This is a chronic problem for everyone in the world. Having no energy! Being tired all the time! That's no way to live, feeling like you're half-asleep all the time!! So without further ado, here are my top 10 ways to boost your energy levels. All real, all-natural, and no gimmicks!
Since you're here reading this blog, regardless of whether you smoke or not, I know you're savvy enough about health and fitness to know it's not a good idea. But I bet you didn't specifically know that smoking causes insomnia. That's because nicotine is a stimulant, just like caffeine, and it raises your blood pressure too! So, if you want to actually be able to get a good night's sleep, and wake up refreshed in the morning, then no smoking.
Yep, now that I mention caffeine...I'm sorry, but I have to go after it, too! Sure, you can use caffeine to boost your energy, so technically I guess it is one of the "10 ways to boost your energy levels." But overall, if you consume too much caffeine and are suffering from insomnia, it's the FIRST thing to cut from your diet.
So if you're not running on coffee, then what are you supposed to drink? Water, of course! If you're dehydrated, you get tired, because dehydration restricts blood flow to your brain, and makes your heart have to pump really hard to get oxygen everywhere. That makes you tired. It's also not good for your body, so don't get dehydrated!
If you're low on energy, chances are you are low on electrolytes too. It's kind of a shame because I don't hear this talked about enough. Electrolytes are essential minerals for your body: sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Basically, these are what help your nerve endings send messages to your brain. They're pretty darn important for your health and energy!!
If you're struggling with your energy levels and struggling to sleep well at night, maybe you need to reset your sleep amount and schedule.
One way to do that is to avoid napping, and then try to get six or seven hours of sleep. That way you will probably still be a little tired, and then the NEXT night you will sleep better and more soundly! I know it sounds a little strange, but it works and worth a try!
You knew this was going to show up on the list somewhere! Exercise is not only good for your energy levels because it's good for your health in general —by bringing oxygen to your muscles and strengthening your heart — although that is part of it.
Exercising it's also a great way to stop you from being tired all the time because it releases a small amount of stress hormones, not in a bad way, but in a good way, that energize you.
Speaking of stress, epinephrine and norepinephrine are good stress hormones, from exercising, that energize you.
The BAD stress hormone is cortisol. Being stressed in your daily life spikes your cortisone levels, which is just plain not good for you. It raises your blood pressure and messes with your insulin resistance.
So how do you get rid of cortisol? Well, by taking things off your plate, and trying to be less stressed!! Did you know, yoga/meditation has been proven to reduce cortisol levels?
Studies have shown that scents like cinnamon and peppermint make you more alert. More research needs to be done on this topic, but I figure, hey! It's a cheap method and no harm can come of it. So why not see whether smelling cinnamon or peppermint makes you less tired?
Of course, nourishing your body with healthy fruits, vegetables, and proteins is important for your energy levels. I mentioned electrolyte balance, and getting enough electrolytes, and of course, a healthy diet plays a big part in that.
But did you know, high-carb foods make you tired because they have a high glycemic index? That means your body wants to soak up all the glucose energy super fast. Carbs are "fast-burning" energy. As in, great for a short burst of energy, but then you crash after. If you want to avoid being tired all the time, try eating as much vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats and oils as possible, because you will digest them more slowly, and so you'll be less tired!!
Lately, I have heard feedback from people who have been loving the 2B Mindset diet. But it's really more of a lifestyle than a diet!
It's basically just intuitive eating, once you get the hang of it, but it's a great way to make sure you get enough protein, veggies, and fiber in your diet. Part of 2B Mindset is drinking a full glass of water before you eat a meal, to help make sure you don't mindlessly overeat.
So as you can see, if you follow 2B Mindset, then you'll be automatically doing most of the things on this list, to prevent yourself from being tired all the time!!
I hope you try out the best way to make 2B Mindset work for your busy schedule and lifestyle. It's easy!
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