Are you looking for more energy in your life? Do you feel tired by early afternoon, or maybe you are constantly drinking one more cup of coffee to keep going? Our lives are busier and more stressful than ever, and it’s become normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed. Many people are seeking natural, healthy ways to help themselves feel better and have more energy. There are many ways to help boost your energy and mood, but here are a few that you can try right away:
Exercise
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to increase energy levels. However, you don’t have to work out strenuously or visit a gym in order to see results. Even just 10 minutes of physical activity can help boost mood and alertness. One of the best exercises to boost your energy levels is a walk outside. Because walking and being outside are both helpful for mood, energy level, and overall health, this is a great combination that costs nothing. If you can take your walk in a natural area or greenspace, that’s even better.
Caffeine Replacements
Source: eatthis.com
A cup of coffee can boost your energy levels quickly with its high levels of caffeine, but your body can grow used to this stimulant. If you’re losing the spike of energy you used to get with coffee, you can try a cannabis edible, such as d8 THC, which raises energy levels like a cup of coffee without the jittering effects.
Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep is a common cause of low energy levels. Many people struggle with insomnia or have long, tiring work schedules that make it hard to get enough sleep. Experts recommend trying to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night to feel your best. If you are consistently getting less sleep than this, try to find the source of the problem and remedy it. If you need to adjust your schedule, consider trying a natural sleep aid like melatonin or implementing a new sleep routine.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function. You should aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day. However, the best way to stay hydrated is to drink water whenever you feel thirsty. By listening to your body’s signals and drinking water rather than a sugar-filled drink, you will not usually need to worry about dehydration. If you are commonly in a position where you work hard or spend time in a hot environment, you may need to take a more intentional approach to your hydration.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Source: sustainhealth.fit
Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide the nutrients your body needs for energy. One of the best ways to get a healthy diet is by planning your meals in advance and buying the ingredients you will need ahead of time. This will help you cook at home more often because you will have the ingredients you need on hand and you won’t be tempted to eat fast food or go out to eat. You will also save money if you plan your meals in advance! If you are short on time, do meal prep once a week so you won’t have as much to do on weeknights, and use a slow cooker to help make some of your meals while you are away from the house.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can lead to fatigue and burnout. Many medical professionals recommend trying meditation, yoga, or other stress-reducing techniques to boost energy levels. If you are unsure how to get started with these techniques but you want to try them, consider joining a class at your local fitness center or recreation center. You can also follow along with an online video if you want to try it out without spending any money.
Take Breaks
Taking short breaks throughout the day can help prevent fatigue and increase productivity. Many experts recommend taking a break every hour if you work on a computer or other sedentary job. Taking a 3-5 minute break to look away from your screen, stand up or stretch, and practice some intentional breathing has been proven to help you be more productive and creative. You should also take time off when you can, and consider making the effort to get away from home, take a vacation, or enjoy a hobby rather than using it to catch up on yardwork and cleaning.
Try Aromatherapy
Source: therapy-directory.org.uk
Certain scents, like peppermint and lemon, may help increase energy levels and improve mood. It is generally recommended to try these essential oils in a diffuser or by smelling them directly from the bottle. Some people can tolerate a dab of oil on the wrist so they can smell it throughout the day, while others can experience skin irritation with some oils.
Get Outside
Spending time in nature can help improve mood and increase energy levels, especially if you spend that time relaxing, exercising, or dwelling on nature. Some people call this “vitamin N”, and since most Americans only spend 10% or less of each day outside, we could use a lot more of it.
Listen to Music
Listening to upbeat music can help increase energy levels and improve mood. In addition, music can help to decrease cortisol levels, increase serotonin, help with anxiety, and even boost your endurance during a workout. If you want to try listening to music to boost your mood, try making a special playlist just for times when you are feeling tired or need a pick-me-up.
Laugh
Source: helpguide.org
Laughter releases endorphins, which can help boost energy levels and improve overall well-being. Some researchers have even shown that faking emotions can help you to feel better because your mind can’t tell between fake and real happiness! If you need a good laugh, watch your favorite comedian or funny show for a boost of energy and happiness.
Conclusion
By trying these natural methods to boost your energy levels, you are likely to get more done and also put yourself in a better mood. This is because your mood and your energy levels are closely connected. Most of the things in this list are positive self-care steps that will help you to have better mental health as well as more energy! If your energy level doesn’t improve or you feel extreme fatigue, you should check with your healthcare provider to find out if you have an underlying cause.
