4 tips to boost your energy levels

The commitments of modern life can be draining. Trying to juggle work, social events, relationships, hobbies, and finding time to relax and look after your home and yourself can feel impossible at times. It is no wonder that so many people are feeling sluggish and have been experiencing symptoms of burnout. For some, it might be that afternoon slump that’s getting you down, but for others, the feeling of low energy might follow them around all day. If you’re fed up with feeling lethargic, here are four tips to try to boost your energy levels.

1. Stay hydrated

Everyone knows that staying hydrated by drinking water is essential to function. If you are not drinking enough and are dehydrated, then you will be left feeling tired, and you could experience a low mood which can leave you feeling uninspired to do anything. Upping your water intake will make you feel energised, help you stay focused at your desk, and make exercise and physical activity feel easier. The body’s cells need to be hydrated to optimise the energy the body gets from food, so staying hydrated will help with that.

There are lots of reasons why someone might lack energy, including dehydration, and feel tired, some of which are listed in more depth in this article.

2. Get a night time routine

It seems obvious that getting more sleep will result in higher energy levels the following day. Adults should aim to get between six and nine hours per night. However, it is the quality of sleep that you get that will really make a difference to your energy levels. Many people struggle to switch off at night, so getting into a good night time routine will help prepare you for sleep and then wake up feeling revitalised. Sticking to a regular bedtime and sleeping for the same hours each night can help, as can taking a warm bath or shower before bed, reading a book, and listening to a calming podcast to get relaxed and ready for sleep. It’s important to avoid screens, blue light, and exercise before bed as these can stimulate the brain, disrupting sleep, which will leave you feeling groggy in the morning.

3. Get moving

If you’re lacking energy, getting up and exercising might be the last thing on your mind. Everyone knows that keeping active is essential to reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. However, increasing your levels of physical activity can also boost your energy levels and decrease fatigue. The endorphins released from exercise can combat emotional exhaustion, boost cognitive function and improve your quality of sleep as well. Getting outside while you exercise to ensure you get enough vitamin D can also help boost your energy levels and immune system.

4. Visit your doctor

Occasionally a lack of energy and constant fatigue can be a result of an underlying health condition. Iron deficiency, underactive thyroid, and sleep apnoea can cause constant fatigue, as can being severely over or underweight. If you’ve been feeling tired for longer than a month, then go to your GP. The GP will investigate your symptoms and prescribe you treatments to manage your fatigue.