Natural Energy Boosters That Actually Work
Energy is a vital resource, and most people don’t have enough. Caffeine, energy drinks, sugary foods, and other energy boosters are very popular because they give you a quick surge. But then you have to pay for it. Chemicals and drugs can have nasty side effects. In many people they can even disrupt your sleep and make you more tired—so be careful what you use to boost your energy. If you want to get more energy but don’t want to pump yourself full of chemicals and drugs, there are healthy alternatives that are safe, reliable, and extremely effective. Keep reading to find out natural ways to boost your energy levels so you can have a happier and more productive day.
- Start with the Basics and Use Common Sense
- Natural Energy Boosters: Healthy Eating and Exercise
- How to Stay Hydrated
- Natural Energy Boosters are Gifts that Keep on Giving
Start with the Basics and Use Common Sense
If you feel you don’t have enough energy and struggle to make it throughout the day, the first thing you should do is review the basics:
Are you getting enough sleep? Are you drinking enough water? Are you eating a healthy, balanced diet? 2 out of 5 Americans do not drink enough water, and 1 in 3 Americans doesn’t get enough sleep. That means many of the people you know could get a significant boost to their energy by drinking a glass of water and taking a nap. When you’re tired, it’s harder to remember to eat right and stay hydrated, so many people with one of these problems have all three.
A big part of your energy level is your attitude, and foods that improve your mood make you more inclined to action. Try adding some mood-boosting foods to your diet as snacks and as part of your meals. It may help get you in the right frame of mind. Aromatherapy can also contribute to an elevated outlook on the day. It not only makes things smell nicer, but it can also turn things around mentally and help get you moving when you’re feeling sluggish.
Go to sleep at the same time every day. If you can’t do that, get up at the same time every day. If you do this consistently, you will have more energy. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, find ways to get more. Even if all you do is add an hour nap to the middle of your day, it will pay you back with increased energy.
Even when you’re on top of these foundational steps, sometimes you will still find your energy levels dropping. When that happens there are additional steps you can take.
Natural Energy Boosters: Healthy Eating and Exercise
A healthy diet goes beyond keeping the calories under control. If you aren’t eating the right nutrients, you can find yourself getting tired partway through the day.
Iron-rich foods are an important part of your diet because iron is vital for the production of healthy red blood cells. You need to get enough oxygen to your brain and muscles in order for you to be healthy, happy, and full of energy. Iron makes it possible for your red blood cells to do this vital work.
Foods rich in simple carbs like sugar are tempting because they give you quick energy. This is a trap because they also increase your glycemic load and trigger the release of insulin. This causes your energy to crash, because insulin turns all of that sugar directly into fat.
Complex carbs are better for you because they take longer to absorb and result in lower blood sugar levels. Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet and increase your intake of complex carbs, and you will find yourself with more energy. The lower your glycemic load, the less fat your body will make.
Exercise goes hand in hand with diet because it makes you stronger and gives you more energy. Deep belly-breathing raises your oxygen levels throughout your body, giving you more energy and raising your mood. Exercise and belly-breathing work together to boost your energy naturally.
Regular exercise increases your metabolism. Instead of wearing you out, it gives you more energy. You will work harder and feel better, burning away excess calories in the process. And wearing yourself out at meaningful and productive tasks will prepare you for deep, recuperative sleep at night.
How to Stay Hydrated
Most beverages will help you stay hydrated, and one of the best energy drinks available is water. Drinking a tall glass of water first thing in the morning can kick-start your metabolism. Getting enough water is important. If you want to stay hydrated, however, it requires more than just drinking water. You need electrolytes, too, or the water won’t do much good. So when you drink your water, grab a handful of nuts or something salty so you can keep your electrolytes properly balanced.
The effects of dehydration can be severe. Most people are very blessed to have access to safe and clean drinking water. Despite this advantage, about 40% of Americans don’t drink enough to stay at peak performance. The disadvantages of dehydration go beyond mere sluggishness. When you’re not getting enough water, you will get more headaches—and worse, you’ll be more susceptible to migraines. Proper hydration keeps your energy levels up and your immune system strong.
Specialty beverages like Ladder Hydration make it easy to get the balance right. It is properly formulated with all the electrolytes you need to stay optimal without needing to eat each time you drink water.
Turmeric tea is another way to stay hydrated, and it gives you more than just the fluids you need. The turmeric and curcumin in the tea provide mood and energy boosts to help keep you at your best. There are many benefits of turmeric, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric keeps you healthy, and when you avoid getting sick, you will have more energy at your disposal. The fact that it’s delicious just makes it that much easier to do the right thing for your health.
Keep your energy levels as high as possible. When you find that you’re getting tired and need more energy, look to your hydration first.
Natural Energy Boosters are Gifts that Keep on Giving
For optimal health and maximum energy, revisit your foundations of hydration, diet, sleep, and exercise on a regular basis. If you find a weakness in these areas, fixing it will be the easiest path to getting a long-term energy boost. A few small lifestyle changes may be all you need to turn yourself into a powerhouse.
When you need an extra boost, avoid caffeine, drugs, and chemicals and go the all-natural route. Getting an extra boost of energy can be as simple as taking a supplement or two. It doesn’t even have to be a supplement. Sometimes a little deep belly-breathing can help you find that second wind.
Having a good reason to be active can help you find energy, too. Wasting time sitting on the couch watching TV, browsing the Internet on autopilot, and oversleeping will also sap your energy. Fill your day up with productive activities and take regular breaks. Spend some time outside in the sun. Many Americans are deficient in vitamin D, but as few as 15 minutes of sunlight can be all the supplementation you need.
There are changes you can make to how you live that will increase your energy and increase your health. What are you doing to maintain high levels of energy? I recommend trying each of these natural energy boosters in turn and find out which one is best for you. They will help you get up in the morning and keep you going strong all day.