We can all feel sluggish at times, when our body’s “engine” feels as if it has run out of rev. But if you are constantly feeling tired and drained, then it may be beneficial to look at your lifestyle to see if you can make some positive changes to re-discover your get-up-and-go.
We look at six everyday things that might be affecting your energy levels:
Too much caffeine
While a cup of coffee in the morning can be the perk you need to get going, too much of the stuff can leave you feeling wired and over-stimulated. And this over-stimulation of your system can have a significant impact on your sleep cycle. It can take your body between five and six hours to neutralize a caffeine hit. So if coffee is your hot drink of choice, timing it so that it doesn’t impact on your ability to fall asleep is essential if you want to manage your energy levels.
Not enough iron
Persistent low energy could be a sign of vitamin and mineral deficiency, in particular iron. Your body needs iron to maintain normal energy levels and metabolism, so lack of the mineral can leave you feeling fatigued.
If you think your diet could do with an iron boost, or you are either a post-menopausal woman or a woman of menstruating age, adding iron tablets as a supplement to your daily diet could be a good idea.
Dehydration
It can be very easy not to drink enough water during the day, and the result can be a drop in your energy levels. Our body needs sufficient hydration to flush out toxins, keep the digestion running smoothly and to function at its best.
Even mild dehydration can impair mood and brain function, as well as increase feelings of both physical and mental fatigue. To boost your energy levels, aim to drink at least six to eight glasses of fluids a day, ideally water but lower fat milk and sugar-free drinks and tea can also count.
Lack of exercise
Lethargy due to lack of exercise can be a vicious circle — a sedentary life with little or no regular exercise can leave you feeling sluggish and so less inclined to exercise, which leaves you feeling drained of energy. However, to rev your body’s engine back up, it needs to be exercised regularly, just like charging up a battery.
Regular, moderate exercise also releases feel-good hormones called endorphins, which in turn boost your mood and increase your energy levels. To keep recharged, aim to do some moderate exercise every day with enough rest and recovery time to maintain a healthy, happy and energized body and mind.
Poor sleep
Finally, not getting a good night’s sleep can leave you feeling worn out during the day, so working on your regular sleep routine can also help to keep your energy levels consistent. For good health and energy levels you ideally need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night.
Stress, temperature, light, noise, eating too late at night, alcohol, tech — these can all disrupt your sleep pattern, meaning you don’t get enough restful sleep. By reviewing your night-time habits and going to bed/waking up each day at around the same time can ensure you consistently get sufficient sleep to power your energy levels during the day.
Article written by Sumeet Manhas
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.