How to Reboot & Boost Energy (Naturally)

With the festive season in full swing, it’s totally normal to feel tired or drained at times… But here are some simple ways to reboot and boost energy levels naturally…

Rest Well

Sleep can fall down the priority list when we’re busy. Ideally we need ~7 hrs of sleep, although some of us require a little more and others less. If you feel short of sleep, try winding down with relaxing activities before bed like having a bath, going to bed 30mins earlier and reading a book. Avoid phones/screens (which emit blue light) at least an hour before bed. If worry/stress is keeping you awake, consider meditation or mindfulness practices to calm your mind. @BetterMe meditation and sleep app really helps me to unwind at night

Move More

It may seem counterintuitive, as when we feel tired getting up and moving can be the last thing we want to do, but it is the best thing we can do to boost energy. Plus it doesn’t need to be an intensive workout to experience the benefit. Even a short walk is a superior “pick me up” to having a snack. Little and often is the key, especially if you are often sedentary

Limit Alcohol

Alcohol can act as a sedative and make us feel drowsy so many believe a “nightcap” will promote sleep. However, drinking alcohol before bed can interfere with the quality of sleep making us more tired than we otherwise would be. It also acts as a diuretic, so drinking it before bed can mean more bathroom breaks, thus disturbing sleep

Eat Right

Choosing whole, nutritious foods provides the fuel and nutrients our bodies need to function at their best. Additionally, erratic meal patterns or skipping meals may cause low blood sugar levels, as well as potential deficiencies of essential nutrients, resulting in low energy and potential hormone imbalances

Avoid Added Sugar

Although sugar gives a short-term energy boost, it wears off quickly. High-sugar foods cause blood sugar to rise quickly resulting in the release of high levels of insulin to ‘mop up’ excess sugar in the blood. This sudden rise and fall in blood sugar causes a rush of energy followed by a slump. To keep energy levels stable and reduce fatigue, choose whole, fibre-rich foods and complex carbs e.g. whole grains, veggies and legumes which are released slowly into the bloodstream

Keep Hydrated

Dehydration can affect brain function, mood and energy levels. Dehydration can affect brain function, mood and energy levels. During the day, we lose water via urine and sweat so to stay hydrated, we need to drink enough water to compensate. Overall, if you feel tired and don’t drink much water, try drinking it regularly through the day to stay well hydrated

Connect

Social connections are incredibly important for maintaining good health and given current circumstances, this is more important than ever. If you feel tired or low, it can be helpful to see (if local regulations permit) or ‘virtually meet’ with friends & family