Have you lost your get up and go?

Spring is on the horizon, the snowdrops and daffodils are starting to bloom, we have more daylight yet you still feel it's a drag to get yourself out of bed and maintain your energy all day!

I hear you. This time of year can be a strange one. The temperatures seem to be moving from mild and balmy to downright cold. I'm currently writing this in my home office, wearing thermals and having a heater on full blast, whilst looking at the frost on my window! (does this seem better if I tell you my office is in an outhouse!).

Let's look at what could be causing your lack of energy and tips to improve it.

#1 - A sugar filled breakfast.

There is a common belief that eating cereal for breakfast is the best thing to do! I'm sorry to say that eating a bowl of sugary cereal will boost your energy temporarily but you'll find you will start crashing a couple of hours later and find yourself reaching for the cakes and biscuits!

A great way to start the day is with a breakfast balanced with wholegrains, and good sources of proteins and fats. This could be a poached eggs, on wholegrain toast with spinach and grilled tomato. A bowl of porridge with chia and flaxseed seeds, berries and some yoghurt.

#2 - Not exercising enough for you.

Regular exercise at the right level for you can support boosting your energy. This could be as little as going for a 10-minute walk around the block.

#3 - Having lots of caffeine

Now I'm a fan of a cup of tea in the morning but for some people, too much caffeine can impact your sleep and keep you awake at night. Caffeine is tea, coffee or even chocolate, and can produce adrenaline and cortisol, two hormones that can increase alertness.

Whilst you don't need to give up your tea or coffee, I would recommend reducing to 1-2 cups a day and if you've someone who struggles with sleep, avoid caffeine after lunchtime.

#4 - Carb heavy snacks

It's mid-afternoon and you're finding yourself starting to drop off on the drive home, or at your desk. You start to feel the need for chocolate and biscuits to give yourself a quick pick me up and for a while, you feel ok but soon start to feel another energy slump hit! This is quite normal as chocolate and biscuits are broken down for energy by the body too quickly and before you know it you're needing more food.

Try an afternoon snack like a chopped apple with peanut butter or hummus with veggie sticks to help give you the pick-up you need and keep you fuller for longer.

#5 Too much stress

Stress, it's something as a society that we've learnt is part of everyday life, however, our bodies aren't designed to deal with the constant levels of stress we deal with on a daily basis. This constant stream of cortisol and adrenaline can show up in having lower energy levels, digestive issues, increased illness and pain.

Focusing on deep breathing exercises, journalling, prayer, spending time with friends and going for walks outside are all ways to support this reduction in stress.

If you're needing some further support I'm running BOOST from the 13th of March, which is a 3-week energy sprint that supports you to:

Know what to eat to have energy throughout the day and wake up feeling ready to face the day
Gain insight into what can sabotage you from taking control of having healthier habits
Understand more about how stress can impact your energy levels

Want to know more? Then click here to gain more information and to sign up. The early bird price, of £50 off RRP ends at midnight tonight!

You can also book a free 30-minute call with me by clicking here where we can discuss more about how I can support you in regaining your get up and go.

Categories: : energy, health, health and wellbeing, nourishing self, energy