How to get endless energy

How to get endless energy

health advice,Prima woman laughing as she rides a bike across a sunny beach

Recharge your batteries and get your zest back with these easy personal power boosters…

 

Just say no

health advice,Prima woman washing up dishes and looking unimpressed You’re a mother, wife, daughter, friend and bottle-washer – something has to give and, more often than not, it’s your energy levels. So try not to take on too much, or you’ll end up feeling exhausted and stressed. Organise your life into manageable chunks by tackling one thing at a time and prioritising tasks. More importantly, learn how to say ‘no’. Remember – you can’t be everything to everyone all of the time.

Power nap

health advice,Prima woman asleep in a hammock If you need matchsticks to prop your eyelids open in the afternoon, maybe you should give in to your body’s natural urge. Australian researchers have found that an afternoon power nap significantly improves alertness, energy and productivity. But any more than ten minutes and you’ll end up feeling groggy and disoriented. Such are the benefits of a power nap that some companies in America and Canada are encouraging their employees to ‘sleep on the job’.

Steer clear of stimulants

health advice,Prima fresh cups of coffee Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially in the afternoon. Although they may give you a temporary buzz, it will soon wear off and you’ll end up feeling more lethargic.

Move it

health advice,Prima two women jogging on a sunny day When you get home from work, all you want to do is hit the sofa – but a lack of exercise makes you feel more lethargic. The benefits of exercise include increased energy, better concentration and reduced stress. Experts recommend 30 minutes a day and this can be broken into 10-minute blocks.

That loving feeling

health advice,Prima lovers in bed

No time for a morning ‘quickie’? Well, perhaps you should make time – Jacob Teitelbaum, author of \'From Fatigue to Fantastic\' (Avery Publishing, £7.59), says sex is all we need to make it through the day. ‘Having an orgasm releases oxytocin, a hormone that increases mental clarity and energy in many people.’ The energising effects will last for six to 12 hours.

Eat for energy

health advice,Prima selection of nutritious vegetables The best foods to fight fatigue are whole, fresh foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish and fruit. Give sugar, snack bars and saturated fats a miss, as these foods are energy sappers. For a fuel-packed afternoon, include a serving of low-fat protein, such as steamed chicken or fish, with your lunch and eat regularly.

Body booster

health advice,Prima steak and spinach with lemon Co-enzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in energy production and helps protect the body from free radicals. It can help prevent heart disease and high blood pressure, and is believed to reduce fatigue. Eat beef, tuna, spinach and peanuts for a Q10 boost.

Tonic time

health advice,Prima cups of ginseng tea Ginseng is a Chinese herbal remedy that’s been used for 5,000 years to restore qi (energy) by stimulating the central nervous system and boosting metabolic activity in the brain. For a pick-me-up, drink ginseng tea or take it in supplement form. Ginseng shouldn’t be taken continuously (have a three-week break every two months) and should be avoided if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure.

Flower power

health advice,Prima chamomile flowers There are two Bach flower remedies, Hornbeam and Olive, that are designed to fight exhaustion and increase energy levels. Available at Boots, at £5.95 for 20ml.

Grab a grapefruit

health advice,Prima a grapefruit For some mid-morning zing, eat half a grapefruit – its fresh flavour will make lethargy a distant memory. Or try burning grapefruit essential oil, known for its uplifting effect.

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