It’s safe to say the pandemic has taken its toll on our physical and mental energy. We’re all in need of a boost. We know the tried and tested methods–move more, eat better, cut the smoking and booze. But can we do more to kickstart the engines?
Let’s dig in. Here are 5 methods to boost your energy.
1. Manage your stress
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stress accounts for 95% of illnesses. Our sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is responsible for our stress response to danger.
When stressed, our body produces cortisol and we hit fight-or-flight mode. In fight-or-flight, we cannot rest or repair. The problem is, our body cannot distinguish between genuine danger and day-to-day stress, so our body activates fight-or-flight anyway. This is metabolically expensive, using up our glucose stores and causing a crash.
Our advice? Keep the stress in check- manage your workload, find time to chill, and move your body.
2. Get the naps in
How to increase energy? A good night’s sleep allows the body to recover and grow. It also improves cognitive function, metabolism, and hormone regulation- all-important for energy. We’ve been taught to assume napping is for kids.
Wrong. Research indicates that a nap during the day can improve performance, reaction time, logical reasoning, mood, and energy levels. Sneaking a nap into the day comes highly recommended.
3. Supplement
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, B vitamins can boost energy production. But have you tried Ashwagandha? It’s a medicinal herb used to manage stress in the body.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning high concentrations can improve stress resistance and lower cortisol in the body. It can also help regulate our blood sugar, which can help to negate sugar (and energy) crashes.
If that’s not enough, research shows that Ashwagandha can boost memory and brain function, as well as performance, attention, speed, and energy.
4. Take an ice bath
Athletes already use this technique, post-training, to reduce lactic acid build-up and soreness, improve inflammation, and stimulate muscle recovery. Research suggests an ice bath may also boost energy and metabolism.
Exposing the body to cold water can kickstart the parasympathetic nervous system, improving relaxation and reducing anxiety and cortisol levels.
5. Breathe
Meditation is becoming extremely popular due to its proven ability to activate our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), responsible for calm, rest, and repair.
A lesser known technique is the use of breathwork. Our breath strongly affects our physiological and chemical processes. Brought to light by Wim Hof and the Wim Hof Method, breathwork focuses on oxygen and energy.
The more oxygen we inhale, the more energy available to our cells. The process uses ‘controlled hyperventilation’ to influence the nervous system and improve energy, also helping to reduce stress.
Food for thought
A healthy sex life improves mood, reduces stress, and encourages deeper sleep. Something else to consider! If you wish to learn more facts check out our other blogs!
*REMEMBER TO ALWAYS SEEK HELP FROM A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FOR MEDICATION OR TO DIAGNOSE A POTENTIAL HEALTH CONDITION.
