In today’s fast-paced world and with our jam-packed schedules, it is no wonder we are looking for natural ways to boost our energy. While the easiest way to increase our energy is to make some simple lifestyle changes, this may be easier said than done. Sometimes we need an extra helping hand with the use of supplements to boost our health and well-being. As this Research Verified review shows, supplements can either be a help or a hindrance, or simply do nothing at all, so choose one wisely. While supplements are a great addition to a healthy lifestyle, they are not an end in themselves. You need to make healthy lifestyle choices too. Here are some tips to boost your energy and improve your productivity.
Eat Right
While it may seem obvious that the food we eat plays an integral role on our energy levels, we may not actually know what is the best food to eat. When we are feeling low on energy, the first thing most people reach for is candy or something sweet as a pick-me-up, even energy bars are loaded with sugar. However, these are the worst kinds of food you can eat when you are feeling low on energy and they may make you feel even worse after the initial boost. The sugar will increase levels of serotonin in the brain which gives you that instant pleasure feeling. However, this quick spike will be short-lived and then your sugar levels will crash, resulting in you feeling more tired and lacking in energy. You will also probably be left craving more of these sugary foods, which is no good for your waistline either. Rather, when you are feeling sluggish, have a power snack that contains mostly protein plus some fiber and complex carbohydrates. This could be peanut butter or cottage cheese on whole grain crackers or an apple with techina (sesame paste). This will regulate your blood sugar levels and give you more energy for longer.
Exercise
It may seem counter-intuitive, but doing physical activity actually gives you more energy. Exercise releases endorphins which help you feel good and it also gets your blood pumping. More blood means more oxygen delivered to your various organs which helps you feel better and less tired. It can be as simple as going for a 10-minute walk to boost your energy, and the effects can last for two hours! So get your walking shoes on and go for a brisk walk during your lunch break, it will improve your energy for the rest of the afternoon and also help you lose weight.
Reduce Stress
Stress is probably one of the biggest energy zappers and it can leave you feeling both mentally and physically exhausted. So it is important to find ways to reduce your stress. Take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing or do a short guided meditation on YouTube. Research has shown that meditation may actually change the neural pathways of your brain allowing you to deal with stress better. Learn to say no, express your feelings, look at your schedule and make sure it’s balanced – these are some simple ways that you can reduce the stress in your life.
Avoid Alcohol At Night
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for having adequate energy the next day. So you may want to avoid that nightcap. While relaxing with a drink after a long day in the office may be a nice way to end your day, alcohol has been found to negatively affect your quality of sleep. It may seem that alcohol improves your sleep as it helps you to fall asleep quicker, it actually reduces your REM sleep which is the sleep that is most important for restoring your energy and allowing you to feel refreshed. The more you drink at night, the more your sleep will be affected. Alcohol can also affect your sleep-cycle and so you may wake during the night. You may also need to visit the bathroom during the night which will also disturb your sleep.
When you are feeling low on energy, it can seem more daunting to try find ways to increase your energy. So follow all or some of these tips as a simple things you can do to make that change. Even just laughing as been shown to increase energy and feelings of wellness. So go on, watch that funny video, take a short walk, and get a good night’s rest.
Article provided by Authority Health