As you get older, your energy levels naturally drop. You may get tired easier and may not be able to do some of the things you did in high school or college, such as staying up all night studying for an exam, followed by a full schedule. Some of that is the body's natural progression, but that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to a low energy life.
Caffeine is an energy booster and a cup of coffee will usually give you a little kick. In moderation, coffee is fine. However, the energy it delivers doesn't last for a prolonged period and it can have adverse side effects for some people. If you're looking for a more long lasting, holistic ways to boost your energy, we've compiled a list of ten things for higher energy and an overall feeling of wellness.
Declutter
Did you know that messiness and clutter are signs of depression? Often people stop keeping up on regular tidying because they feel sluggish. However, living and working in an area that's chaotic can also sap your energy. Spend some time decluttering your space and add some items that make you feel happy, such as flowers, pictures, and personal items. You'll be surprised how quickly your environment impacts your mood.
Hydrate
Dehydration can cause all sorts of negative consequences, including headaches and fatigue. It's important that you drink water throughout the day. When you do feel tired, a glass of water can sometimes be a quick pick me up. You can also add a slice of lemon, which is detoxifying. The scent is also an energy booster.
Vitamin B
There are a number of vitamin deficiencies that decrease energy. The group of B vitamins are excellent because they help the blood make healthy cells and fight conditions that cause fatigue. B vitamins are also found in a number of energy supplements and some patients have even taken B-12 shots administered by their doctor to provide energy.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D isn't directly associated with energy, but a large percentage of the population is deficient in this vitamin. It's only found naturally in a few foods and the best source is sunlight. Lack of vitamin D can cause depression and other health issues, so the addition of this vitamin will improve your health, which can improve your energy level.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can provide a great natural mood enhancer and stabilizer and there are different ways to use aromatherapy. You can light scented candles or aromatherapy oils to keep the scent on your body. Scents associated with energy include rosemary, peppermint, and citrus.
Complete a Sleep Study
Poor sleep habits will sap your energy. If you're sleeping on a regular schedule and still fight fatigue all day, you may have other issues going on. Sleep apnea is a common condition where your body will wake itself during the night due to obstructed breathing. Many people don't even know that they have it. You can be diagnosed through a complete sleep study and once the condition has been detected, your physician can prescribe a method to treat the apnea and improve your sleep quality.
Apples
While many fruits are high in nutrients, apples give you a quick and efficient boost of energy. Try having apple slices in place of your morning coffee. You'll be surprised how energized you feel.
Healthy Diet
While most things are okay in moderation, a diet that's full of processed foods and sugars will zap your energy. The key isn't in getting rid of everything "bad" but in balancing your diet so that you get the right nutrition without filling up on empty calories.
Exercise
Regular exercise will enhance your overall energy. If you don't exercise routinely now, you may want to start small. Even a daily walk or low impact activity will have a beneficial effect on your energy levels.
Green Tea
Like coffee, green tea packs some caffeine that will boost your energy. It's also high in antioxidants, which will improve your overall health.
There isn’t a quick fix to increase your energy. While you can down an energy drink or eat something loaded with sugar, those things will only give you bursts of energy that will often leave you feeling more fatigued later on. Some of these tips can help with an overall feeling of wellness and health improvements in different areas.
