5 Easy Ways to Naturally Boost Your Energy
Do you ever experience low energy? If you’re like most people, you probably do sometimes (or maybe way more than you want).
And you know it’s NOT FUN.
It makes you less productive, makes the day drag on, and creates an overall damper on life.
We all know what this feels like, and might think the only way out is to sleep more. Sleep is so important, but sometimes the problem isn’t a lack of sleep. You might just need to take some quick breaks during the day and do these energy boosting hacks.
Here are some EASY WAYS to get energized.
1. Go for a Walk
Walking is an effective way to get out of a slump and wake up.
Whether you go for a long walk or squeeze in a brief walk during a work break, you’ll still get the benefits.
One study found that just 10 minutes of stair walking boosted energy levels more than a low dose of caffeine.
Benefits of walking:
Try setting a reminder on your phone to get out for a quick walk each day. Or, take the stairs whenever you can instead of the elevator.
2. Drink a Glass of Water
It is easy to forget to drink water in the busy lives we all lead. But water is crucial for our health. People who live healthier lifestyles tend to drink more water.
The amount of water to drink depends on variables such as weight and age, but the advice for most adults is to drink 8 cups of water per day.
Even being slightly dehydrated can make you feel sleepy.
Try carrying a reusable water bottle with you so you always have some. And if you’re feeling thirsty or drowsy, sip a little water.
3. Reduce Stress
Being stressed has become the “norm” for most Americans. Even before Covid-19, about 55% of Americans reported feeling stressed and that rate increased to about 60% by early April 2020.
There is a correlation between stress and fatigue, and stress has many negative impacts on your health and wellness. Chronic stress can lead to severe health symptoms and serious illnesses.
A few easy ways to reduce stress are:
- Laugh — laughing more frequently reduces stress
- Increase vitamin D — vitamin D can improve mood
- Call a friend — manage stress by staying social and boost resilience
- Do a hobby you love — leisure activities can benefit mental health
- Spend some time in nature — spend time in nature to reduce levels of both physical and psychological stress
Try taking a few minutes out of the day to de-stress a little. Not only can this boost your energy, but it can help your overall wellness and health.
4. Reduce Sugar Intake
While most people think that sugar can boost energy, research shows that it can actually have the opposite effect.
A meta-analysis of 31 studies published in Neuroscience & Behavioral Review found that people actually experienced increased fatigue about 30 minutes after having sugar.
Instead of grabbing that soda or sugary snack, go for something healthier. Certain foods can actually boost your energy.
VITAMINS and MINERALS (such as B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium) can reduce your mental and physical fatigue, so opt for foods rich in those, such as fruits, berries, and nuts.
Try to have some healthy foods on hand for whenever you want a quick, energy-boosting snack.
5. Get Social
Being social is crucial to your overall wellness. Studies have found that social isolation can lead to many negative effects, including depression and fatigue.
It is even more important now to stay connected with family and friends during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Here are some easy ways to stay social:
- Call a friend or family member
- Go for a socially-distanced walk with a friend
- Have a virtual happy hour with friends
- Take an online class
- Watch a live-streaming concert
- Play an online game with friends
Try connecting with at least one friend or family member everyday, and keep in contact with people that lift you up and make you feel good.
Resources
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