Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy Levels

October 20, 2020

Our busy lives mean we could all benefit from a bit more energy. Find out how natural solutions - from food and CBD oil to exercise and sleep - can all help in the fight against fatigue.

by Chantelle Pattemore

Between a hectic schedule of work, family life, social commitments and making time for our own hobbies, a recent report finding that a large number of us regularly feel tired hardly comes as a surprise.

However, the impact of low energy levels extends much farther than simply wishing for a few extra hours in bed, with fatigue negatively influencing everything from mental and physical performance to digestion and hormones.

Fortunately, there are plenty of all-natural steps you can take to get more energy and put that pep back in your step.

Keep reading to learn about the best ways to give your energy levels a feel-good boost.

The Right Fuel

Food is one of our main sources of energy. But just as putting diesel in a gasoline car will cause all kinds of problems, not giving your body the correct sustenance can also have a detrimental effect. Tucking into a pizza or tub of ice cream is fine as an occasional treat, but a balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential if you want to feel more energized.

Bananas are one of the best snacks you can keep on hand for an energy boost (there’s a reason you often see athletes peeling away before an event), while apples, oranges, nuts and seeds are also perfect for stashing away in your bag for a quick pick-me-up. Eggs and oats are both great natural sources of energy – so try a hearty bowl of oatmeal with berries or an omelet for breakfast. Meanwhile, adding brown rice or quinoa to your plate at lunch or dinner will assist in giving you a boost: both have a low glycemic index, allowing energy to be released more slowly and avoiding that mid-afternoon slump.

The Role of Coffee & Caffeine Alternatives

It’s not only what we eat that can affect energy, but also the things we drink. One of the first things we reach for when feeling tired is a cup of coffee, its caffeine content a natural stimulant that’s been shown to improve both physical and mental performance. However, it’s easy to become reliant on it, and too much can have adverse effects on blood pressure, heart rate, mood and can even leave you feeling more tired than you were before you reached for your mug.

Fortunately, there are plenty of caffeine alternatives if you’re looking for a liquid energizer. It may sound overly simple, but a big glass of water will often do the trick as low hydration levels can leave you feeling sluggish and slow. There are herbal solutions you can look to as well: ginger, ginseng, peppermint and rooibos are all great choices. And this e ndurance athlete revealed how the latter provided a big energy boost during her training and races. Bottoms up!

Healthy Habits

If you’re already feeling fatigued, then chances are the last thing you’ll feel like doing is exercising. But engaging in physical activity can actually boost our energy levels, as doing so releases endorphins and encourages blood and oxygen flow around the body. Jumping into a high-intensity training session may not be the best idea, so instead try a brisk walk, a yoga session or even a dance to your favorite songs around the living room.

Fortunately, crawling into bed and getting some shut eye is also a beneficial way to increase energy – but only if that sleep is of good quality and duration. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and limit your screen time before you try to doze off as the blue light emitted from phones and laptops i nhibits production of melatonin (aka your brain’s sleepy hormone). If you need an extra helping hand winding down, our STOP tincture is an ideal aid comprising hemp CBD, chamomile, lavender and valerian root to encourage restful slumber.

Quick Energy Boosters

If you’re short on time or want to take your energy booster one step farther, our GO! tincture is a speedy fix. It contains CBD oil, which early studies indicate could influence our brain’s response to serotonin, a chemical linked with mood and fatigue, while further research suggests a positive association with levels of alertness. The blend also comprises ginger, cardamom and rosemary, all of which have long been relied on in traditional medicine for their ability to increase energy. Simply pop a couple of drops under your tongue and you’re all set!

With so many short- and long-term solutions available, low energy levels will hopefully soon be a thing of the past. They say there’s strength in numbers, so mix and match some of nature’s finest and you’ll feel more energized and more ready to take on the day.

Chantelle Pattemore is a London-based journalist and content writer. With a focus on health, well-being, fitness and food, she has written for titles including Women’s Health, Greatist, Men’s Fitness, Shondaland, Reader’s Digest and Stylist.

Sources:

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/SIA%202020%20Q1%20Report.pdf

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002#symptoms

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/energy-boosting-foods

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3114783/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209050/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/energy-boosting-foods#8.-Water

https://www.psychologies.co.uk/boost-your-health-natural-remedies-ginger

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262982

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325242

https://sarooibos.co.za/drink-rooibos-tea-to-improve-concentration-during-exams/