Do you frequently find yourself yearning for a mug of coffee at 9 in the morning and need at least three shots of coffee to get through your day? Do you often top yourself up with RedBull or other energy drinks in hopes of being more productive? Do you commonly find yourself yawning and stretching even after minor exertion?
Now is the time for you to put your feet up and read carefully for we have compiled for you, a list of quick energy-boosting tips that can help you kick start into action without chugging buckets of coffee or loading your body with unhealthy beverages. Read on!
- Work Out
That’s right. Instead of hitting the fridge for an energy drink, hit the gym. Even low key exercises, if done on a regular basis, can help you build up your stamina. Furthermore, physical activity triggers the release of substances like adrenaline, nor-adrenaline and dopamine in the body which have a stimulant effect and help boost your energy levels.
A quick jog around the block in the morning can, therefore, help more than any amount of coffee to open your eyes to gear you into action for the day.
- Eat Carefully
While treating yourself to chocolate for quick energy boost might seem like a good idea, it does more harm than good. Quick sugar goes away as quickly as it hits the blood stream. A better (and healthier) alternative is to indulge in complex carbohydrates like whole grain biscuits. These complex carbohydrates are broken down slowly and provide a constant source of energy for the body, keeping you energized for longer durations.
- Nap Wisely
A lie down in the afternoon after a tiring day at work sounds too good to be ignored. Your body, however, has been clocked according to the circadian rhythm which is a 24 hours long cycle. The circadian rhythm dictates your body to be the most active during the day time by releasing certain hormones and other substances. At night time, the bodily processes slow down, in anticipation of sleep and rest.
Taking a nap in the afternoon disturbs the circadian rhythm and you end up being awake at night. As your circadian rhythm goes topsy-turvy, you are faced with day time sleepiness and lethargy that decreases your productivity. In order to be more energetic at day time, sleep at and for proper time so that your body is well-rested and more energized.
- Yoga
Yoga is a centuries-old therapy that puts the mind and body at ease and increase the productivity. Various yoga poses target different muscle groups for enhanced physical strength. Clinical trials have shown yoga to be associated with improved quality of life and better performance at workplace.
If you feel tired while studying or working and getting through your day sounds like a horrible ordeal, a power break for yoga can help you replete the depleted energy levels. The end result is an instant boost in energy that can help you achieve more in lesser amount of amount.
Don’t have yoga classes near you? Check out this great DVD course which will guide you through yoga sessions in the comfort of your own home.
- Check Your Iron and B12 Status
Constant fatigue may be a sign of low iron or vitamin B12. Symptoms of low iron are pale-looking skin, difficulty concentrating, getting breathless easily and lethargy.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency – which is fairly common in middle-aged men and women – include tingling feeling in arms and legs, excessive weakness and lethargy, lightheadedness, headaches, irritability and short attention span. If these sound all too familiar, read more here – Tired All The Time? You May Be Lacking Vitamin B12
Scientific References:
- University of Georgia. (2017, April 20). Tired? Try walking upstairs instead of soda. ScienceDaily.
(www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/03/030314071202.htm) - University Of Pennsylvania Medical Centre. (2003, March 14). ‘Sleep Debts’ Accrue When Nightly Sleep Totals Six Hours or Fewer; Penn Study Find People Respond Poorly, While Feeling Only ‘Slightly’ Tired. ScienceDaily.
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