goals or lack of goals, or your general outlook on life? Doing this may help you decide what needs to improve.

Never underestimate the power that stress has on the human body. Unresolved stress not only causes fatigued but may cause serious illnesses.

In summary, if you feel you are overly tired, honestly examining your life and improving your daily choices may solve your problems. If it does not help, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.