Has this ever happened to you? You start your day ready to go: Checking things off your list, leading class, brainstorming ideas — and then sometime after lunch, you hit a wall. Your energy levels take a dive and your motivation goes out the window. You are not alone! Our bodies have a natural rhythm, a circadian rhythm, that helps us know when it’s time to sleep and wake up — and even take a nap. This rhythm sometimes gets in the way of our lives and makes us want to curl up for a catnap! Additionally, stress from the day, too much work and not enough rest or self-care contribute to low energy levels. Basically, your adrenal glands are trying to tell you they are running low and not enough oxygen is getting to your brain!
If this is happening to you, there are some ways to help your body fight the fatigue to carry you through the rest of the day.
Get Moving
If possible, try and go for at least one walk throughout the day. If a long walk isn’t possible, go for short walks multiple times throughout the day. Try getting in some extra steps outside for 10 minutes every two hours. The fresh oxygen and blood flow to your head, according to VEBA Resource Center’s Holistic Practitioner, Dr. Ioanna Vouloumanou, will help you stay alert, connect with nature and reset your stress response.
Schedule Your Slumpbuster
Set an alarm or set up an alert on your phone for every hour and do 10 jumping jacks. This quick exercise will get your blood going, increase your oxygen intake into your body and awaken your nervous system. Can’t do jumping jacks? Simply standing up from your desk can also help — and help you focus!
Drink Water
It is possible that when you are feeling tired and even hungry, your body just needs a drink. Staying hydrated throughout the day will help keep you focused and keep your energy levels high. Aim to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Just keep sippin’!
Eat for Energy
Skipping meals, eating a lot of sugar and carb loading are sure ways to drain your energy supply. Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast every morning, and definitely don’t skip any other meals. To regulate your blood sugar, which will make you feel more energetic throughout the day, avoid sugar and too many carbohydrates. Eat a lighter lunch and instead of reaching for a candy bar around 2 p.m., grab a handful of nuts or apple slices with almond butter.
Aid Your Adrenal Glands
Often with stress comes exhaustion. And exhaustion drains your energy. But, did you know that by supporting your adrenal glands, our body’s energy house, you can help alleviate that lack of energy? Avoid draining your adrenal glands due to stress by nourishing them throughout the day with a diet packed with protein, healthy fats and high quality carbohydrates (like whole grains). You can also enjoy a daily Rhodiola Tea or Ashwagandha tea. Again, drinking water is an ideal way to keep your energy levels high, and to get low levels back on track.
Destress Before You Stress
By scheduling in time for selfcare, you are helping to keep your stress, which contributes to drained energy, at bay. It doesn’t have to be expensive. You can take a bath, apply a homemade face mask, spend quality time with your family or enjoy a workout on the VEBA YouTube channel. These activities, according to Dr. V, will help you to switch from the body-stress response (Sympathetic nervous system) to the body-relaxing response (Parasympathetic Nervous system) where all the self-healing of the body happens.
Take a Personal Day & Have Fun!
Sometimes the best medicine is to simply take a break. Schedule a personal day and plan something fun. Give your brain a break and just enjoy the day. Your brain will release happy endorphins which overrides negative feelings, stress and thus energy slumps!
By making small adjustments to your every day routine, you can keep your energy levels steady. For more ideas on how to get moving, destress or eat healthy, visit the VEBA YouTube channel.
