Need More Energy?
Energy is what keeps us going. We crave it to get through the day, power through a workout and socialize. There are activities that can raise our energy as well as drain it.
A lot of people think it’s normal to wake up tired, lose energy throughout the day and to struggle through a workout. The reality is: everyone should wake up feeling refreshed. It’s then ideal to begin feeling tired toward the evening.
Today’s post explores the topic of energy, what gives us more and what can deprive us of it.
We depend on and need energy.
Tara Energy defines energy as: “the ability to do work.” Meaning there’s a force that provokes an object to be displaced. This happens when we walk up and down the stairs; make dinner; go for walks; and more – everything uses energy.
There are proactive ways and actions you can take to foster daily energy that lasts.
Get morning sunlight. This keeps our circadian rhythm in tune with the sun and in turn, promotes healthy levels of hormones. Along with an increase in energy, morning sun has the power to enhance sleep, boost immunity and improve mood.
Drink enough water – with sea salt or electrolytes. Dehydration is the body’s number one stressor. We slow down beceacuse the body becomes too tried.
Water is influential toward numerous boldly functions. When dehydrated, the body is overworking. It’s using more energy than typically required to focus, digest food, regulate temperature and more.
Eat a well-balanced, whole-food diet. The body utilizes food as fuel. Whole foods sustain the body for longer periods of time providing energy. This type of diet allows us to go about our daily life, exercise, play with our kids, go on bike rides, etc.
The key is to limit highly processed foods. Such foods are typically broken down into glucose (sugar) which spikes blood sugar. This causes insulin to be constantly pumped out which can lead to diabetes.
Junk and processed foods seem satisfying at first, but they’re quickly turned into glucose that doesn’t last long leading to a crash.
Exercise regularly. It may seem counterintuitive to workout when you feel like you don’t have the energy. However, it will actually give you the energy you’re craving.
Harvard Health Publishing explains that you’re producing more mitochondria and boosting oxygen circulation. This increase means energy goes up, the body functions better and energy use is more efficient. You’re also increasing the production of feel good hormones.
Limit screen time and artificial light. The constant light from laptops and phones interferes with neurotransmitters. Screens have blue light and while we need natural blue light from the sun, artificial blue light can be harmful.
Too much artificial light, and at the wrong times, can suppress melatonin. Your sleep will suffer if melatonin never rises to make you tired. You’ll eventually struggle with low energy and sluggishness.
There are lots of additional habits, good and bad, that influence our energy.
Energy Drainers:
Negativity
Alcohol
Stress
Fear
A messy environment
Resentment & being stuck in the past
Too much time on social media
Energy Givers:
Gratitude
Positivity
Music
Meditation and breathwork
Quality sleep
Time in nature
Intentional rest
Novelty and learning something new
Limit energy drainers and add energy givers into each and every day.
Takeaways
Energy is all around us. Everything – including humans – needs energy. It’s vital.
The habits you entertain largely influence your energy supply. If your energy is not where you want it to be, there are changes you can make to raise it. Positive shifts and additions into your daily routines would do the trick.
Which aspect of this article caught your attention? That’s probably an area you need to focus on.
Was it the part about screens? Are you on a computer all day for work and then spend the evening on your phone? See what it’s like and how you feel limiting phone time before bed.
Make these connections and then make appropriate changes.