By Claire Chatterton
Eight out of 10 South Africans admit to low energy levels on a regular basis. Whether this comes from overexertion, poor diet, stress, or some combination of the above – many of us feel like we’re walking around in a state of exhaustion. Boost your natural energy with these 20 tips.
1. Tackle a dreary, do-I-have-to-get-out-of –bed day with a burst of colour. Pink bathrobe, yellow handbag, sniff a red rose…
2. Cut Back on Caffeine: Forget that chronic caffeine fix. Caffeine can lead to a quick energy burst, but it usually results in restlessness and insomnia later. Caffeine also stresses the adrenal gland and can lead to other long term health complications. If you must go to caffeine for a pick-me-up, try green tea. It contains approximately 30-40mgs of caffeine per cup, roughly half the amount found in coffee. Green tea is also less acidic than coffee and it contains powerful antioxidants and amino acids that function as great natural energy boosters and improve vitality.
3. Exercise: Exercise is probably the best natural energy booster, outside of the foods we eat. If you’re not doing some form of exercise 2-3 times a week, you’re body cannot achieve optimal health. When it comes to exercise, intensity is almost always better than duration. Dance, skip, walk! Just ten minutes of activity–especially outdoors–can do the trick.
4. Stre-e-e-e-tch: Gentle stretching revitalizes the whole body.
5. Inhale/exhale: Stress can wear you out and keep you from getting the rest you need to recharge. To unwind, practice deep breathing: Sit in a chair; slowly count to four while inhaling through your nose; hold it for a second; and slowly count to four while you exhale through your mouth. Repeat five to ten times.
6. Crank up music that moves you. Improve your mood and well-being.
7. Drink green: A chlorophyll-rich drink in the afternoon–preferably AIM BarleyLife–acts like an instant transfusion to boost tired blood.
8. Write a Thank you note: Tough to be tired/stressed and grateful at the same time.
9. Pull your hair: Gently take handfuls of hair and pull away from your scalp to get the blood flowing, relieving tiring tension
10. Skip crash foods: Eat smart to avoid food comas. Your lunch should include protein, non-starchy vegetables, and fat for long-lasting, even-keeled energy. Good examples of balanced combinations include a large Greek salad with olives, assorted vegetables, and cooked chicken breast; or a shrimp and Chinese vegetable stir-fry. Apply the same principles to mid-afternoon snacks.
11. Forgive & Forget: Carrying resentment is like carrying a bag of rocks.
12. Ten minutes of Sunshine: 10 minutes of sunshine has been shown to boost energy levels. The body needs sunshine to produce adequate levels of Vit. D that help elevate mood and create energy. Just sitting outdoors soaking in the rays of the sun for 10 mins will provide warmth and lead to a feeling of rejuvenation.
13. Oil the squeaky lock, glue the frame, throw out the dead plant, move the chair you bumped into…
14. Get more sleep at night: Many people try to get by on a lot less sleep than they really need. While each person’s needs differ, 7-8 hrs a night is a good goal, and will help you feel more rested and better able to concentrate on anything throughout the day.
15. Be nice to a stranger. When you do something kind, your energy levels increase.
16. Drink more water: This is another great energy replenisher. You will especially notice the difference if you switch from fizzy drinks to water. It may take a few days to notice the difference, but getting sugar out of your system and replacing it with water will definitely ‘even-out’ your energy.
17. End a shower with a burst of cold water
18. Look at your accomplishments: When you’ve got a lot on your plate at work, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and start feeling exhausted. Instead of looking at the bad side of things, try thinking about all the things you have gotten done. It will improve your mood and gives you energy to go on
19. Get the giggles: Receive a burst of energy, reduce stress and boost immunity
20. Re-establishing relationships: A busy lifestyle means that many don’t have time to keep relationships with family members and friends strong. Reconnecting means more than chatting on the cell phone, it means personal contact that helps unload the stress of life. Personal contact helps toward finding solutions. The act of conversation helps improve energy levels.
Boosting energy levels is not a mystery once the causes of fatigue and depression are known. Take charge and change those negative lifestyle habits today!
You deserve Great Energy levels!!
References: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-natural-energy-boosters.html#ixzz14Zu2l8u8
Eleni Gage – Real simple Magazine (July 2010)