10 Ways to Naturally Boost Your Energy
Kids are wondrous, amazing little beings who enrich our lives in untold ways. They are also little vampires who will suck the very lifeblood from our bodies. There is no tired like mom tired, am I right? We feel it in our bones and our souls, and it can feel never-ending. Sure, we can perk up with coffee to make up for all the sleep we don’t get. But there’s only so much coffee one person can consume! When you’re constantly GO GO GO, no amount of coffee is going to replenish the energy you use. Luckily, there are plenty of other ways you can boost your energy naturally!
1. One of the quickest ways to boost your energy is to reduce the stress in your life. Easier said than done, I know!
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Stress consumes huge amounts of energy, which can leave you feeling depleted and drained, both physically and emotionally. Carve out some time to practice some self-care, talk about your problems with a friend or therapist, or try meditation or yoga to keep your stress in check.
2. Get some sun!
This is especially important if you’re a working mom and stuck indoors for several hours a day. Sunlight can energize you, improve your mood, and boost your body’s levels of vitamin D. So make it a point to spend at least 20-30 minutes outside everyday, soaking up the sunshine.
3. Restrict your sleep (bear with me, here).
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I know your first instinct when you’re running on fumes is to catch a nap where you can. But have you ever taken a nap and woken up MORE tired than before you fell asleep? Instead of trying to catch up some zzzz’s during the day, go to bed earlier, and get more restful, uninterrupted sleep at night.
4. Drink plenty of water.
Our bodies need water. NEED IT. One of the first signs of dehydration is fatigue! So make sure you’re getting plenty of water in throughout the day. Ice cold water always perks me right up.
5. Get up and get moving!
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Listen, I’m no exercise junkie. In fact, I really dislike it. But, even I can’t deny how energized I feel after some good ol’ fashioned physical exertion. Even 20-30 minutes a day can help. Exercise causes your body to release stress hormones that can make you feel more energized. Plus, it can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly at night.
6. Put down the smokes and booze (wah!).
Smoking is awful for you anyway, but did you know it can also cause insomnia? Nicotine is a stimulant, so while a drag on that cig can feel relaxing, it can speed up your heart, raise your blood pressure, and trick your brain into wakefulness.
Avoiding a glass of wine or a cocktail in the early evening can also boost your energy. Alcohol has a sedative effect, so if you’re feeling that late afternoon or evening slump and are having a hard time finding enough energy to finish out the day, maybe save the booze for a nightcap.
RELATED: These Self-Care Habits Will Make You a Better Mom
7. Sit up straight!
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This one was surprising to me! Sitting with your head, neck, and shoulders slumped forward can affect the arteries that bring blood to your brain, zapping your energy and making you feel more fatigued. It also WASTES what little energy you do have, as your muscles are working overtime to do the job your bones should be doing.
8. Avoid big, heavy meals during the day, and eat smaller meals and snacks every few hours.
Not only can heavy food make you feel fatigued, not feeding your brain often enough can make it worse. Small meals and snacks every few hours can help keep your brain fueled. Stick to foods with a low glycemic index, like nuts, healthy fats, proteins, and high-fiber veggies.
9. Switch out your afternoon/evening coffee with green tea.
If you’ve hit your wall in the afternoon and find yourself reaching for your 1625 cup of coffee for the day, consider green tea instead. Green tea has small amounts of caffeine, so you’ll get the boost you need, but it also won’t interfere with your sleep at night.
10. One final way to boost your energy: make some serious cuts to your To Do list.
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Listen, I know our plates are full-to-overflowing. But we have to do ourselves this solid! Don’t take on more than you can handle, and don’t run yourself ragged trying to get it all done. If you’re burning the candle at both ends and only end up burning yourself in the process, something has to go. Or several things.
Do you have a tried and true natural way to boost your energy? What’s worked for you? I’m all ears, seriously.
(Image: iStock/ASIFE)
