Do you have days when you wake up and feel like you could change the world? And, do you also have some some days when just about everything you do feels like a chore? If so, you’re not alone.
There can be many reasons why some days are more difficult than others. Of course, if there is good news or bad news in your life, it can affect your ability to get things done. But, when there is no apparent reason why you’re dragging your feet, it could be that you are just low on energy.
Fortunately, if you are low on energy, there are ways to give yourself an energy boost. It all starts with knowing the symptoms of low energy levels in your body. It’s important to note that chronic fatigue, stress and even bouts of depression and anxiety, can have similar symptoms as low energy. Please consult your doctor if your symptoms persist.
Symptoms of Being Low on Energy
It’s important to note that chronic fatigue, stress and even bouts of depression and anxiety, can have similar symptoms as low energy. Please consult your doctor if your symptoms persist.
1. Feeling Tired
Yes, that sounds very obvious. And, if you tossed and turned all night, you’re going to feel tired the next day. But we’re talking about when you feel tired even after a good night’s sleep. Or when you just can’t drag yourself through the afternoon. If you’re feeling tired even though there’s no reason for it, your energy levels are probably down.
2. You’re Moody
Yes. You now have an identifiable excuse for why everyone and everything seems to irritate you sometimes. Mood swings can happen when your body doesn’t have the energy to cope with everyday issues.
3. Headaches or Dizziness
Low energy can weaken your body somewhat. Headaches and dizziness can be a sign of low blood pressure from lack of energy and fatigue.
4. Brain Fog
Some days, even making a decision can be a chore. Or you just can concentrate on things like you usually do. Your brain uses a lot of energy to get you through the day. Low energy levels can affect its ability to help you through.
5. No Motivation
Even though your ‘to-do’ list is a mile long, and you have spare time, all you’re motivated to do is … nothing. Energy can fuel motivation. Low energy can mean little or no motivation.
How to Boost Your Energy Levels
Depending on how severe your symptoms are, or if they are caused by an underlying physical or mental health issue, the following suggestions can help restore your energy.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Yes, we know this one’s far easier said than done for many people. But, whether you have trouble sleeping or not, it’s important to appreciate how important sleeping is for your overall health. Sleep helps your body take care of itself in the following ways, among others:
- Repairs damaged tissue, muscles and bones
- Processes and consolidates memories, emotions and learnings
- Regulates your cardiovascular system, hormones and metabolism
- Improves brain function and cognition (including learning, problem-solving and creativity)
- Replenishes your stores of energy
When you improve your sleep, you improve your entire self.
Exercise
If you read lots of health, wellness and weight management blogs, you may have noticed that exercise seems to help many different physical and mental health conditions. Still, you might think that exercise would drain your energy, but the opposite is true. Just getting up and moving around gets your body, muscles and circulation going. And that gives you energy. Exercise also has the added bonus of helping to improve your sleep!
Take a Short Nap
If you are drained, you might need a short rest to restore your energy. But be careful. You don’t want to nap so long that it interferes with your nighttime sleep. One nap of about 20 to 30 minutes should be enough.
Prepare for Bedtime
If you’re on the go, even just watching TV, until you go to bed, it may be difficult to fall asleep. Instead, try to set a good bedtime routine designed to improve your sleep. That routine could include taking a warm bath, reading and/or meditation. It also helps to keep your bedroom as dark and quiet as possible.
Stay Away from Mobile Devices and TV at Bedtime
Just looking at TV and mobile device screens can keep us awake due to their high levels of blue light. But, even if you have filters to counteract the blue light, they can still make sleep troublesome. A lot of the content you watch can stimulate emotions, physical reactions and keep your brain busy. so the sooner you turn off the screens, the sooner your mind and body can begin to slow down and get ready to sleep.
Low energy can make it more difficult to lose weight. To learn more about maintaining your energy and other ways to healthily manage your weight, visit your nearest Herbal One location and speak to one of our nutrition counsellors.
If you found this post helpful, check out our recent article How Food Sensitivities Affect Weight Loss.