7 Tips For Increasing Your Energy Naturally
Many new clients come to me saying “I am tired of feeling so tired all the time.” They may have tried different approaches but the benefit, if any, was temporary. Have you experienced this? Your body is a fascinating, complex organism. It needs support in many different ways. Here are 7 tips for increasing your energy naturally.
You have heard me promote some of these before because they are vital – meaning, important for your life. Choose one, or several, to begin supporting your body.
#1 Stay Hydrated
Dehydration sneaks up on us and sucks the energy out of our cells by limiting their function. Our bodies are mostly water, and my clients are often shocked to learn that just drinking liquids does not hydrate.
Liquids may moisten your mouth, but if they have lots of ingredients (especially sugar), they are actually dehydrating! Water – plain or infused with fruit or vegetables or herbal tea – is what your body craves.
#2 Clean Up Your Food Choices
Reduce the simple carbs, such as foods made with flour and sugar, and increase consumption of vegetables, animal and non-animal proteins, and healthy fats.
Soluble fiber is key for maintaining your microbiome (the bacteria that live in your gut) and digestive system. One of the best ways to fuel your day is to skip cereal and breads for breakfast and eat protein.
#3 Develop an Exercise Routine
Are you thinking ‘How can I exercise when I don’t have energy?’ I get it. It’s one of the conundrums of life. To increase your energy, you need to expend energy – like priming the pump.
The good news is that you don’t need to exercise hard, just increase your movement. Start with a daily walk, preferably outside. I’m confident that you will feel more energized soon after.
#4 Get Adequate Sleep
The key word here is “adequate.” That may not be the same for you as for others in your family. If you are a parent, you have likely noticed differences between the sleep needs of your children.
Some need more, some less. It is generally believed that adults need 7 hours a day is the minimum. If you wake in the morning and do not feel rested, we need to talk. There may be support that you need to improve the quality of your sleep for better energy.
#5 Moderate Your Stress
We all know people that seem to wear their stress like a badge of honor. The body can only withstand so much before the detrimental effects become visible. Give it a break.
Set a couple alarms to remind you to stop what you are doing and stand up. Stretch your body – arms, back, legs, neck – as needed. Then take a deep breath through your nose, hold it, and let it out slowly and forcefully through your lips. Repeat this several times. When you sit back down, you will feel refreshed.
#6 Take Some “Me” Time
You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you haven’t been filling your cup with activities that bring joy and fulfillment, it’s no wonder you feel drained. Turn on music that you enjoy. Indulge in a piece (not a box) of dark chocolate. Plan an escape to walk on a beach or in the woods. Choose what brings you joy.
#7 Check Your Thyroid & Cortisol
There are many signals your body may be sending to alert you that your thyroid or adrenals are struggling. Fatigue is one. You may have asked your doctor to check your thyroid and cortisol, but I’m sure they only looked at TSH and morning cortisol and said “you’re fine.”
That was me as I began my health coach training, and I can tell you from experience that it is worth pursuing answers. I can help in this area.
The symptoms you feel are not your body abandoning you, but rather your body asking for help. I encourage you to pause and consider your symptoms in this way. Then seek answers to support better function so that you can live with energy to enjoy your life and all its adventures.
