Fitness and Training

Fix that low energy feeling naturally with these easy steps

We’ve all experienced it at some time or another — that feeling of utter exhaustion when, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t shake the feeling of having no energy. The simplest of tasks irritates and frustrates you, your concentration levels have hit rock-bottom, and even an invitation to a party with your best friends doesn’t excite you in the least.

If you want your get-up-and-go back, try some of these natural ways that are sure to give your energy the boost it needs.

REGAIN YOUR ENERGY
MAKE SURE TO EAT BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND SUPPER
Start your day off with a good breakfast and you’ll feel happier, more energetic and ready to take on the day. Food is fuel, so make sure to have a good lunch and supper as well and keep your body full of that zest you’re looking for.

ADD MORE MAGNESIUM TO YOUR DIET
Your magnesium levels could be a bit low, so add foods rich in this mineral to your daily diet, such as hazelnuts, cashews, almonds, bran cereal and fish, especially halibut.

HAVE POWER SNACKS TO BOOST ENERGY
When you feel like a snack between meals, eat something that has some fat, fibre and protein, like a bowl of yoghurt with a handful of nuts or a few wholewheat crackers topped with peanut butter. These will boost your energy and make it last.

REDUCE YOUR STRESS LEVELS
It is a known fact that stress causes energy levels to sink to rock-bottom, both mentally and physically. Not even a day in bed will fix this problem. Do whatever it takes to eliminate the things in your life that are causing your stress levels to shoot through the roof, and you will start functioning better, with more energy and enthusiasm.

walking

TAKE A WALK TO INCREASE ENERGY
Although it seems that walking around when you’re feeling exhausted will make you feel even more exhausted, it’s the opposite that actually happens. According to the experts, by increasing your physical activity, especially walking, you will actually increase your energy levels. A brisk 10-minute walk around the block is enough to boost your energy for about two hours afterwards.

HAVE A POWER NAP
Concentrating for hours at a time can sap all the energy from you and leave you feeling like a wet rag. Besides giving your energy a boost, having an hour-long power nap will get rid of that sluggish feeling and even help you to retain the information you were working on.

DRINK MORE WATER
Believe it or not, but those times when you feel exceptionally tired could simply mean that you’re thirsty. Make sure you keep your body properly hydrated at all times, especially after taking a long walk or spending time at your local gym. A tall glass of cool water will be enough to give you that energy boost you crave.

Try one or two, or even all of the above natural energy boosters and feel your energy levels soar, almost immediately.

southafrican.com