While it’s tempting to turn to caffeine or sugar in hope of a quick energy burst, there are healthier and more sustainable ways to keep awake and productive. The trick with energy boosters is that you don’t want to over do it and be kept awake all night. For this reason, true nervous system stimulants like caffeine are not usually the best way to go. Instead, try choosing nutrient rich, long lasting, and steadily released energy boosters. I often get asked about natural ways to boost energy. So, I’ve outlined some questions I’m frequently asked about energy…and have provided some different ways you may like to approach boosting your daily energy!
What’s the best way to start your day to set you up with good energy?
Start the day with a tall glass of water as soon as you wake up. You go a long time overnight without water, so it’s important to avoid starting the day dehydrated, which leads to fatigue very early on in the day. It’s an integral part of keeping all the cells in your body hydrated and working at optimum levels.
Include slow release foods into your first meal of the day such as whole grain oats, and energizing fruits such as bananas, which are rich in potassium and B vitamins.
If you’re into a savory start, eggs are a good bet. They’re high in protein and B12, which help to give you sustainable energy throughout the day. Choline is another type of B-vitamin that is found in eggs that is required for brain function and energy production.
Is there any type of sweet treat that you’d recommend for a ‘hit’ or are they all out of bounds?!
Dark chocolate can help to energises you by providing an excellent source of iron and magnesium. Make sure it’s at least 70 per cent cocoa though. And remember, like the Cookie Monster says about cookies…it is still just a sometimes food.
What’s your best natural alternative to coffee and energy drinks?
Green tea aids glucose regulation, which in turn can help you to maintain steady blood sugar levels and in turn, energy levels. 3 cups per day should keep you going.
Coconut water is awesome for sipping on throughout the day in place of energy or sports drinks. It’s a natural sports drink, which re-hydrates and replenishes and actually has more potassium than a banana. It contains compounds that counter fatigue Increases metabolism and weight loss
What are some of the natural energy boosting methods that don’t automatically spring to mind?
Turn up the radio! Music helps to stimulate almost every region of the brain. When you perform the same tasks each day it’s easy to get lulled into sleepiness, but background tunes combat the monotony, enhancing concentration and focus.
Have a Chuckle. Laughter increases our heart rate and activates our muscular system, making you feel instantly revived. Energy levels are directly related to the way people think. And humor changes thought patterns in ways that are very uplifting.
Grab Some Peppermint Oil: Aromatherapists have long relied on peppermint oil as a natural stimulant. Now scientists are on board. Recent research has found that sniffing peppermint immediately improves both athlete’s running speed and office worker’s typing speed. Its scent can help to act as a mood enhancer that both boosts your motivation and concentration. So grab an infusion, whether it’s breath mints, lip gloss, or hand lotion.
Tap Your Thymus: Your thymus gland is located at the center top of your chest, below the collar bone and between your breasts. When tapped, it helps to triggers the production of T-cells, boosts energy, relieves stress, and increases strength and vitality. For an instant boost of energy, tapping your thymus with your fingertips for 20 seconds, while slowly and deeply breathing in and out.
Get Some Sun: It’s not surprising that you feel tired when you’re stuck inside a cold or stuffy office with energy-zapping fluorescent lighting. Sneak outside to soak up some sunshine for 15 to 20 minutes. Sunlight can help to instantly energize and elevate the mood.
What are some supplements that people could take to help boost their energy levels more long-term?
The herb ‘Panax ginseng’ can provide a great long-term energy boost. It benefits cognitive abilities such as memory and focus, and helps stablise blood sugar levels which keeps our energy more steady.
Back to our superfood Spirulina! It’s a vegetarian’s best friend and is high in usable protein, a great source of Vitamin B12 (often called the “energy vitamin”).
Gotu Kola is one of the primary energy herbs used by herbalists, as it can help to naturally reduce fatigue and mild symptoms of depression, without the effects of caffeine. Actually, unlike caffeine that may keep you awake into the evenings, gotu kola can actually help to improve sleep at night.
B vitamin supplementation can also be considered, especially if you’re feeling exhausted as a result of stress!
There are so many more natural remedies that can be used to help boost energy. Likewise, adding or removing certain foods into/from your diet can help to achieve similar results. However, it is important that you see a a medical professional if you find that you are feeling frequently fatigued. And as with any major health changes or dietary changes, please speak to a health professional for advice specific to you.
Community