5 Effective Ways to Naturally Boost Your Energy
There just isn’t enough time in the day! That’s normally what I say to myself after reviewing my daily to-do checklist. Life can be exhausting and if you are a parent, exhaustion is the norm – but it doesn’t have to be!
I’ve done the research and here are my top 5 tips on how to boost your energy:
Stay Hydrated
Did you know that one of the first symptoms of dehydration is feeling tired? Yup! So fighting your exhaustion could be as simple as not drinking enough water. The standard rule, simply because it is easy to remember is (8) eight ounce glasses of water daily, but I say always shoot for a gallon.
Eat for Energy
I create meal plans for my clients that suggest that they eat small meals and snacks every few hours rather than eating 3 large meals. I feel this approach also reduces the feeling of fatigue because you are constantly fueling your body.
Eating foods with a low glycemic index (absorbed slowly and takes longer to digest; therefore, still providing energy), like whole grains, high-fiber vegetables, nuts and healthy oils such as olive oil will help you to avoid the fatigue as well.
A lot of foods hydrate you as well, such as fruits and vegetables. This is just a small list to add to your shopping list to get you started:
B-12, Green Tea, nuts (Walnut, Sunflower seeds, Chia Seeds, Pistachios, almonds), Kale, Eggs, , Mint, Hummus, Beets, Hemp Powder, Spinach, Frozen Grapes, Sweet Potatoes, Beans, Tart Cherries, Brown Rice, Steel Cut Oats, naturally sweetened dried fruit, Matcha tea, Lentils, Quinoa, Peanut butter, Bananas, Salmon, Almond Butter, Pumpkin Seeds, Tuna, Halibut, Ginger and Dark Chocolate.
Exercise
Did you know that exercising causes your body to release epinephrine and nor epinephrine, stress hormones that can make you feel energized? This is why exercising has also become a form of stress relief for many. I like to recommend Yoga. It uses various postures and deep breathing for exercise and meditation. It can be an excellent fatigue fighter.
Aromatherapy
Essential Oils are commonly used in aromatherapy and are great natural energy boosters. Try using a dab of rosemary on your wrist for an instant perk up. You can also add a few drops to your morning shower. If you have a diffuser, you can use oils such as peppermint which helps you focus. Breathe it in throughout the day.
* Some people say that just a whiff of a cinnamon stick can reduce fatigue and make them feel more alert. No cinnamon handy? Grab a mint from your bag.
Sleep
Sleep restores your energy. I know you are thinking -- “DUH!”, but when the days become hectic and time seems to fly right by, we decide to cut into our sleep and take on an all-nighter. When you are a new parent, it’s difficult to find any time to sleep, but it is essential. Sleep when the baby is sleeping is the best advice someone can give a new parent. It may be difficult, but it’s needed. During high-quality sleep, your body restores many functions it calls on during daily life, such as a strong immune system and a good appetite. These are two key factors the play a role in how much energy you have.