You know the feeling. You wake up feeling tired, dragging yourself through your morning routine, and struggling to focus. Your energy levels are at an all-time low, and you feel like a total zombie.
It's hard to believe that this can happen when you eat healthily and work out regularly. For some people, this symptom results from a few simple tweaks that will increase energy levels quickly. For others, it is the combination of different changes and tactics.
Eating a Balanced Breakfast
Many individuals skip breakfast, yet the benefits of a nutritious meal are undeniable. Starting the day with a balanced meal of carbs, proteins, and fats is critical.
Breakfast is also vital for mental wellness. Breakfast helps balance blood sugar levels and gives your brain the energy it needs to start the day. No concentration on an empty stomach! If you aren't getting adequate vitamins and nutrition from your diet, consider adding in high-quality Daily Nutrition Supplements.
Getting Enough Rest
A lack of sleep has negative consequences. Insufficient sleep causes the brain to create cortisol, which inhibits the creation of norepinephrine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are vital in controlling mood, memory, and even appetite. Insufficient sleep increases the risk of weight gain, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. In short, lack of sleep harms your health.
Drinking Plenty of Water
For most people, it's easy to forget that they're not drinking enough water. We're so used to drinking coffee or soda, but what we fail to realize is how much our bodies are craving hydration.
When we don't drink enough water, our bodies will start to show signs of dehydration. As soon as you feel your energy levels begin to wane and your mind starts to fog over, make the change and start drinking more!
You can also make sure you're getting plenty of nutrients by filling up on fruits, vegetables, grains, and other healthy foods while adding more water into your diet.
Taking Care of Your Body
If you're feeling sluggish and lack energy, there are things you can do to make yourself feel better. First, it's important to remember that not all days are created equal; your body will have its ups and downs. When you're feeling lethargic one day, try taking a break from your routine by doing something fun or exploring new hobbies.
Try to track what you have done before feeling like this and look for ways to change your routine. It could be as simple as limiting how many takeaway meals you eat per week, how much alcohol you consume, or even feeling more lethargic because you are stuck in a rut. Pay attention to the cues your body gives you and mix it up to see if changing certain things works better for you. Meet some friends, read a book, and catch a movie; all of these can be beneficial in allowing our bodies and our minds to get what they need via stimulation, rest, or getting added nutrients.
Getting Enough Sunshine
To avoid feeling like a zombie, getting enough sunlight is essential. When you're deprived of sunlight, your body starts to produce more cortisol, which is the hormone that regulates your stress levels. Cortisol releases feel-good hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin when you're exposed to sunlight. So by getting outside and exposing yourself to natural light for a few minutes each day, you can boost your energy levels by up to 45 percent!