In our last article, we talked about how being too busy can negatively impact your health. One of the worst effects of busyness, of course, is a lack of energy. Although most of us struggle to feel energized, some people have more underlying causes than just a busy lifestyle. Stress, dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, allergies, lack of movement, and disrupted sleep are six common reasons for tiredness. But of these examples, stress is the most common.
Research shows that 80% of all physician visits are for stress-related issues. Stress suffocates a person’s energy and is one of the biggest culprits of our mental and physical energy crisis today. With a tight schedule and frenzied mornings, it’s all too easy to grab coffee and donuts for a boost of energy. But instead of running to caffeine or sugar for a temporary pick-me-up, fight stress proactively. To help you get started, we’ve compiled 5 ways to prepare your mind and body to handle stress.
5 Positive Ways to Handle Stress
- Relaxation Exercises: Simple breathing exercises can switch your sympathetic nervous system (flight-or-fight response) within a few seconds. We also recommend meditation, restorative yoga, and massage; which have all been clinically proven to enhance energy and well-being.
- Sunlight Exposure: Research suggests that getting more sunlight exposure in the morning can help decrease cortisol (stress) levels later in the evening. With decreased stress later in the day, you’ll be more likely to get a good night’s sleep.
- Going Organic: Elevated cortisol levels and unstable blood sugar levels can throw off your sleep cycles. Eating a well-balanced diet that’s focused on real food—not processed—can help keep your blood sugar stable at night.
- Water and Supplements: Drinking enough water and consuming key nutrients (like magnesium) will also help you sleep well and have bountiful energy.
- Move your body: Unfortunately, the occasional workout doesn’t count in this case. We create energy by moving frequently throughout the day. So, if you work out for an hour every day—only to sit the rest of the time—you’re not much more active than the rest of the sedentary population. Try setting an alarm to do two minutes of bodyweight exercises every ninety minutes. Even just two minutes of activity can leave you feeling more charged throughout the day!
Lack of energy can be caused by many different factors, but these tips are a fantastic place to start. If you want to find the root cause of why your energy levels are low, ask our office how we can help you holistically.
