How much do you look forward to a Nana nap, every afternoon? You’ve made it to 3pm, but your mind and body are screaming at you – No More! I can’t do it! I just need to sit and maybe have a little sleep!
There is still so much to do, you can’t remember when you ate last because you’ve been caring for everyone else, but you’re not even hungry anyway, you’ve gone past it.
Thank goodness, there’s some easy and affordable ways to shake off exhaustion and naturally increase your energy levels.
So, skip those extra cups of coffee and try these 9 easy ways to boost your energy levels.
1. Eating healthy – no brainer, I know, but making sure you have a balanced, varied diet will reduce weight, increased immunity and raise energy levels as your body will receive all the relevant vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy.
Complex Carbs-or fibre as I like to call it. Wholes grains, leafy and some starchy vegetables, oats, quinoa and brown rice.
Proteins– fish, chicken, legumes, nuts, eggs etc
Good Fats–know the difference between good and bad. Fat is not the enemy; we need it for production of Vitamins D and K as well as brain tissue and energy. Avoid the synthetic products like canola, sunflower and vegetable oils, rice bran and margarine.
Vegetable and fruits- eat a rainbow.
2. Get enough sleep -. to little can impact your mood, food choices, relationships as well as energy.
Set up a routine: Go to bed and rise at the same time every day. Switch off technology an hour before bed. Meditate or read to slow down. Sleep in a cool, dark bedroom.
3. Magnesium - increase your intake, especially if you’re having trouble relaxing and sleeping at night. Magnesium is responsible for over 300 biochemical processes in the body, including the breakdown of glucose into energy. Our RDI of magnesium is 300-400 milligrams per day and stress can deplete magnesium. Add these foods to increase your levels:
Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pepitas, sunflower seeds.
Whole grains, coconut, brown rice.
Avocado, prunes, green beans, cheese, apricots, parsley.
Fish, prawns, kelp.
4. Avoid – you guessed it. We need to avoid a few things that suck the energy out of us. So here they are:
Limit Caffeine and alcohol
Smoking
Sugar /processed foods
Soft drinks
5. Stress – reduce it - Uh huh, right!! I know we can’t get rid of daily stress but can manage how we deal with it, so it doesn’t rule our lives:
Go out for a walk.
Sleep well.
Take deep breaths– all the way to the belly.
Smile– more often and laugh. It will make you feel happy and reduce stress.
Music– calm, loud, upbeat of slow. Find what works for you.
Heat– put some heat pads on your neck or shoulders to relax them or if you have time, take a nice warm shower or bath.
Massage– book one now. You deserve it. You need it. See if you can swap with a friend and look after each-other’s kids while you do this. You’ll be so thankful.
Grateful– being and feeling positive will reduce your stress. It doesn’t have to be big things, sometimes just being grateful for the sun is enough.
6. Exercise – most people who exercise, benefit in more ways than staying fit. The habit of exercising keeps your body and mind fit as well as boosting your energy levels. Find what you love – walking, running, yoga, Qigong, swimming, cycling, hiking etc.
7. Meditation – has such a positive effect on your attitude and quiets the mind. It allows you to be in the moment and not feel anxious about the past or future.
8. Smoothie – add one of these to your day. The extra nutrients that you pack into smoothie can boost your energy levels. Make sure you include in each one:
Protein – oats, spinach, hemp, pumpkin seeds, nut butters, avocado, protein powder.
Fibre – psyllium husks, flax seeds, chia seeds, avocado.
Fruit – what-ever you feel like.
Something green – Spinach, basil, coriander, parsley, avocado, cucumber.
Healthy fats – coconut oil, avocado, almonds, nut butter, cocoa butter.
Liquid – water, ice, coconut water, milk of your choice.
Something special – Maca powder, hemp, goji berries, bee pollen, coconut oil.
9. Stay Hydrated – the earliest signs of dehydration is feeling exhausted and a lack of energy. Make sure you’re drinking enough water. I know you’ve heard this before but dehydration is still very common. At least 2 litres per day. If you can’t remember this one set an alarm in your phone – every two hours.
These tips can help boost your energy levels and keep you happy and healthy. Incorporating these habits into your day can bring about consistent changes for good and stop the nana nap – unless you really just WANT one.
If you’re not sure about how to get your energy back or you’d like to discuss your health further, book your appointment or your complimentary 30 minute discovery call so that we get you feeling more of your old self again. If you feel your stress or exhaustion effecting the way you live, then have a book into my Adrenal Rescue Program to get you back