The 3pm slump hits and all you want is a pillow a place to lie down, anywhere will do! Caffeine or an energy drink will give you the kick you need, but the effect is short-lived and the come-down can be horrific… As much as you may want to, you know another caffeine hit will just make you feel terrible this evening.
Choose to keep your body naturally energised throughout the day instead, it’s healthier and will make you feel better in the long-term too.
We’ve compiled some eight simple steps for you to maintain a natural energy balance throughout the day and into the evening, there will be no need for the desperate coffee runs anymore!
Tweak your lifestyle ever so slightly and reap in the benefits…
Step One: Reduce or Eliminate Caffeine
You knew you’d see it somewhere, but it is very true. Caffeinne can cause energy ups and downs including dehydration, fluctuations with blood sugar and mood swings. These symptoms are made worse by the fact that caffeine is an addictive substance so, despite the comedown, you feel the need for another cup. Cut out or down on your caffeine kicks for the better.
Step Two: Drink More Water
Dehydration causes fatigue, so avoid at all costs. When we feel ourselves getting weary, we do reach for a fizzy drink or a sugary snack instead of a glass of water, but now we know we should be reaching for the glass of water. Wait a few minutes and see what happens, we guarantee you will feel better.
Step Three: Eat More Leaves
Eating more dark, leafy green vegetables will have your energy levels up in no time. Try spinach, kale and broccoli. These vegetables have refreshing, vital energy and are full of vitamins and nutrients which will improve circulation, lift your mood, purify the blood and strengthen your immune system.
Step Four: You Can Still Eat Sweet
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to treat yourself to eating more sweet vegetables like yams, cooked carrots, onions and beets. These will help you with your sweet cravings and provide you with beneficial energy-boosting nutrients.
Step Five: Move More
Two simple words. Easier said than done though, we know. Moving does keep your body in balance, when you’re consistently moving your body, it makes it much more difficult to store excess fat and to drag your energy down. Start small with a walk or a spot of stretching and increase as you go.
Step Six: Sleep, Rest and Relax
When you are tired, stressed and worn down, your body will crave energy. You will feel these cravings when you are over-worked and sleep-deprived. Set appropriate bed times and waking up times, and stick to them to get your body in a routine. Social jet-lag is the worst…
Step Seven: Eat Smaller Portions
We all know that food is our energy fuel for the day, but the way we eat food also plays a big part in our energy levels. Eating smaller quantities of food more frequently throughout the day allows our bodies to digest most of the food, giving us a regular fuel source throughout the day. Try and make your largest meal lunch as that is the time of the day when you are probably most active.
Step Eight: Treat Yourself
It’s important to take care of yourself, don’t let your body get over-worked or stressed. This will in time balance your energy levels. Try an evening walk, a bath… take some time for yourself. It’s not Sunday quite yet, but check out how to give yourself some “me time” here.
