7 WAYS THAT CAN HELP YOU “NATURALLY” BOOST YOUR ENERGY LEVELS
It may seem like an obvious thing to say, but stopping our energy levels from dipping on a regular basis will allow us to enjoy fuller lives. In today’s fast-paced world it can be easy to forget the basics and struggle on when energy is low, when some simple changes to our lifestyle can make all the difference.
If you’re wondering how do you fight fatigue naturally, read some of our suggestions below that will hopefully give you some good ideas.
- Does going outside more often help boost energy?
Our connection to the outside world can be felt every time we leave our home or work. Our immediate environment has a direct impact on minds and bodies, so the more we can get outside of our homes and places of work, the more chance we have of boosting our energy. All it takes is as little as 20 minutes of our time to step outside and we’ll soon feel revitalised. If you can go for a walk in that time, even better, as it will get the blood and heart pumping, but even if it’s just sitting down, that’s just as great too.
2. How much rest should I get each night?
You’ll usually find that some of the most successful people tend to get by on meagre amounts of sleep each night. At the same time, their stress levels are also incredibly high due to the lack of rest they enjoy.
The general consensus in scientific circles is that 7 hours is the minimum amount of sleep you should get each night. But it’s not just the amount of time you are in bed, but also when you hit the sack. For example, going to bed at 1am and getting up at 8am will be less beneficial than closing your eyes are 11 and waking up at 6am — even though you are opening your eyes earlier. To get a good night’s rest you also need a comfortable bed to sleep in and that means finding the right bed frame, mattress and pillow to suit your preferences.
3. Should I give my eyes a rest?
Another great way to improve your energy is to give your eyes a rest during the day. Of course, you can’t sleep in the middle of the office (although it would be lovely) and all that time spent in front of computer screens tends to lead to strained, tired eyes.
Experts advise you should focus on a spot 20 feet away, for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes. There are even some small apps you can install on your phone or laptop that will remind you when to take a break. Screens should also be no closer than 20 inches from your face. Making these small changes could help fight off fatigue and keep you fresher for longer.
4. What can I eat for energy?
We all get stuck in routines and changing them can be a big hassle — especially when it comes to the food we eat. As delicious as bread-based foods are in the morning, it doesn’t do much good for your energy as levels quickly dip after the meal is finished. If you can get in some eggs, whole-grain toast, oatmeal, apples or pears, this contains the right sort of energy your body needs. These are healthy carbs that boost your energy levels for longer, so you aren’t left clinging on for dear life waiting for lunch to come and save you.
5. Can drinking water help with tiredness?
It’s surprising how many people turn their nose up at water because they don’t like the taste — even though it has none. Water does a fantastic job at helping our energy levels and when you remember that 60% of our body is comprised of water you soon realise why we need to keep refreshing it. Listen to your body when you feel thirsty as it is a simple warning sign of dehydration not to be ignored. The more you drink, the more you’ll need to go to the toilet at first, but this is a good thing, as it is merely flushing out any unwanted toxins.
6. What is the best natural energy booster?
If you are low on energy it could be you need to adjust your diet and boost your vitamin intake. Natural supplements and vitamins are a great way to give you a bit more get-up-and-go. Some of the best include herbs such as ashwagandh and rhodiola, while coenzymes supplements like CoQ10 (variants of which include ubiquinone and ubiquinol) could also do the trick.
The food we eat has a big effect on how we feel every day, although be aware that vitamins and supplements should only be taken after seeking advice from a doctor first. They can arrange to have a vitamin deficiency blood test carried out, to highlight any areas that need to be boosted.
7. Will managing my stress boost my energy levels?
Stress takes various forms and affects everyone in different ways. However, a common reaction shared by many is the feeling of choosing between ‘fight or ‘flight’. It refers to a natural instinct within the body that prepares you to fight for survival (rarely in literal terms) or run away when threatened (again, not literally). Yet there are some situations — such as being at work — that prevent you from having this choice and it can have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing. Identifying the source of stress is the start point and finding a coping mechanism is essential. There are also things you can do at home that will create a relaxing haven away from the stresses of the outside world. In many cases the bedroom is the best place for that, as we spend more time there than in any other room in our home and improving our sleep routines can do wonders for our mental health and, in-turn, our energy
