It’s only January and for some of us, the year is already starting to wear us down.
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So to avoid burning out before we’ve even begun, let’s keep the 2021 momentum going by using these seven tricks to keep our energy levels sky-high.
1. Move your body
Keeping your body moving will restore your energy levels and boost endorphins to minimise stress and increase feelings of well-being. It can be as simple as walking to places you’d usually drive, or taking a stroll each morning.
If you’re looking for something more to build strength and increase flexibility, try beginning the day with a quick and energising pilates session from the comfort of your living room, backyard or local park.
Or, wind down after a stressful day with a deep stretch that will slow down your breathing and set you up for a good night’s sleep.
We recommend Peaches Pilates online program to help kiss your creaky knees and stiff, deskbound body goodbye.
Image credit: @peachespilates
2. Hydrate
There is no ailment, injury or beauty concern that a tall glass of water can’t fix (or at least assist in fixing). Dry, congested skin? Water. Annoying, groggy headaches? Water. Wanting to lose a little weight? Water. Boss being mean to you? Wine. I mean water.
And according to a study done by Harvard Medical School, if your body is short on H2O, one of the first signs is feeling fatigued.
If chugging water doesn’t appeal to you, try adding some lemon and mint for a natural flavour hit. Even better, add one of Kynd’s delicious Collagen Forte sachets to your morning water bottle and allow your hair and skin to reap the rewards.
Image credit: @thepilatesclass
3. Feed your body
Put simply, the calories in food are the energy our bodies use to function. So, eliminate a steady intake of nutritious and fulfilling meals, and we are left with low-energy levels.
Moving away from the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner framework, Harvard Medical School has revealed, “it’s better to eat small meals and snacks every few hours than three large meals a day”.
And according to their findings, “people who eat a lot at lunch typically show a more pronounced afternoon slump”.
Seek out protein and fibre rich meals to feel satisfied without feeling sluggish. We recommend Eimele Meal Replacement shakes for a light, nutrient-dense, on-the-go option.
Image credit: @itslemonwater
4. Surround yourself with people who lift you up
At some stage in our lives, we’ve all found ourselves with that one friend that brings you down. An energy vampire, if you will, who leaves you feeling as though you’ve been hit by a bus after every catch-up.
So, for the sake of your crisp new diary and your mental sanity, fill your social calendar with people who make you feel excited and reinvigorated to tackle the day, month and year ahead instead.
5. Allocate some YOU time
When you aren’t socialising with the aforementioned fabulous people, block out some time that is purely for YOU.
Read a book, go for a walk, heck, do your washing and vacuum your home if that’s what you need to do. Staying on top of life admin and allocating a moment to ground yourself will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
6. Enjoy your morning rituals
Whether it’s jumping into the ocean or just sitting down and enjoying your coffee, set up morning traditions and rituals that start your day on a positive and comforting foot. It can be something as small as boiling the kettle and watching the morning news.
Image credit: @goop
7. Vitamins
As oral contraceptives often play a role in depleting our natural stores of vitamin B12, it is not uncommon for women in particular to experience deficiencies.
An unbalance of vitamin B can lead to heightened feelings of stress and lower energy levels. We recommend the Swisse Ultiboost Mega B + supplement for reducing feelings of fatigue and assistance in energy production.
Main image credit: @pernilleteisbaek
Have you been lacking energy lately? What other tips do you have for putting a spring in your step?
Coffee and berocca are awesome
Great tips. I’ve created a spotify list of songs to play in the morning when I’m getting ready, which keeps me upbeat and ready to start the day with a big smile on my face
I eat lots of fruits and vegetables and exercise everyday which helps with increasing my energy
Need this advice as hot summer weather leaves me exhausted.
That’s great.
Just added to favourites. This I really need.
Some Great Tips about keeping up our Energy Levels. Take Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D as well.
I don’t hydrate enough, I just can’t seem to drink water but I’m trying to work on it as it’s so important
Sleep is an obvious one as well. I don’t always get enough sleep and I really feel it the following day.
‘Me’ time is so important
Laughter helps. Would love to jump into the ocean as a morning ritual – that sounds ace!
I find vitamins do the job for me
I might need to have a close look on Swisse Ultiboost Mega B +. I do feel the fatigue from time to time and was always wonder why I was like this. Much thanks.
If I eat red meat, I feel fantastic for the rest of the day & all of the following day. The problem is, I dislike the taste & smell – I’m also trying to live more sustainably. I eat other forms of protein & take iron tablets (Dr’s instructions); but, nothing picks me up like eating red meat.
Ive been on holidays from work during the school holidays so ive become used to sleeping later. For this last week ive set an alarm and will start getting up at 5.45 in prep for starting back at work. I also go to bed earlier but even so it always throws me and I will feel tired once i get back to work. I love my job but it does take a lot of energy.
Some great tips amd a good read thank you.
All good simple advice. Thank you!
Some fantastic and simple reminders. I was feeling a little dizzy today and I am sure it is because I did not drink enough for the warmer weather of today.
Awesome article agreed! I’m saving this to my faves : )
I make these things called Energy Balls which are vegan and packed with magimixed almonds, apricots, walnuts, dates, a small amount of cocoa, a pinch of salt and sometimes a couple of tablespoons of oats. I roll them up and keep them in the fridge in a container for my morning tea break – they really do give me energy to keep going till lunchtime. I often like a glass of Carla Oates Glow to have with a couple of energy balls.
Yes, I agree with all the suggestions. They all make sense.
For me, it’s water with a pinch of salt, taking my dogs for a walk, stretching, adequate protein, a good night’s sleep and lots of veggies.
I like the idea of adding lemons to my water. Cucumber is another good idea.
Most important advice is in this article! Love going to the gyms and eating healthier options
These sound so delicious!
These are all so important! I incorporate most of these into my day and have truly noticed the hugest difference from when I previously didn’t.
Now I get why my colleague always has a bottle full of lemon slices with water.
Lots of good info. While I could do better at all these it’s sleep and water where I struggle.
Try it BeautySwan88 it is really refreshing (it also makes the water taste better).
Great article. Its amazing how you feel after a walk and a bit of me time
Thanks bh, I definitely need an over haul and tips to inspire me.
Ditto. I’m trying to get into the swing of waking up earlier than I have been over Christmas. I’m also trying to resist my nana naps.
I’ve been doing yogalaties over the last few months to wake me up each morning. It doesn’t work every day sometimes I have to reach for either 2 cups of tea or 1 cup or strong coffee.
Best of all I am toning my body.
Im doing ok so far with my 5.45am wake up but its still a much slower and calmer morning becasue im not running about getting ready to leave for work. Usually takes me about an hour before I eat breakfast but I cant do that on work days 😀
Great energy boosting tips
I would be careful about the lemon water. I heard the acidity can damage your teeth so use a straw ladies
great article
I love fruit and vegetables and protein foods. Yumm yumm
Number four would be my favourite.
i never knew some of these!