Fight Fatigue: 6 Simple Steps to Maximize Your Energy

Mary Ann Bauman
Tate Publishing & Enterprises (2005)
ISBN 1598861875
Reviewed by Erika K. Oliver for Reader Views (8/06)

Why isn’t my doctor this cool? Dr. Mary Ann Bauman’s book “Fight Fatigue” transcends the usual advice on fighting fatigue as she addresses the core energy drainers: poor self esteem, approval seeking, choices and personal boundaries. She does discuss the importance of diet and exercise but more importantly, identifies the root causes of fatigue. Sharing six steps to identify, understand and change our energy draining behavior, Dr. Bauman gives a practical approach to maximizing our energy.

In Chapter 1, the author hits the nail on the head when she says, “We run the risk of becoming obsessive people-pleasers who constantly require the approval of others – at the risk of our own physical and mental well-being.” (p.29)  After learning the second step to maximizing your energy, Dr. Bauman discusses the importance of our choices in creating balance, which is just as important, she says, as the amount of things we accomplish each day and the number of hours we sleep. Another gem is telling the truth that we many not want to do something that we need to do to restore our energy but “you just have to do it.” (p. 121) I think the author is speaking to me when she says, “ By setting reasonable limits or boundaries on what we demand of ourselves and what we allow others to demand from us, we free ourselves from the energy-depleting effects of unreasonable expectations.” (p.158)

Throughout the book the author provides examples and stories from her medical practice and personal life that help the reader understand how to incorporate the strategies into their life to maximize energy. My favorite is when she assumed that her family would not support her going for a run when she took a break from unpacking after a recent move. She almost resented them for asking if she was going for a run until she assessed the validity of her interpretation. It turned out that they did not express any negative feelings about her run and didn’t even seem to notice she was gone! Her mental and physical energy were enhanced instead of depleted because she challenged an assumption.

This book is for everyone. If you are stressed and need a beginning place, pick up this book. If you have a healthy lifestyle but sometimes feel overwhelmed and tired, “Fight Fatigue” is a perfect read. In the final chapter, the author summarizes the six steps, which creates an easy reference tool for those who want to fight fatigue and maximize their energy on a permanent basis. This book is good medicine for all of us!

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