Sometimes fatigue is simply your body asking you to slow down.

But sometimes, it’s something else. Like dehydration. Under-nourishment. Lack of sleep.

We’re used to soldiering on. But I have a few different ideas, especially for those of us who are a certain age. Before you push through fatigue pause.

• Drink some water.
• Eat something nourishing, like a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts.
• Step outside for some fresh air—just for a few minutes.
• Take a nap if you can. And many of us can.
• Finally, give yourself permission to do less for a while. What’s the rush?

But if your fatigue is persistent, unusual, or getting worse, don’t ignore it. Sometimes tiredness is our body’s way of telling us that something needs attention. Maybe a med dosage needs to be adjusted. Or some bloodwork is needed.

Remember this:

Rest is not laziness. And listening to your body is not weakness. Check it out.

Sometimes the wisest thing we can do is stop, listen, and give ourselves what we need.