Forming new habits can be quite difficult, and if we’re talking about stressful or exhausting times then it will certainly be even more difficult to do so. In recent years, as we have been faced with a pandemic and situations we have not previously encountered, stressful and exhausting situations have become even more prevalent in our lives and routines.

Surely every one of us has had times when we felt both mentally and physically exhausted.

Of course there are situations that are out of our control and therefore beyond our control, but there are situations where we could do things so that the more exhausting or demanding periods don’t affect us so much.

Let’s start with what it would mean for us and our bodies to be in a state of fatigue and exhaustion for a long time. First of all, the state of exhaustion and fatigue can make us more psychologically harmful and in time these states can also show up in certain dysfunctions of the body. Studies have already shown that stress and fatigue are at the root of many conditions and it is important to find ways to manage these conditions.

Sleep well

At times when we are tired the key to being more productive is not to push our limits and keep working until we are exhausted, but to know when to stop, rest and give ourselves time to “recharge” our batteries. Sleep is one of the most important aspects of life that we need to pay special attention to.

Feeding ourselves properly

Once we get past the first step and manage to have a balanced life in terms of sleep and breaks, one of the most important things to keep in mind is proper nutrition. The food we eat is what will give us the energy we need for the day, so it’s important to be careful about what we eat. Another equally important factor is hydration.

Let’s get moving

The right lifestyle is one in which we manage to exercise regularly. If you’re not someone who enjoys going to the gym then choose things you can do that you enjoy: nature walks, bike rides, hikes, etc.

In the edition The Inner – Mapping Inside we had a workshop given by Claudia Buneci, health coach, about ‘Healthy habits to fight fatigue’, and her recommendations are welcome at this time of year, especially as autumn is a transitional season when the body is trying to get used to the transition from warm to cold weather. Below we have a short interview with her in which she offers some advice.

What do you think are the most challenges people face today?

Claudia B: The biggest challenge I see in my daily work is stress…or rather “stress management”.

We are overwhelmed with all the tasks of the day and can hardly find the energy to get out of autopilot and connect with ourselves.

Another challenge is that urban man, through the activities he has created for himself, is disconnected from nature and the circadian rhythm. It lives somewhat differently than the human species has developed: it does not work outside, is not exposed to enough natural light, goes to bed late, does not eat predominantly seasonal food, etc.

And this is seen in the epidemic of anxiety and chronic illnesses, including fatigue that we are going through. That’s why I’m glad there are wake up calls, like The Inner.

Can you tell us more about the methods you approach in your daily practice? Why is it important to know as much information as possible about this practice?

Claudia B: Over time I’ve come to understand that there are some important moments in the day. The way they start the day, for example, is one of them.

I like to take at least a little time for myself before the kids wake up. Before I start working I do movement, body reconnection practices, moving outside, journaling. Not always all of them, but at least one of them has to be there, otherwise I’m also frustrated and without energy that day.

Then lunch is a key moment – it must be hearty and balanced.

And sleep training – essential for effective sleep, which is the cornerstone of a healthy body and emotional balance.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you discovered your passion for what you do.

Claudia B: After becoming a mother, I completely changed my career. The healthy lifestyle wasn’t new to me, I needed to delve deeper into it because the “classic” answers I received for the health challenges I had weren’t working for me.

After many years of nurofen and antibiotics, after thinking that “this is just me” and that I couldn’t do anything about the recurring cystitis that was messing up my life and the severe menstrual pain, I felt empowered to try alternative therapies.

This was the beginning of what became, a few years later, my new career. I attended schools here and in the state (Institute for Integrative Nutrition) and have continued and continue to learn every day.

Energy became a topic of great interest to me after my twins were born. As a mother of 3 kids, boys, taking care of myself is a MUST…because otherwise I can’t take care of my family either.

Over the years I have formed my own style, which is based on healthy eating, but also includes lifestyle habits, emotion management, movement and other types of practices.

How you the idea of this event – The Inner – and why would you recommend it?

Claudia B: The Inner puts together exactly those aspects that matter to feel good about yourself, to connect with yourself and to hear yourself. Cool specialists, varied workshops…a cocktail of good that I wouldn’t want to miss. It’s like in 3 days it sucks up energy and empowerment for the next year.