Are you one of those people that starts the day off okay, yet as the hours progress, you feel your energy starting to decline? It doesn’t seem to matter how many hours you sleep at night, or how many cups of coffee you have, your energy just can’t seem to keep up. Before you reach for your seventh cup of coffee, take a look at some of the best tips for having more energy.
Avoid Sugar for Breakfast
Many people like to start out the day with a sugary treat. Whether it’s a teaspoon of sugar in their coffee or a donut on their way into the office, many people depend on sugar as part of their morning breakfast. However, when you start out the day with sugar, you spike your glucose and can experience a sugar crash.
Instead of reaching for something sugary, opt for something full of protein or fiber. This is especially important if you’re over the age of 60. As your metabolism starts to slow down, eating too much sugar can start to take its toll on not only your energy levels but also your waistline.
That innocent scone in the mornings can significantly impact your body weight. So, grab a protein bar,a piece of whole-wheat toast, or an egg instead of stopping by the bakery.
Drink Water
You’ve probably heard the expression “stay hydrated.” And while you know that drinking water is good for avoiding dehydration, what you may not realize is that dehydration can also be linked to fatigue.
If you’re feeling tired regularly, ask yourself whether you may be lacking enough water. Try to get into the habit of sipping from a water bottle throughout the day. Avoid sugary juices or soda pop, and instead, opt for plain old water. If you like, you can alternate with tea, just make sure that you don’t add any sugar.
Start Moving
Although it may seem counterintuitive, the more we stay sitting in one place, the more it can make us feel tired. If you start to feel your energy slumping, get up and move around a little. Whether you do 20 jumping jacks, or you walk around the block for 15 minutes, a spurt of movement can make a significant difference in your energy levels.
If you’re not sure whether you’re moving enough, investing in a fitness watch is a great way to stay accountable. It can track your movement throughout the day, and even send you reminders to get up and move if it’s been a long period of sitting in one place.
Take Your Vitamins
If you’re feeling significantly tired, and you’re sleeping enough, moving enough, and eating healthy foods, then it may be a vitamin deficiency. Iron is often a culprit for energy dips, so make sure that you’re taking a daily multivitamin with plenty of iron in it.
