Feeling exhausted? Fortunately, there are many natural ways to boost your energy without relying on artificial stimulants.
Take the kids to school, drive to work, prep for the first of three meetings for the day, attend a networking lunch, write that long-overdue report, dash home, make supper, help with homework – oh, and squeeze in a relationship while you’re at it. Feeling exhausted? No surprises there. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to boost your energy without relying on artificial stimulants. Here are some of our favourite options.
- Manage your stress
We live in an age where being stressed has been popularised and romanticised. In truth, it’s neither. Stress saps your energy and can contribute to a host of dangerous physical, mental and emotional conditions. If you’re feeling stressed, take the time out to manage it. Speak to a support group or a therapist, or introduce a meditation or yoga practice to your life.
- Move your body
It’s a big ask if you’re already feeling fatigued, but even a moderate amount of exercise can help give your energy levels a lift (and reduce stress as well). Elevating your heart rate not only releases endorphins, it also sends oxygen to your cells, helping you to feel awake and present. Do everything you can to incorporate exercise into your daily life and, as far as possible, don’t compromise on it.
- Sleep better
Yes, this might sound obvious, but we’re not just talking about sleeping more, but also about sleeping better. Before you go to bed, avoid caffeine, stop working and stay away from electronics. Make getting into a regular sleeping routine a priority. Make sure your mattress is the right hardness, and invest in some quality pillows.
- Drink more water and less alcohol
Dehydration often manifests itself as fatigue first. Make a concerted effort to drink eight glasses of water every day. And speaking of drinking: stay away from alcohol, especially in the middle of the day or in the early evening when you still have nighttime plans. Rather, drink alcohol only when you know you have time to relax, and drink it in moderation.
- Eat smartly
Making sure you’re eating the right foods is an obvious natural way of managing your energy levels, but it’s not just about what you eat (get those leafy greens in!), but also how you eat. Take your time with your meals, eat slowly and consciously and make sure to have a nutritious, low-glycaemic index snack every four hours or so. Don’t let yourself get hungry.
- Watch your B vitamin levels
B12, which is called the energy vitamin, helps your thyroid to operate optimally and keeps your blood cells healthy. If you don’t have enough of it, you’re sure to feel more tired than usual. If you suspect you might be B12 deficient, up your intake of fatty fish, high-quality red meat and cheese, or take a supplement.
Sources:
- Harvard Health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/energy-and-fatigue/9-tips-to-boost-your-energy-naturally
- Dr Axe: https://draxe.com/exhausted-ways-to-boost-energy-levels/ and https://draxe.com/top-10-vitamin-b12-foods/
Reader’s Digest: https://www.rd.com/health/healthy-eating/natural-energy-boosters/
