How to Boost your energy levels naturally!
As tasty as a freshly brewed cup (or 3..) of coffee sounds when you're getting tired in the middle of the day, it is not the only way, nor the most substantial way to regain or retain your energy levels as one might think! So what are some ways we can boost our energy levels for good? Luckily for us there are a good amount of ways!
Speaking of coffee, it is important to stay hydrated in order for your body to function properly as well as keeping your energy levels high! That being said, coffee is a diuretic which causes you too pee and lose hydration! One study shows that even an acute dehydration can decrease performance and muscle recovery within athletes! So before you decide to drink that cup of Joe, make sure you drink a big glass of water beforehand so that you don't offset your water intake as well!
As if it wasn't obvious enough, another natural way to boost your energy levels daily, is not only to get more sleep, but better sleep as well! Often times we spend most of our days on electronics. One way to increase the quality of our sleep is to limit the amount of time we take on our precious devices later in the day. According to Health.Hardvard.edu, it is best to limit your screen time the closer you get to your bedtime, 2-3 hours beforehand to be more precise. If it is necessary to work on a computer at night, they also recommend downloading software that limits the blue light that is omitted by your computer.
Exercise and physical activity daily is a wonderful way to regain and retain energy levels! Not only that but it is a key factor to a healthier life in general! Studies show that incorporating physical activity daily improves your sleep quality, decreases overall fatigue, and improves cognitive functions. If time is a factor for you because of work, try small steps to increase your physical activity such as taking the stairs instead of an elevator, or parking far in a parking lot so you walk more to your destination, you can even try standing at your desk at work instead of sitting.
Last but certainly not least, a great way to increase your energy levels is to live a healthy lifestyle by having a healthy diet, cutting out high sugar foods, and toxins such as alcohol and cigarettes. Cutting out sugar is probably a big factor as it can spike your blood sugar, and it turn causes your body to crash! Not very sustainable! one study shows that 26% of those who ate high sugar diet felt increasingly tired in comparison to those who ate clean. It's not to say you shouldn't indulge once in a while with sweets, but it definitely should not be something you include in your daily habits or diet!
In conclusion, gaining your energy so you can live a more productive life starts with the habits you incorporate throughout the day, from diet to exercise, to screen time and water intake. If you are feeling tired it's time to take a hard look at your life and see where you can improve! If anything else, remember to talk to your doctor to make sure you are healthy and what you may be missing!
References:
https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/this-is-how-much-water-to-have-to-drink-to-offset-your-coffee-addiction
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-blue-light-blocking-glasses-improve-your-sleep-202110262625
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-boost-energy#TOC_TITLE_HDR_11