EXHAUSTED AFTER CELEBRATING HOLI? HERE’S HOW TO OVERCOME FATIGUE

How can we overcome Holi fatigue? (Source: Freepik)

As soon as the Holi celebrations are over, for many of us, a sense of weariness overwhelms us. The lively celebrations which often involve everyone gathering together to play, sing, and dance under the warm sun rays can take a toll on the body and mind.

It is almost natural to feel tired, lethargic and drowsy for the rest of the day. But what if we tell you that it’s very easy to revive your energy to get through the rest of the day feeling calm and refreshed?

Experts inform indianexpress.com about what steps you can take this Holi to lift your spirits even after the festivities.

Why do people feel tired and lethargic after Holi celebrations?

“The state of exhaustion after Holi celebration is an outcome of numerous physiological factors, primarily dehydration, fatigue, lethargy and general weariness,” Dr Kiran R Dhake, wellness physician and sonologist, informs. 

She adds that there are several reasons why many feel these physiological effects when they come home after a long day of enjoying Holi: 

Physical activities

During celebrations, individuals often engage in physical activities, including dancing and playing with colours. These events take place for a prolonged time under the sunlight, leading to overheating and excessive sweating, which in turn causes dehydration as there is loss of fluids and electrolytes throughout the day.

Alcohol and sugary foods

Another major contributing factor is the consumption of alcoholic beverages and sugary foods commonly associated with Holi festivities, which can further lead to or at times worsen the state of dehydration. Additionally, prolonged contact with sunlight and other harsh environmental factors can also significantly contribute to fatigue and weariness.

Disrupted sleep and exertion

The disruption of regular sleep patterns, whether due to late-night celebrations or erratic routines during the festivities, can further compound feelings of fatigue and weariness.

Furthermore, fatigue can also result due to physical exertion. The significant depleted stores of body energy occur during prolonged activities leading to muscle exhaustion and a feeling of extreme tiredness.

It is almost natural to feel tired, lethargic and drowsy for the rest of the day (Source: Freepik)

How does one replenish the body's energy levels and combat exhaustion effectively?

Lakshita Jain, certified clinical, dietitian and founder - NUTR, Delhi recommends, “After Holi, it is important to focus on three things – drinking water, eating healthy food, and getting enough rest to feel better.”

Water helps your body get rid of toxins from the colours and too much drinking, she says, while consuming food items like spinach, dal, tofu and paneer is good because they have vitamins and minerals that will help your body get better. 

These foods also have iron, Jain adds, which helps combat tiredness. Furthermore, allowing yourself to take some rest gives your body time to heal and revitalise itself, “so make sure to sleep enough”. 

She also suggests drinking 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day, to keep your body hydrated. 

“Eat 2-3 servings of fruits like banana, apple, strawberries and papaya, 3-4 servings of vegetables like spinach, broccoli, capsicum and beans, 2 servings of lean proteins like chicken or paneer, and lastly rice or chapati. 

“Also, have 1-2 cups of coconut water, curd and a handful of nuts to get energy back. Sleep for 7-9 hours every night to feel better. These simple steps will help you feel good after Holi”, Jain promises.

Apart from these practical steps, you can also take the help of some relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga to calm the mind, ground yourself and bring back your zeal. A 2011 study published in National Library of Medicine revealed, “Yoga encourages one to relax, slow the breath and focus on the present, shifting the balance from the sympathetic nervous system and the flight-or-fight response to the parasympathetic system and the relaxation response.” Incorporate both techniques into your post-Holi routine and see the magic happen.

You can even take things a step further by pre-booking a spa treatment at your favourite salon. Dr Dipak Patade, consultant physician, Adhikari Lifeline Multispeciality Hospital, Palghar, confirms, “Therapies like massages and hydrotherapy can alleviate fatigue by improving overall circulation, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation. Additionally, treatments such as aromatherapy and reflexology may enhance overall well-being by reducing stress and anxiety levels.”

However, Dr Patade also encourages people to take precautions before opting for a spa treatment. He says, “Medical consultation is vital for those with pre-existing conditions, while informing spa staff about allergies and sensitivities can prevent adverse reactions. Choosing reputable spas with strict hygiene standards minimises infection risks, while ensuring treatment suitability and open communication during sessions are crucial.”

For women who are pregnant, he suggests, consult healthcare providers before spa treatments; adequate hydration and post-treatment rest are recommended for optimal results.

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2024-03-25T09:26:34Z dg43tfdfdgfd