Are you feeling drained and sluggish? Do you find yourself with limited energy even after a full night’s sleep? If this sounds like you, then your energy levels might be dipping. But don’t worry! There are ways to increase your energy again.
You just need the right kind of advice. Reducing stress is one of the most powerful ways to boost your energy in the long-term. In the short term, though, there are a range of other small changes that can help you get more pep in your step once again. Let’s take a look at how you can increase your energy with some simple tips…
What Is It That Causes An Energy Slump?
There are a lot of reasons why your energy levels might be dipping. Some of the most common include:
- Stress – If you’re feeling stressed out and anxious, this can leave you feeling drained of energy. Stress is linked to the release of cortisol, which can leave you feeling tired and unwell. Mindfulness and meditation can be hugely helpful for reducing stress and recharging your batteries.
- Lack of sleep – Sleep is when your body regenerates and repairs itself. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body’s energy is diverted away from healing your muscles and towards keeping your organs going.
- Poor diet – Eating unhealthily can leave you feeling lethargic and low on energy. It can also lead to weight gain, which can create additional strain on your body.
Stretch and Exercise
If you’re feeling low on energy, one of the best ways to boost it again is to get some exercise. It’s true that people often feel tired after a workout, but this is usually because they’re not drinking enough water afterwards. If you hydrate yourself properly after exercising and replenish your electrolytes, it can actually leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day ahead.
If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, getting some exercise can help you feel more energized again. It’s best to do this early in the day when your energy levels are at their lowest. Exercising has been proven to help boost your brain power and improve your productivity, so it’s a great way to start the day. If you’re not sure what exercise to do, start with some stretching. This can help you relax and release any built up tension that may be leaving you feeling drained.
Get Enough Sleep
As we discussed above, sleep is crucial for your energy levels. It’s during sleep that your body heals itself, removes toxins and recharges your energy levels. If you’re feeling tired and low on energy, the first thing you should do is check how much sleep you’re getting.
If you’re getting less than six hours per night, you’re likely to be feeling the effects of this. Sleep affects your mood, productivity and your ability to cope with stress. If you’re struggling to get enough sleep, make sure you turn off all electronic devices an hour before bed. The blue light emitted from these devices can disrupt your sleep patterns and make it harder to fall asleep.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
If you’re feeling low on energy, it could be worth swapping your usual coffee for a healthy breakfast instead. Studies have found that having a nutritious breakfast can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of lethargy. If you’re not sure what to eat, consider eating something high in carbohydrates and protein.
This will help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and leave you feeling less lethargic during the day. If you don’t usually eat breakfast, it can be tempting to reach for some coffee or a sugary snack instead. Doing this will leave you more lethargic later in the day and make it harder to concentrate and focus.
Drink More Water
Another sneaky culprit when it comes to feeling more lethargic is dehydration. If you’re feeling tired and low on energy, drinking more water is one of the simplest things you can do to help yourself feel better. Dehydration can leave you feeling tired, unwell and unable to concentrate. I
t’s also been linked to an increased risk of headaches. As little as two percent dehydration can have a negative impact on your energy levels, so it’s important to keep hydrated throughout the day. If you’re not sure how much water to drink every day, consider using a water tracker. This will make it much easier to remember to stay hydrated.
Take Regular Breaks While Working
If you’re spending the whole day sat at your desk, you’re likely to feel drained and sluggish by the end of the day. Humans were not designed to sit for hours at a time, so it’s important to take regular breaks from your work to help recharge your batteries.
Taking short breaks during the day can help you to avoid feeling overly tired and exhausted. It can also help you to be more productive overall. Studies have found that people are more creative and productive when they’ve taken regular breaks from their work. If you’re feeling drained, try to take a break from your work. It doesn’t have to be a long break, either. Just a few minutes away from your desk can make a big difference.
Don’t Forget To Breathe
When you’re feeling low on energy, it may be tempting to reach for a sugary snack or caffeinated drink. While these can give you a quick energy boost, they’re likely to leave you crashing again soon afterwards.
Instead, try to use breathing as a way to help yourself feel less stressed and more energized. If you’re feeling drained, try taking a few minutes out of your day to sit in silence and focus on your breathing. This can help to reduce any feelings of stress and leave you feeling more refreshed and energized again.
As you can see, there are a variety of ways you can increase your energy levels again. From getting more sleep to incorporating more exercise into your daily routine, there are lots of things that you can do to boost your energy. If you’re feeling tired and low on energy, investigate the reasons behind it. Then, try to make some small changes to help yourself feel more pep in your step again.
