How to Avoid Fatigue When Working Outdoors

Working outdoors offers some meaningful benefits, some of which include exposure to fresh air and sunshine. Unfortunately, though, most outdoor jobs are labor intensive. You'll experience fatigue more quickly when working outdoors when compared to an indoor environment. And according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workers who are fatigued are more likely to sustain injury than their rested and non-fatigued counterparts. So, how can you avoid fatigue when working outdoors?

Get Plenty of Sleep

Lack of sleep, not surprisingly, is a risk factor for fatigue. If you don't get enough sleep -- or if you don't get high-quality and restful sleep -- you may experience fatigue when working outdoors the following day. If you have a long day of outdoor work scheduled, be sure to get at least seven hours of restful sleep the night before.

Hydrate Yourself

While it's no secret that lack of sleep causes fatigue, you might be surprised to learn that dehydration can increase your risk of fatigue. Water helps to move blood through your body. If you don't drink enough water, blood will move slowly through your body. In turn, your organs and tissues won't receive the oxygen or nutrients they need to function at peak levels. Among other things, this can make you feel tired and fatigued. 

You can protect against fatigue when working outdoors by staying hydrated. Try to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, which should ward off dehydration to boost your energy levels.

Stay Cool

When working outdoors during the midday summer sun, you may experience fatigue in response to the extreme heat. As your body begins to overheat, it can cause a loss of electrolytes that manifests in the form of fatigue. Unfortunately, you can't control the outdoor temperature. The good news is that there are other ways to stay cool when working outdoors.

Here are a few tips to stay cool when working outdoors:

• Wear lightweight and loose-fitted clothes.
• Avoid wearing multiple layers.
• Choose a shaded area in which to work.
• Stay hydrated.
• Take regular breaks to cool off indoors.

Cut Back on Sugar

Consuming too much sugar can leave you feeling tired and fatigued. When working outdoors, you'll need to consume food to maintain your energy levels. With that said, you should avoid consuming sugary foods or snacks. Not only are they devoid of nutritional value, but all that sugar will promote fatigue that increases your risk of injury.