There are a lot of reasons people sometimes feel they don’t have enough energy. It can be anything from not getting enough sleep or food to having mental disorders like anxiety or depression. Even with a whole range of reasons to feel constant fatigue, there are still things you can do, and lifestyle changes you can make to boost your energy levels. Here they are.
Reduce Stress
Stress can consume a considerable amount of energy in people. When you are exposed to stress, your body produces the fight or flight chemicals that can drain your energy after. You can reduce stress by unwinding, talking with friends, or joining a support group. You can also try relaxing therapies like yoga, meditation, and Tai Chi.
If you’re consistently exposed to long-term stress, you can even develop something called ‘adrenal fatigue.’ That means your adrenal glands are having difficulty responding to the stress in a sustained fashion. Consult with a doctor, and you may need adrenal fatigue treatment.
Reduce Workload
Sometimes, you’re tired because of the most apparent reason — overwork. That doesn’t only mean that you have too much on your plate at work. You can also be experiencing exhaustion in other parts of your life, including in family responsibilities and social obligations.
It’s essential to prioritize the tasks that are lined up. Some may be more important than others. Mark those that absolutely must be done and others as optional. If you feel that you can no longer fulfill other tasks, consider asking for help to lighten your load.
Reduce Smoking
If you’re a smoker, you may already have an idea of how it negatively affects your health. What you might not be aware of is how smoking can work as a stimulant, raising your heart rate and blood pressure. It can prevent you from sleeping and can even cause insomnia. According to Harvard Medical School, the addictive characteristics of smoking can also cause you to wake up in the middle of the night, wanting to have a smoke.
The National Health Service in the UK has an article with ten self-help tips to quit smoking altogether, or at least reduce it significantly. You can also join smoking support groups to help you with the process.
Optimize Sleep
Just because you’re sleeping, doesn’t mean you’re sleeping well. The quality of sleep is just as important as the length of time you’re sleeping. Your body has to go through the different sleep stages. That means your rest should be uninterrupted. If you’re finding it challenging to sleep, try cooling down your body before going to bed.
The previously mentioned Harvard Medical School article also suggested limiting your sleep in increments until you find your body’s pattern.
Optimize Meals
Your brain needs a consistent supply of nutrients throughout the day. For this reason, it’s better to have a lot of smaller meals instead of three big meals. Doing so will reduce your perception of fatigue.
You can also eat foods with carbohydrates that the body finds it more manageable to burn and absorb, compared to more filling protein.
It’s essential to address issues with fatigue and low energy. Not only does it affect your daily activities, but it could also be indicative of a deeper problem. Consult your doctor if this persists.
