More than 60% of Spaniards are tired due to lack of sleep or because they are carrying too much workload, according to a study on Coffee Consumption Habits in Spain from Pocket Coffee. This fatigue epidemic has been a topic of discussion for South Korean philosopher Byung-Chul Han, who published The Fatigue Society, focusing on this reality. Primary care doctors in Spain have also noted an increase in patients seeking help for chronic fatigue, especially since the pandemic. Byung-Chul Han observed back in 2010 that the performance society drives individuals to exploit themselves, leading to psychological and psychiatric consequences such as fatigue, boredom, hyperactivity, impatience, inattention, and exhaustion.
The urban lifestyle exacerbates this state of fatigue, particularly in city dwellers who face chronic stress due to work pressure, traffic, and other demands of urban life. Daniela Silva, E-Health Manager at Cigna Healthcare, highlights the importance of addressing the impact of this lifestyle on health and suggests strategies to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
Doctors are increasingly prescribing exposure to nature as a remedy for fatigue when it is not a symptom of a disease. Spending 10 to 20 minutes in direct sunlight each day, whether through a walk in the park or a run in the countryside, can have significant benefits on mental well-being. This includes balancing circadian rhythms, promoting physical activity, and experiencing natural silence to counteract the constant urban noise that contributes to mental fatigue. Nature has the power to provide a peaceful and relaxing environment that can help individuals combat fatigue and improve their overall well-being.