Some Natural Ways To Boost Your Energy Levels

Helen West RD writes:
"With increasingly busy lives, many people regularly find themselves feeling tired and drained. However, if the tiredness you’re experiencing is lifestyle-related, there are lots of things you can do to increase your energy levels. This article looks at nine ways you can change your lifestyle and boost your energy levels naturally.

Get More Sleep
Sleep is something that easily gets put on the back burner when you’re busy. If you often feel tired throughout the day, you may need more quality sleep. Try going to bed earlier and reducing screen time before bed.

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Reduce Stress
It’s not uncommon for people with busy lives to feel stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. High levels of stress can make you feel tired and drained. Finding ways to minimize lifestyle-related stress can help keep up your energy levels.

Move More

Regular exercise is important for reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and obesity. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, it could also boost your energy levels. If you live a sedentary lifestyle and feel low on energy, participating in regular exercises like brisk walking or cycling can boost your energy levels.

Jan enjoying a walk ...

Avoid Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Smoking can reduce the efficiency of your lungs and make you feel tired. Quitting smoking is great for both your energy levels and your health.

Limit Alcohol

Drinking alcohol is another lifestyle habit which may make you feel tired. This is because alcohol can act as a sedative and make you feel drowsy. Alcohol can make you feel drowsy, but it can also interfere with the quality of your sleep. If you drink regularly, limiting the amount of alcohol you consume could help improve your energy levels.

Eat a Nutritious Diet

If you’re always feeling tired, sluggish and low in energy, it might be worth taking a look at your eating habits. Good dietary habits decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases and can also affect your energy levels and how you feel from day to day. A diet based on whole, healthy foods benefits your health and your energy levels. In contrast, a diet high in processed foods can negatively affect your energy levels.

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Avoid Added Sugar
When you feel tired, it can be easy to reach for a sweet, sugar-filled snack. Eating foods high in sugar can give you a short-term energy boost followed by a slump. To avoid this, minimize your intake and focus on eating whole foods instead.

Stay Hydrated

Depending on age, your body is made of 55–75% water. Dehydration can make you feel tired. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day and respond to your thirst, especially during exercise.

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Be Social

Social connections are incredibly important for maintaining good health. In areas of the world with unusually low rates of disease and a high number of centenarians (people who live to be over 100 years old), one of the common factors is a strong social support network. Social isolation can cause low mood and tiredness, especially as you get older. Getting out of the house and mingling with other people is beneficial for both your energy levels and your health. Try organizing social activities with your friends or starting a new activity by joining a social club.

The Bottom Line

Many people feel tired and lack the energy to function at their best throughout the day. However, drinking enough water, eating healthily, getting enough sleep and exercise and being sociable can benefit your energy levels and your health. If you feel tired, it’s worth taking a look at your lifestyle to see which healthy changes you can make to boost your energy levels and make you feel great."

The above is only a snippet of Helen's article to read it in full with all relevant links please see here

Readers will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas, within this blog. It is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan