If you constantly need a triple shot of espresso, which only keeps you half alert for a couple of hours in the morning, you may be driving yourself deeper and deeper into a state of continuously low energy. As you may already know, coffee is not the only option out there that can give you an energy boost. There are many things you can do to naturally enhance your own energy levels, while helping to maintain them in the long run. Here are five tips that can naturally boost energy levels.
Learn To Control Your Stress
Stress-induced emotions consume huge amounts of energy. High levels of stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, which is a condition characterized by exhaustion, a weakened immune system, and sleep disturbances. There are many ways one can learn to control stress, but people also learn unhealthy habits to avoid exhaustion. To help control your stress, we recommend taking part in meditation, exercise, laughing (it works!), or taking baths with essential oils.
Eat For Energy
It is better to eat small-portion meals and healthy snacks every few hours than three large meals a day. This can reduce your perception of fatigue because the brain, having very few energy reserves of its own, needs a steady supply of nutrients. Additionally, try to implement a balanced diet that includes a variety of unrefined carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, especially vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils.
Opt For Complex Carbs
These include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and seeds. The dose of glucose they provide the body with serves as food for the brain. This is their natural purpose, and they work much better than sugar or caffeine because these carbohydrates are slowly released into the bloodstream, giving you a constant energy, rather than a boost and a “crash.”
Stay Hydrated
One of the first signs of dehydration is feeling tired or exhausted. It is ideal to drink half your body weight in ounces of water every day to keep your body well hydrated. If you weight 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should be drinking 75 ounces of water a day. Dehydration can lead to impaired thinking and an imbalance of nutrients in your body.
Get Enough Iron
Iron is a nutrient that helps maintain energy and a healthy metabolism. It is also essential for the production of hemoglobin, which is in charge of carrying oxygen to your body’s cells, where it is used to produce energy. Try to get your iron intake from natural, plant-based foods. Spirulina, spinach, green peas, sesame seeds, and quinoa are all rich sources of iron.
