How To Stay Energized Throughout The Day - Simple & Natural Steps You Can Take
|
|
Temps de lecture 9 min
|
|
Temps de lecture 9 min
Are you feeling drained by lunchtime? Can't get past that afternoon slump? Trust me, I've been there. As we age, our energy levels can really throw us off, especially at times when we most need it. Hormones shift, metabolism slows, and that 3 PM slump? It hits you really hard.
Forget quick fixes and endless cups of coffees. It's all about smart, natural strategies that work with your body, not against it. We're talking practical, science-backed but easy methods that fit real life. It's about creating a plan that fits your unique life and needs. Ready to say goodbye to those mid-day crashes? Want to feel vibrant from morning to night? Great!
I'm excited to share some of my best tips to staying energized all day long. These are vetted and trialed changes that I have implemented in my own routine.
In This Article
I’m sure you’ve noticed before how a bright morning can instantly get you going. That's your body's natural rhythm working. Sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which controls your sleep-wake cycle. As soon as you are exposed to sunlight, it signals to your brain to stop producing melatonin (the sleep hormone) and to start producing cortisol (which helps you feel alert).
Additionally, a study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that office workers who had more exposure to day light were more active during the day. Sunlight exposure also boosts serotonin levels, a hormone that improves mood and focus. Plus, it helps your body produce vitamin D, which fights fatigue.
So, what can you do with this information? Try to get some sunlight early in your day, ideally within the first 30 minutes after waking up. Open your curtains or have your coffee by a window or outside, if it’s warm enough. During the work day, try to position yourself close to sunlight. Even on a cloudy day, natural light is more powerful than indoor lighting. If that’s not an option, remember, you don't need hours in the sun - even 10-15 minutes of morning light can make a big difference in your energy levels throughout the day.
Let's talk protein power. I used to crash hard after lunch and switching to high-protein meals was groundbreaking for my workday energy. Here's why: Protein-rich foods help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing those mid-afternoon energy dips. Protein also boosts levels of tyrosine, an amino acid that helps produce brain chemicals that keep you alert. Research in the journal Neuron showed that tyrosine improves cognitive performance, especially in stressful situations.
So, how can you create a protein rich diet? I've found eggs, Greek yogurt, with a handful of nuts in the morning sets me up for a productive day. For lunch, I'll try to have grilled chicken, fish, or ground turkey with veggies. Adding a scoop of protein powder to your smoothie or yogurt is also an easy way to pack in more protein. Try to aim for about 20-30 grams per meal. This keeps your energy steady without the crashes that come from high-carb meals. That way, you’re giving your body the fuel it really needs to stay energized and focused. It’s a very simple switch that can make a big difference.
Stress and energy are more connected than you might realize. Chronic stress triggers excess cortisol, leading to burnout and fatigue. While some cortisol is good for energy, too much can lead to burnout and fatigue. A study in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that high job stress was linked to increased fatigue and decreased job performance.
One powerful way to manage stress is meditation—just 10 minutes a day can lower cortisol and help you feel more balanced. Another game-changer for me has been Reishi mushroom, an adaptogen known to reduce stress and boost energy. Adding it to my routine, whether in coffee or tea, has helped me maintain steady energy and handle stress better. Managing stress isn’t about eliminating it—it's about finding tools like meditation or Reishi that keep it in check, giving you sustainable energy all day long.
“30 Minutes of Movement" – a simple yet powerful energy booster I rely on. I used to think only intense workouts mattered, that I had to commit an hour a day, which meant that I avoided any exercise. With time I’ve learned that just 30 minutes of daily, low-impact movement can make a big difference. Research shows even low-intensity exercise can boost energy and reduce fatigue by 65%. 30 minutes of moderate activity a few times a week improves energy levels. I mix it up with dog walks, yoga/pilates, or weight lifting, and on busy days, I break it into three 10-minute sessions. Have a catch-up call with a friend or co-worker? Try to do it walking. Have an appointment? Try to walk, cycle, or take the public transportation. Consistent, enjoyable movement gives you a sustainable energy boost without pushing you to exhaustion.
I used to drink 3-5 cups of coffee before noon, so I’ve learned the hard way that less can actually mean more when it comes to caffeine. Here's the deal with caffeine: while it gives you a quick boost, too much can lead to a crash later. Overdoing caffeine can increase anxiety and jitters, which drain your energy and all of a sudden you’re in that three o’clock slump.
Now, I’m not saying you have to cut out coffee completely. I’ve found that limiting myself to 1-2 cups works wonders. Additionally, I switch to mushroom coffee, which offers a more balanced energy source without the jitters or crashes. The combination of mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Reishi provide natural focus and relaxation, so you feel alert without the typical post-caffeine slump. Gradually reducing caffeine and switching to mushroom coffee can give you more consistent energy throughout the day.
