5 Natural Ways To Boost Your Energy Levels
Our increasingly busy lifestyles both in and out of work, not to mention the busy-ness of being a mom, are placing more demands on us than ever. All of this extra strain can really wear us out, and people are complaining of low energy levels in ever-growing numbers.
If you’re one of the many people who feel affected by low energy levels, then no doubt you’ll be wondering if there’s anything you can do to change this. There are natural ways of improving your energy levels that don’t require a trip to the doctor or any special medication.
The following 5 ways of increasing your energy levels are all simple and natural. None of them is a guaranteed method, but there’s a good chance that by using any of these approaches you’ll experience some benefit.
1) Sleep: It might seem completely obvious, but getting enough sleep is essential to having good energy levels. What many of us now take for a “good” sleep is actually inadequate. Although the amount of sleep needed varies from person to person, for most the optimal amount of sleep is 7-8 hours. This period of sleep should be as uninterrupted as possible. There are many ways of improving the quality of your sleep. When you bring kids into mix it gets a bit unpredictable, but you can at least establish a proper bedtime routine to help set you for a restful night.
2) Exercise: You might think that exercise simply tires you out, but getting regular exercise can have a profound effect on your energy levels. Any exercise that increases the heart rate and releases endorphins is going to raise your energy level. Good cardiovascular exercises will strengthen your heart and give you more stamina.
3) Stop Meal Skipping: One of the worst things you can do for your energy levels is to skip meals. Your body gets its energy from the food you eat, so eating less food means having less energy. People often skip breakfast or grab something on the go, but by the time you wake up in the morning it has likely already been at least eight hours since you last ate. That’s a long time to go without a source of energy for your body!
4) Reduce Stress: Another big factor in energy levels is stress. Feeling stressed can drastically decrease your energy levels making it difficult to stay focused, or even awake. Find ways to reduce your stress and you will almost certainly see an improvement in energy. Exercise is one great way to reduce stress levels. Another useful stress-busting tip is to make lists of the things you need to do tomorrow not long before bed. It can help clear your mind of unnecessary thoughts and worries.
5) Meals and snacks: Although it’s important not to miss meals, it’s also important not to overeat. Eat properly portioned meals, but you may find you need a small, protein-rich snack in the afternoon to sustain your energy through the day. It’s better to prevent the yoyo-ing of energy levels that we’re all familiar with.
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