Are you struggling to get through the day without stopping for a quick power nap or imbibing a heavy dose of caffeine by the time late afternoon rolls around?
There could be a number of reasons why you feel like a kick of energy is so desired, whether it stems from feeling overworked, coping with stress, or not taking proper care of your physical and mental wellbeing. We all want to feel our best at all times, so continue reading for some insight as to what might be slowing you down as well as some helpful ways to combat the sluggish feeling you have.
Does your diet need tweaking?
The first place you need to look for potential problems is to your diet, as more often than not it’s what we are putting into our bodies – or not putting into our bodies – that is causing a concern, and it’s helpful to know that this therefore makes it a fairly simple fix.
Our bodies work by taking in fuel and converting it into energy, so making sure that we get the right amount, and the correct type of fuel for our bodies is essential for our energy levels. If you think a problem lies with your food intake then start by compiling a food diary and make notes about your energy levels, and whether you have particular ailments (that could be related to certain ingredients you’re ingesting).
Having an overview of what you are consuming is a good way to spot potential concerns; perhaps you will find that you aren’t getting enough of a balanced diet, or that you feel wiped out after a heavy, carb-fuelled lunch, or maybe skipping breakfast is doing you no favours. To raise your energy levels during the day, you will need to consume wholegrains, nuts, fruits and leafy greens in your diet, for more information on eating well, see the NHS’s Eatwell guide.
Consider including supplements as part of a healthy diet
In addition to making amendments to your diet so that you are consuming the right foods to fuel your body, you could also consider adding supplements into your daily routine for that extra boost. Some ingredients that you find in a supplement can be difficult to find in foods and therefore prove to be a welcome addition to an all-round healthy diet. The addition of some supplements like Elevant, which focus on nourishing the body’s cells, can be a great way to boost your energy levels and are simple to incorporate into your daily routine, too.
Plus, nowadays there are so many different types of supplements out there that there really is something for everyone and their individual needs. Just remember to do plenty of research before using a supplement for the first time to ensure it’s the right option for you. Accordingly, you can read more about some of the different types of supplements over on the CFAH website here: CFAH.org
Be mindful of what you’re drinking
Keeping yourself well hydrated is an important part of maintaining a healthy routine, and sometimes all it takes is a glass of water or a coffee to liven you up a little. Though coffee is a great way to provide those minutes of stimulation, an excess of coffee can disturb your system, so try swapping out a few cups with decaffeinated versions instead or wean yourself off caffeine altogether and embrace the benefits of herbal teas. Hydration is key and you should aim for six to eight glasses a day but be mindful of sugary soft drinks and alcohol too for that matter. While it might seem a relaxing way to end the day with bottle of wine to share, it certainly won’t be providing you with the right type of sleep that night, therefore impacting your energy levels the next day.
Are you getting the right exercise?
There is no big secret on how to stay healthy. If you are conscious of what you put inside your body, you will have taken care of the most important element, and you should also have regained some of that lacking energy, however, this cannot work without keeping a healthy daily routine as well. This means you need to exercise on a regular basis. Your heart needs to be pushed and your muscles stretched, otherwise, your good eating habits can only go so far.
Exercising increases heart rate and blood flow therefore providing you with an energy boost, and it should also help you to enjoy a more restful night’s sleep resulting in more energy the next day. It’s also really important to get some movement into your day if you’re suffering with stress as physical activity will raise endorphin and serotonin levels, thus improving on your emotional state.
