With the school holidays nearly here, no doubt mums everywhere are asking how they’ll be keeping their kids entertained and themselves energised as the Christmas rush arrives. I know coffee and energy drinks may seem like a good solution, but their quick-fix and even faster crash aren’t good for your body’s natural routines. Understandably, it’s particularly hard at this time of year to find the motivation to keep up your health routines – after all, t’is the season to treat yourself!
Here are some ways to get your energy levels up and have you enjoying a summer like no other – naturally!
1. Get up and go
It may be hot outside, but a brisk walk or jog in the park, or along the beach, will do wonders for your health – mentally and emotionally as well as physically. Try for late afternoons and early morning when the temperature and UV haven’t yet risen. Just 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise can help burn calories, and boost your immune system. Make a date with a friend to ensure you’ll commit to a regular outdoor workout that you can’t say no to!
2. Supplement your diet
As we’ve seen this year, cold and flu season doesn’t stop with the end of Winter. A lack of key antioxidants – which are vital for boosting the immune system, fighting off infections and inflammation, and boosting energy levels – can leave us vulnerable to illness at any time of year. It’snot always possible to obtain the necessary levels of antioxidants from our diet, so it can be a good idea to take a supplement. Ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10, is a powerful antioxidant which is found naturally in the body, but can be depleted during illness. If your get-up-and-go has ‘got-up-and-gone’, then Ubiquinol supplements may help to support your natural energy levels to help you function at optimum levels.
3. Get social
They say that laughter is the best medicine and there is no better time than Summer to heed that advice, with the festive season offering ample social opportunities. Even when it’s boiling hot outside, try not to choose the couch and air conditioning over catching up with friends and family. Human interaction and socialising with your nearest and dearest also boosts your endorphin levels and will leave you feeling happier, energised and more positive.
4. Cut the caffeine
Numbers are rising of people relying on energy drinks filled with caffeine to boost their energy levels and help them get through the day. The downside of this, is that caffeine disrupts the body’s natural need for rest, relaxation and sleep, and the short high is quickly followed by a quick burn-down on the other side. Energy drinks have been shown to raise stress levels, increase heart rate and blood pressure, often making you feel even more tired and anxious than you were before. For sustained energy increase, try cutting out caffeine products and opt for a natural solution like a protein-packed meal.
5. Eat a better breakfast
Ever heard the phrase “You Are What You Eat”? Well, what you put into your body makes a huge difference to how you feel on a daily basis and breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Eating a protein and energy filled breakfast such as eggs with unrefined carbs like wholemeal toast, along with avoiding coffee at breakfast time, will ensure your body processes this in a way to give you natural energy from the nutrients it absorbs.
Speak to your healthcare practitioner to find out which supplement is right for you. Always read the label and use only as directed.