Can you remember the last time you had lots of energy? It’s hard to pinpoint, isn’t it?
High energy levels can be increasingly allusive these days, and with life only speeding up, and our to do lists getting longer, it’s hard to feel energised - especially in the midst of winter and everything that the world throws at us! You then factor in any short term or long-term illnesses and that’ll knock those energy levels for six!
Consider your lifestyle and your habits, are you making time for rest and a good old fashioned 8 hours kip? If not, may be now is a good time to make some changes to your current status quo.
Before we get to the good stuff, let’s consider the reasons you might be feeling a little fatigued these days…
- Poor Diet
Our bodies are like machines, the output depends vastly on the input and so if you’re struggling to cram your 5 (or is it 7?) a day in and find yourself reaching for quick energy boosters such as energy drinks or chocolate bars, these contain nasties like saturated fats and there’s no wonder you’re not firing on all cylinders!
- Caffeine Intake
We’ve all been there… guzzling those macchiatos at our desk but keep a tally on how much caffeine you might actually be ingesting because caffeine can impair the sleep cycle. Unsure if this is what might be causing your tiredness? Try cutting back and see what happens…
- Deficiencies
Nutrients help to provide us with energy, regulate chemical processes in our bodies and contribute to body structure and are a critical component to good health. There are some nutrients which have been linked to tiredness, such as magnesium, niacin, iron, vitamin b12, vitamin D and vitamin C.
- Stress Levels
Feeling stressed is normal, but high levels of stress can cause both structural and functional changes in your body in turn causing chronic inflammation, which can contribute to symptoms such as tiredness.
- Sedentary Lifestyle
If there is little movement in your day, move more. Exercising in the day can decrease overall tiredness and even if that’s just a 20-minute walk, you’ll feel the difference!
Life’s Natural Energy Boosters
There are a number of different ways to help boost those energy levels, so that you can continue to lead a happy and fulfilled, and energised life!
- Have you heard of Ashwagandha?
One of the most important of the Ayerveda herbs, its roots stem from natural healing in India. It’s known for its ability to boost energy levels, reduce stress levels and help with concertation. It’s a favourite at HO and that’s why it’s part of our Nutrition.
- Magnesium – There’s a reason we love it!
This mineral is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, which includes breaking down glucose into energy, so when your magnesium levels are low, energy can drop.
- Wonderful H20!
Staying hydrated is a great way to maintain energy levels, as you replace sweat, breath, and urine etc. Poor hydration levels can cause lack of concentration and tiredness, so remember to keep drinking through the day – water, naturally is best and remember, tea is a diuretic so doesn’t count!
Feeling tired from time to time is a normal part of life, and with some of these tips, we hope it goes some way to helping your energy levels; but in honesty, you shouldn’t feel exhausted all the time and if you do it may be worth looking into this further. Remember to listen to your body, it communicates with you constantly.
Go well and remember number 1!