When I ask people how they are, most of the time, their response is, “Good, but tired.” It’s an all-too-common answer, given the fast-paced nature of our 24/7 lives. While there are a host of lifestyle-related factors that can affect us, there are plenty of easy changes we can make to naturally boost our energy.
MY ENERGY-BOOSTING TIPS:
Get eight hours of sleep: I truly believe that if people consistently got eight hours’ sleep each nice, many common health problems would be solved.
Go into the JSHealth stress-free zone (SFZ): Setting some time aside to enter the JSHealth stress-free zone is a must. It can be as little as 10 minutes or 30 minutes for those who can fit it in. I love going for a walk, reading a book, meditating, stretching or lying on the grass.
Give up refined carbs and sugar: They can mess with your blood sugar and cause your energy to slump.
Eat well and more often: Having regular meals and snacks that are packed with nutrient-dense wholefoods helps to balance your blood-sugar levels, thereby enhancing your energy. I recommend eating protein, healthy fats and fibre with each meal. This helps you feel satiated and stabilises your blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Take supplements: I recommend vitamin C, B complex, magnesium and iodine. My range of vitamins contain in zinc and iodine, which are believed to help boost energy levels.
Take care of your adrenals: When we’re tired for too long, our adrenal gland function can become compromised, sending us into what’s known as adrenal fatigue, which is a deep, deep fatigue.
Get regular check-ups: Check iron and thyroid levels, cortisol and your adrenal profile with a doctor.
Eat more greens: Add them to your meals, smoothies and juices.
Eat iron-rich foods: Iron deficiency is an often overlooked factor of fatigue. Iron is an essential mineral that transports oxygen throughout the body, so it’s no wonder that iron-deficient people experience less energy. To get more iron into your diet, eat dark leafy greens, legumes, nuts, chicken and meat.
Don’t be afraid to say no: Don’t be afraid to say no to people and situations when you need to. If you feel that your mind and body need a rest, then follow your inner knowing. Your body will be so grateful.
Limit caffeine intake: Reducing your intake to one cup per day can do wonders for lowering cortisol and adrenaline. While coffee gives you an instant pep up, in the long-term, it can cause your adrenals more stress and exhaustion, which inhibits your body’s ability to heal and repair itself.
Prioritise liver health: Fatigue is a common symptom of an overworked liver. A healthy liver is vital to maintaining blood sugar levels, regulating hormones, eliminating toxins and metabolising carbs, fats, and proteins. When the liver is clogged with too much alcohol, caffeine, sugar or medications, it can’t function optimally.
Exercise regularly: As long as it’s not too much high-intensity exercise, is great way to fight fatigue. It gets your blood pumping and the endorphins going, which are great mood and energy boosters.
Practise yoga: It does wonders for your mood and energy, too. Vinyasa flow helps you connect with your body and is so rejuvenating.
Drink more water: Dehydration zaps your energy, so be sure you’re drinking two litres of water throughout the day. I like to keep a big two-litre bottle with me to remind myself to stay hydrated.
Spend time with people you love: If you’re feeling fatigued, reflect on the people you’re surrounding yourself with. To be healthy and happy, it’s important to spend time with people who lift you higher. I love scheduling weekly dates with my family and loved ones.
