3 Natural Ways To Increase Your Energy Levels
If you're like many modern people, you often feel sluggish and tired during the day for no apparent reason, which may lead you to reach for a caffeinated pick-me-up such as coffee, tea, or an energy drink. However, you probably also know that this approach is just a short-term solution that can backfire by leaving you feeling too jittery at bedtime to drift off to dreamland in a timely fashion. In some cases, feeling tired during the daytime, even if you're getting enough sleep the night before, can signify underlying health issues, so be sure to see your health care provider to rule out any serious causes. If you're otherwise healthy, there are several steps you can take to increase your energy level naturally — following are three of them.
Give Your Diet a Makeover
Diet plays a big part in how you feel on a daily basis, so try to make decisions based on nutritional impact as much as possible. Consuming a lot of processed foods with high fat and sugar content can make anyone feel tired because their body has to work so much harder to digest these foods. It's also essential to eat regular meals rather than making a habit of just grabbing something on the go because this will help keep your blood sugar levels stable — and this is important for maintaining optimal energy even if you aren't a diabetic.
Remember to Stay Hydrated
Dehydration affects energy levels, mood, and even cognitive functioning, and it's estimated that very few people actually drink all the water that they need on a daily basis. Even if you drink plenty of coffee, juice, tea, and other beverages, you'll also need to consume enough water. Some people claim that it's hard for them to drink enough water because it has no flavor. If this is an issue for you, try mixing it with a little fresh fruit juice or infusing it with herbs to give it some appeal.
Begin a Full Body Exercise Routine
Exercise is another strategy for staying energized. A recent study found that those who've been exercising for six weeks on a regular basis reported feeling significantly less fatigue. Exercise may even be helpful for those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. As an added bonus, if you choose to exercise outdoors, you'll be getting a good natural source of vitamin D, which also helps fight lagging energy levels. You can do light walking or a full body exercise, as long as you're moving.