10 ways to boost your energy

If you’re struggling with fatigue, feeling tired or stressed, you probably need some natural energy boosters. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite tips to help get you going again!

1. Drink water

Sometimes the simplest solution is also the best. Regardless of what you’re doing – working, exercising, on a day out with friends or family – if you’re feeling tired or fatigued and lacking in energy, the only product that will really enhance your performance is water. You don’t need a sports drink, or a drink packed with sugar.

A simple glass of water from the tap should suffice. The fact is, if your body is short of water it will let you know by making you feel lethargic and fatigued.

2. Take some exercise

Another simple solution you may not have considered is that you need to take some exercise. Exercise boosts the energy levels in your cells, while helping oxygen circulate around the body more efficiently. In addition, you’ll sleep more soundly, meaning that you’re less likely to feel tired the next day. Exercise also helps the body to release epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are stress hormones. In small amounts this can help you feel energized. You don’t have to opt for a full workout in the gym, a quick walk will really help.

3. Stand Up

If exercising is too much for you because you don’t have the time, try merely standing up! When we sit for too long, our blood vessels constrict, which can make you feel tired and lacking in energy. Stand up and walk around or stretch for a little while and this will help your heart and muscles to feel more energised. An additional bonus is that you’ll be more productive when you get back to work too.

4. Sit up straight!

If standing up is not an option, try sitting up straighter. The shift in your posture can give you an instant energy boost. If you often sit with your head and neck shifted forwards and your shoulders hunched, this affects the arteries that feed blood to the brain. Keeping your head and shoulders properly aligned is much better for you. So shift position and straighten up, as often as you can, and this will help to boost your energy when you’re hunched over your laptop.

5. Stress management

Stress can be a factor in periods of fatigue, because if you’re feeling emotional and tense, this can use a great deal of energy. Try and tackle whatever is causing you stress. At the very least, talk through your problems with a friend or relative, and practise relaxation techniques to try to reduce the burden you’re under. Meditation, yoga, tai chi and massage are all effective ways to manage your stress.

6. Manage your daily load

If you’re feeling fatigued and lacking in energy because you’re doing too much, it could be time to start thinking about rearranging your schedule. Saying no to family, friends and your boss is tough, but if it’s bringing you down and making you feel tired and lethargic, you have to put your health first. Ask for extra help if you need it, and prioritise what you need to do and when.

7. Change your diet

Boost your energy by changing what you eat along with your eating patterns. You should eat three meals a day, staggered at equal intervals, and limit your snacking. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it girds you for the day ahead and is an especially important source of energy. Healthier options that are energy boosters include porridge, fruit, omelettes, or wholemeal toast or cereals.

Try to limit the amount of fat, sugar and salt you have in your diet and increase the amount of fruit and vegetables. These along with carbohydrates – such as potatoes, bread, cereals and pasta are an important part of a healthy diet, and are a good source of energy.

Remember that sugar, in particular, will rob you of energy. It gives you a small initial boost and then steals energy away. Cut out sweets, cakes, biscuits, fizzy drinks and chocolates.

Boost the amount of iron rich food you eat - such a red meat, cabbage and other green vegetables to prevent yourself feeling tired and faint. You can often find iron-supplemented foods, such as breakfast cereals.

8. Avoid smoking and alcohol

Smoking causes insomnia, and speeds the heart rate, raises blood pressure, and stimulates brain-wave activity. Alcohol has a sedative effect, and can cause an energy wind down. It can also inhibit your sleep (you’ll drop off more quickly but have trouble staying asleep). Drinking alcohol leads to dehydration which will also leave you lacking in energy.

9. Get some sunshine

Fluorescent lighting, and artificial lighting generally, can be very draining. If you’re working under poor lighting and feeling in need of an energy boost, nip outside and soak up the sun for a few minutes. Sunlight will elevate your mood and increase your productivity.

10. Don’t oversleep

If you’re lacking in energy you may well be tempted to have an early night or even take a nap, but oversleeping can be just as bad for your energy levels as not sleeping enough. Restrict yourself to 6-8 hours per night, even at weekends, and you may actually improve the quality of the sleep you do get which will boost your energy for the rest of the day.

Other articles

20 natural ways to prevent and relieve headaches

Headaches can be a real nuisance, especially if you get them frequently. Luckily, there are many natural ways to prevent and relieve headaches without needing to reach for over the counter medication.

Why it's never too late to change

People always think: that’s just me. I'm not good at 'X', that is just my character. Here are some reasons why it's never too late to change.

How to know when to say no

It's often difficult to say no, but some people never do! So how do you know when to say no and when to say yes?

Let's make 2021 better than 2020

For many people, 2020 has been one of the worst years they can remember. The COVID -19 pandemic and social unrest have changed our lives in ways we would not have believed possible a year ago. And when January 2021 comes around, we're still likely to be facing many challenges. Can 2021 be a better year?

I don't want to!

Motivation can be somewhat elusive - some days, you just can't seem to make yourself do the stuff you don't want to. But putting things off just leads to stress, frustration and a sense of guilt.

Are most people good or bad?

Do you sometimes despair about humanity because it seems there are far more bad people than good? Are we primarily selfish individuals, thinking only about our own needs? Or is this cynical belief just because we spend so much time online? The truth is more complicated!

Stop worrying and live in the moment

People spend so much of their time regretting the past and worrying about the future. But it’s not worth it! Even what happened yesterday doesn't matter anymore! Let go of the past and the future and make the most of every moment.

Why a life without stress and obstacles is unrewarding

Stress can be both good and bad; it’s up to you how you look at it. But too much stress can be dangerous. Read more about stress in this article!

What to do when the spark is fading

Why do you feel butterflies at the start of a new romance, and how can you keep the flame burning in a long term relationship as the spark starts to fade?

What makes it so hard to go back to work?

Millions of people furloughed for months are now being recalled to work. Others, who have been working from home throughout the lockdown, are returning to the office. And some jobs have simply disappeared: many people are facing redundancy and will soon have to cope with job hunting. Going back to work after an unprecedented length of time at home is quite a challenge.