This time of the year it’s difficult to stay motivated. Everyone feels a bit down in the dumps looking at the rain and we’re all waiting for summer – which feels ages away! A combination of these things can leave us feeling low on energy and overall, a little bit flat. We’ve put together a list of natural ways to boost your energy, some of which may seem obvious but are easily forgotten.
Drink More Water
We did say they were basic! Water honestly is the elixir of life especially when it comes to energy levels. Even 1% dehydration can have a detrimental effect on your brain function, mood and energy levels, especially on a warm day or after a workout. Always have a reusable bottle of water to hand, in work, in the gym and at home, drink a minimum of 2 litres of water a day and you’ll soon see improvement in your energy levels. And as they say: if you’re thirsty you’re already dehydrated.
Eat The Right Food
We can lecture about nutrition and energy levels until we’re blue in the face, but you’ve probably heard it all before. Just remember not all calories are born equal. Instead of that 188-calorie croissant you’ve just inhaled for breakfast, consider a bowl of slow energy release porridge topped with delicious fresh berries, high-protein nuts and a squeeze of nectar or honey. Try to avoid processed sugar and caffeine which are great for a quick fix but soon cause a sugar or caffeine crash, leaving you even more exhausted than before.
Set A Routine And Stick To It!
Sleep is something that often gets neglected when we’re busy or stressed, meaning each day we wake up tired and listless. It’s recommended we get around 7 hours of good-quality sleep every night, but you may need more or less depending on your energy levels. If you have trouble sleeping, do something relaxing for a full hour before bed, like meditation, reading a book or having a bath. Start your bedtime routine earlier so you have an hour or two extra in the land of nod every night. Once you have this routine started, make it a part of your daily schedule.
Stay Active
The last thing we want to do when tired is exercise but trust us, you will feel better. Join a class where there are a group of supportive people encouraging you and a trainer who pushes your body to its limits but knows how to keep you interested. Leaving the gym exhausted is a masochistically enjoyable feeling and you’ll be tired but satisfied. The sleep after a hard gym session is always the deepest so you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
Do Something You Love
Most importantly of all, do something you love, preferably in the company of other people. Being socially active stimulates your mind and emotions, activating those hidden endorphins (happy hormones) and a good laugh will lift your spirits and mood. It could be walking, dancing, listening to music or having a natter with your pals, what we love is as unique as our fingerprints so do what makes you happy.
If you are looking for a gym and leisure centre with professional trainers and fantastic facilities, Osprey Leisure Club is a great place to be. We offer a range of membership types and our team are ready to help you lose weight, stay healthy and boost those energy levels.