Best Way to Boost Your Energy

Energy gives us the vitality and stamina that we need to survive if we want to enjoy life to the full. Yet there are many factors that can sap our energy and leave us feeling drained and lethargic, including stress, overwork, menstruation, pollution, changes in the climate, and spending too much time sitting in front of computer and television screens.

If you want to feel bright and breezy there are several ways in which you can boost your energy. Breaking any bad habits and re­evaluating your lifestyle, for example, will sustain your energy levels long term, while as a short-term solution you can send your energy levels soaring upwards with such instant pick-me-ups as energising drinks.

Strategies to leave you exhilarated with energy

• Exercise regularly and you will be bursting with energy. When you come home from work you probably feel more like crashing out in front of the TV than rushing off to the health club or going out into the cold for a run but, even then, exercise is guaranteed to revive your energy. However, it’s no good spending all of Saturday making up for your lack of activity during the week: unless you exercise regularly – at least three times a week – a sudden surge of exercise could drain your energy. Walk your way to having energy. Even as little as five minutes can help re-energise you.
• Avoid becoming highly stressed: this saps your energy reserves.
• Cut out caffeine which will help to stabilise any fluctuating blood-sugar levels that might sap your energy. Caffeine, especially in coffee, leaves you feeling depleted of energy after the initial buzz has worn off.
• Drink two litres of water a day as dehydration can cause fatigue. You will also help to flush out any toxins that might rob you of energy by preventing essential nutrients from being absorbed by the body.
• Detoxify your body regularly: this will kick-start a sluggish body system.
• Cut out sugary snacks: for an instant energy boost, hikers and climbers munch their way through bars of Kendal Mint Cake (which is effectively made of pure sugar). Too much of such sticky stuff, however, causes fluctuating blood-sugar levels which, in the long term, can deplete your energy. Nibble energy-packed nuts, raisins, seeds and fruit, instead.
• Get plenty of sleep: this may seem obvious, but a good night’s sleep is one of the best energy-revivers.

• Eat for energy: energy-giving foods include complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, vegetables and pulses. Fruit, especially bananas, is also a natural energiser. Supplements that help to boost energy include co-enzyme Q10, vitamin B and the minerals zinc, magnesium, iodine and chromium.
• Have a positive outlook: your mental attitude can affect your energy levels.
• Check your health: a health problem may be undermining your energy levels, such as a sluggish liver, food intolerance or Candida – a yeast disorder that leaves you feeling lethargic. If you have had a clean health check yet are still lacking in energy, consider such complementary therapies such as naturopathy.
• Breathe deeply: every deep breath you take delivers oxygen to your cells and energises you.