Drinking water to stay hydrated is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to stay energized throughout the day. Even being slightly dehydrated can make you feel sluggish, impact your focus, and worsen those afternoon energy crashes. I’ve noticed a huge difference in how I feel just by staying on top of my water intake—when I’m hydrated, I’m more alert, less tired, and ready to handle whatever the day brings. Plus, drinking a lot of water has a ton of other additional benefits, such as keeping your skin youthful, flushing out toxins, and aiding your digestion.
But here’s my pro tip: it’s not just about drinking more water, it’s also about hydrating smart. Adding a pinch of sea salt or a squeeze of lemon to your water first thing in the morning helps your body absorb it better, keeping you energized longer. Adding hydrating foods like cucumbers or watermelon to your lunch or dinner can also help you stay on track.
Sometimes, staying energized requires a little bit of extra help, and that’s where supplements come in. Especially for those living in colder climates, we can always use the extra help. The right combination can make a noticeable difference in keeping energy steady throughout the day.
Here are some key supplements to consider:
Vitamin D: Essential for maintaining energy and mood, especially if you don’t get enough sunlight.
Magnesium: Supports muscle function, reduces fatigue, and helps improve sleep quality.
B Vitamins: Particularly B12 and B6, these vitamins play a crucial role in converting food into energy.
CoQ10: An antioxidant that supports cell function and energy production.
Iron: Important for oxygen transport in the body—low iron can lead to fatigue.
Medicinal Mushrooms: Mushroom supplements like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps help with cognition, mood, and energy levels. This is a natural and easy option to incorporate into your routine.
As always, make sure that you consult with a healthcare professional to find the right combination of supplements for your body. We’re all different and need to supplement in different ways.
Now you probably already know this, but alcohol and smoking are energy suckers in disguise. Here's the deal: alcohol messes with your sleep big time. Even one drink can leave you feeling exhausted the next day. I’ve really noticed this recently as I leave my twenties behind me. Science backs this up. A study in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that alcohol before bed increases wakefulness in the second half of your sleep. Now that really won’t help you feeling energized throughout the day. As for smoking, it's like putting your body in energy-saving mode. It limits oxygen flow, leaving you feeling sluggish. Research in Respiratory Medicine showed smokers have lower exercise capacity and more fatigue than non-smokers.
So, what should you do? I've cut way back on my one glass of wine at dinner and never picked up smoking. The difference in my energy is night and day. Here's a favourite tip: if you do drink, try to stop at least 3 hours before bed. This gives your body time to process the alcohol before sleep. And if you’re going to have a drink with dinner, make sure you’re compensating with an extra glass of water. Remember, you don't have to go cold turkey. Even cutting back can make a big difference. Your body (and your energy levels) will thank you!
In the past, I used to brag all the time about pulling all-nighters or how little sleep I could survive on (really I was crashing and taking naps every afternoon). But here's the reality: your body needs sleep to recharge. Skip it, and you'll feel like half a human the next day. Science backs this up. A study in the journal Sleep found that even one night of poor sleep can mess with your brain function. Another study in Nature and Science of Sleep showed that consistent sleep patterns are key to feeling energized.
So, what works? I aim for 7-9 hours each night. I've also picked up some tricks along the way such as keeping my room cool through the night, using an eye mask, and even incorporating mouth taping have all helped me sleep better.
My most recommended tip: set a regular bedtime. Your body loves routine. I try to start my wind-down routine at 10:30 PM every night and I try to be sleeping by 11:30 PM, so now my body knows what to expect. Remember, you can't "catch up" on sleep. It's all about consistency. By making sleep a priority, you're setting yourself up in feeling energized throughout the day.
Staying energized throughout the day can be challenging, especially as we age and our bodies go through different changes and challenges. However, there are many effective and natural strategies that you can implement to help boost energy levels and keep you feeling alert all day. From letting in sunlight first thing in the morning to taking supplements like Lion’s Mane, staying hydrated, managing stress, and maintaining a protein-rich diet, these tips offer practical ways to fight off fatigue. Incorporating regular movement, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and prioritizing sleep can all make a significant change in your daily energy levels.
Results can vary depending on the strategy. Some, like sunlight exposure or hydration, may offer an immediate energy boost, while others, like supplements or improving your sleep routine, may take a few days to weeks of consistent practice.
Mushroom coffee combines the natural focus-enhancing effects of Lion's Mane and the calming properties of Reishi, providing a balanced energy boost without the caffeine crash.
Yes, combining mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Chaga can enhance their individual benefits for cognition, relaxation, and immunity. In fact, the bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms work synergistically, helping you notice improvements more quickly.
No, you don't have to cut caffeine entirely. Reducing intake and switching to alternatives like mushroom coffee can help prevent energy crashes while still providing a gentle boost.
Even slight dehydration can lead to fatigue and poor focus. Staying hydrated keeps your body functioning optimally, helping you maintain consistent energy throughout the day.