Lifestyle Habits to Boost Energy

Published On: April 21, 20224.6 min read915 wordsCategories: Recovery

We lead busy lives. On top of working many hours each day, there’s always errands to run, chores to complete and friends to connect with. It’s no wonder we are constantly looking for things to give us an energy boost to keep us moving and motivated. 

As with many things, there are good ways and not-so-good ways of boosting energy levels. Certain psychostimulants—be they prescription stimulants like amphetamine (Adderall) or methylphenidate (Ritalin) or illicit substances like cocaine and methamphetamine—have side effects like increased energy, but can lead to substance use disorder over time.

On the other hand, natural remedies, like lifestyle habits and vitamins, can increase energy without the negative side effects of potentially addictive drugs. 

Natural Ways to Boost Energy 

Sleep 

Never underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep. Not only does it give your body the chance to fully shut off and perform internal healing/resetting processes (think about the importance of even more sleep when you’re sick), a consistent and balanced sleep-wake schedule also keeps you alert during the day and asleep all night long. 

The amount of sleep needed depends on each person’s age, but adults should on average be getting 7-to-9 hours of sleep each night

Reassess your diet 

Did you know that what you eat and drink on a day-to-day basis directly impacts your overall quality of life, including how much energy you have throughout the day? In order to boost your energy naturally, you’ll want to focus on the kinds of foods you’re eating. 

Healthy, energy boosting foods to begin incorporating include:

  • Oats and oatmeal (not sugary pre-packaged ones, however)
  • Avocados
  • Beans
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Eggs
  • Cashews
  • Cinnamon
  • Bananas

And some energy-stripping ingredients to steer clear of are: 

  • Processed sugars
  • Yogurts high in sugar
  • Alcohol
  • Pastas
  • Fried foods
  • Bagels.

This doesn’t mean you can never eat a bagel again. It simply means that the majority of your diet should include foods high in fiber, antioxidants and proteins, with a minimal amount of sugar, oils and fats. It’s all about balance, after all

Run, walk, stretch or swim 

It doesn’t matter if you prefer yoga, cardio, weight lifting, bicycle riding or pool aerobics. What does matter is that you take time (at least 30 minutes) out of each day to move your body. This could mean walking to the grocery store if feasible; taking the stairs instead of the elevator; suggesting a walking meeting; or finding local trails to walk your dog.

If you begin exercising everyday, you’ll feel all the positive effects, including a natural energy boost.

Focus on energy boosting vitamins 

Most vitamins you need can be gained through a balanced diet. However, you might find your diet lacking in certain areas, or that you just need a little extra for whatever reason. Before you add any supplements to your diet, check with your doctor (to avoid over-supplementing yourself) and see if they would recommend you add any of the following: 

  • Ashwagandha Helps increase energy through improving your body’s resilience to stress, physical and mental.
  • Magnesium – Found in foods like cashews, spinach and almonds, one of magnesium’s key benefits includes converting food into energy. 
  • B12 – Found in foods like dairy, fish and meat, B vitamins also help convert food into energy and prevent a type of anemia known for causing fatigue. 
  • Melatonin – May help prevent insomnia as it is a natural hormone that regulates sleep patterns, releasing higher levels in the evening to help you fall and stay asleep. 

These are just some of the vitamins you could use to naturally boost energy, so long as your physician recommends the proper dosage for your lifestyle. 

Drink water 

Exhaustion and sluggishness go hand-in-hand and that’s what happens to your body’s systems when they don’t get enough water. Water moves fluids and oxygen (among other things) through the body, but when water supply is lacking, movement is slow, resulting in feelings of sleepiness.

To keep your body moving and your energy boosted naturally, drink the daily recommended ounces of water and see if you don’t notice a difference. 

Learn to manage stress 

We all have stressors in our lives, but living with perpetual, chronic stress is guaranteed to zap any and all energy and leave you feeling burned out, fatigued and overall “out of it.” 

It’s definitely easier said than done to say, “Manage stress,” but there are certain tricks you can implement in your daily life to help keep stress from running you over, like: 

  • Striving for a work-life balance
  • Learning to say no
  • Prioritizing time for yourself
  • Trying aromatherapy with a diffuser and essential oils
  • Taking time to enjoy leisure activities and hobbies.

As you begin to prioritize stress-less activities in your life, you’ll feel any stress-induced exhaustion begin to burn away. 

Seeking additional guidance?

A balanced lifestyle is something we all strive for, and this includes naturally boosting and maintaining good energy levels to keep you productive, focused and peaceful all day long. However, the stresses of life can easily get in the way of this task and derail you from this healthy lifestyle. 

Thanks to the professional staff of counselors and doctors at Freedom Detox, you’ll not only see what a healthy lifestyle looks like, you’ll also be able to begin building one for yourself, naturally. To speak with someone about your lifestyle goals, reach out to our offices today at 800-475-2312.

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