You can’t run a car on an empty tank of gas; you can’t run your life if your energy levels are depleted. If we’re going to go out into the world and achieve all that can be achieved, then we need to have a solid supply to energy to keep us going. But in this manic world, doesn’t it always seem like we’re always that little bit behind, that we have a little less than we’d like? Fortunately, there are things we can do that can nudge our energy levels in the right direction. We take a look at a few tried and tested methods below.
Improve Your Sleep
We don’t go to bed to kill some time; it’s our body’s way of restoring the energy that we’ve lost during the day. Or at least, that’s the idea. If you’re unable to hit the land of Nod, then your body won’t be able to replenish its energy reserves. The number of people who are suffering from sleep conditions has risen considerably in recent years, for various reasons, and the result is that there are plenty of people that aren’t feeling as thrived as they could be. If you’re finding it difficult to sleep, look at making a few changes to your sleeping routine -- cutting out down on your tech, boosting the comfort in your bedroom, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime will all help.
Self-Charging
When we’re low energy, all we want to do is sit on the couch. But actually, all that’ll do is make us less energetic. The best method is to get up, put on your running shoes, and work up a sweat. Now, you might be thinking that sounds counterproductive -- wouldn’t expending energy leave us feeling even more depleted? The answer is no. We actually gain more energy by engaging in exercise. It’s a bit like a car battery, which charges as the motor is running. Running is an excellent way to give yourself a jolt of energy when you need, such as during those lazy mornings.
Cut Down on Vices
Nobody is perfect; we all have our flaws and weaknesses. But if you’re feeling a little run down and you’re finding it difficult to get your energy levels up, then you might want to look at the impact that these vices are having. You might enjoy having a few alcoholic drinks with your friends, but that alcohol is going to sap your energy. The same principle applies to cigarettes, too. Look at giving them up for a month, and you’ll notice that your energy levels have dramatically improved (there are also many other benefits, too).
Food for Energy
Food is the fuel that keeps our bodies running. Some foods will make you feel tired, as in the case of sugary snacks. Others will give you a push in the right direction -- it’s these foods that you should make part of your diet. If you’re looking to push your energy levels up, then make sure you’ve got a healthy supply of sweet potatoes, fatty fish, and eggs in your kitchen. If you’re looking for an energy boosting snack, apples and bananas will have you covered. Apples are actually better for your energy levels than coffee, since they release energy slowly (rather than causing a quick spike, as in the case of coffee).
Natural Remedies
Of course, you’d need to have a pretty spectacular diet to get your daily dose of everything you need to be at your energetic best. This is where supplements and other natural energy boosters can come in handy. Ashwagandha root extract, for example, is considered to be one of the best natural energy remedies, since it improves a person’s ability to resist physical and mental stress. Vitamin B12 is also recommended, as it helps to turn the food you eat into energy. If you’re not getting enough iron as part of your diet, then add supplements to your daily routine -- if you have a deficiency in this area, then you’ll feel weak and fatigued.
More Sunshine
Have you ever noticed how you seem to be walking on air during the spring and summer, but during fall and winter, you seem to be much slower? That’s because you get so much of your energy from the sun. It really is worth making the effort to get out of your home and into the sun’s warming rays, even in winter. Even though the winter sun usually isn’t strong enough to provide vitamin D, the brightness can increase your levels of mental alertness.
Cold Showers
It would be ideal, sure, if all the things that gave us more energy were fun and enjoyable, but alas, this isn’t the case. You might not like the idea of jumping into a freezing cold shower, but if you’re looking for the quickest way to give yourself a dose of energy, then this is it. Turn the handle to the coldest point, get in for one minute, and you’ll step out alert and ready to take on the world.
The Right Work/Life Balance
It’s no big deal if you’re feeling drained of energy for a few days. But if it goes on and on, and doesn’t seem to be subsiding, then you’ll need to take a look at your lifestyle. Is it possible that you’re working too much? In this competitive age, many of us are putting in longer hours than we’d like. If you can’t reduce the amount that you’re working, make sure that you’re practising self-care when you’re not working. It’s not possible to push yourself to the limit, day in, day out.
Drink More Water
If you’re looking for a quick burst of energy, however, then drink some water. This is one of the main reasons why people lose energy -- people don’t drink enough water. Unless you’ve made a conscious effort to change things, you probably need a little more water in your life. It’ll give energy, and a host of other health benefits, too.
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