Do you have an energy slump during the day?
Here are seven ways to lift your energy levels:
In 2006, the Mirror reported a study, commissioned by Typhoo Tea, to ascertain what time of the day we experience an energy slump. The results showed that 2.16pm was a popular time and maybe you’ll agree with this.
So, whether this is your time to curl up under a desk or in a corner, read more to learn my seven recommended energy boosters to lift your daily energy levels from the minute you wake up to the minute you close your eyes.
Let the light in
Those who study our internal body clocks, Chronobiologists, suggest that waking up when it starts to get naturally light is the best time to rise for an energy boost. This is because the body’s natural energising hormones, cortisol, serotonin and adrenaline are stimulated by the natural light. Melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormones are inhibited and by allowing light in through the curtains/blind first thing, the effects can happen immediately.
Early to bed…
If you can get to bed early enough to get at least eight hours sleep, then you’re more than likely to wake up naturally without an alarm clock. The Journal of the American Medical Association found that being woken out of a deep sleep with an alarm clock keeps you sluggish for hours after. Try and get to bed before midnight to benefit from a full night’s sleep.
Fancy a cold shower?
Make your morning shower that little bit more exciting by turning the gauge from hot to cold intermittently. This will increase your metabolism and circulation therefore reducing sluggishness. Great if you didn’t get much sleep last night.
Go for a walk
Scientists at California State University found that a 10 minute walk immediately boosts your mood and energy levels for up to two hours. Going for a 10 minute walk was found to sustain improved moods and energy levels for longer than the high sugar snacks often eaten to achieve the same results. Try to go for a 10 minute walk at least five out of seven days a week.
Make oil essential
Energy lifters like cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint and grapefruit essential oils are fantastic for lifting your mood. Invest in a bottle and mix a few drops in a 15ml plastic container of vegetable oil, for example, sweet almond, grapeseed, sunflower. When you’re feeling low during the day, rub a little on the inside of your wrist, a pulse point, to increase energy levels. You could also use a little to rub on the back of your neck to relieve those muscles and increase blood flow to the brain.
Take a breath
If going for a walk is not possible, take a deep breath. Research has found that breathing deeply supplies the brain with a surge of oxygen to increase focus and a sharper general awareness. This in turn relieves mental and physical tension, calms the nerves and can lower the heart rate. So, if you can go for a walk, add 5 deep breaths to this activity. If this isn’t possible, take a moment wherever you are and take five deep breaths to clear the mind and increase your focus.
Water, water everywhere
How many glasses of water a day are you drinking? Research has shown that even a two per cent drop in hydration has a significant effect on energy levels. When the body becomes dehydrated the blood volume reduces, resulting in a drop in the muscles’ oxygen levels. This will induce tiredness very quickly. To avoid this, carry a bottle of water around with you everyday.
Nicolette Wilson - Oct 09
Health and Wellbeing Expert
BSc (Hons) Health Studies
www.selfloveonline.co.uk
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