4 Simple Natural Energy Boosting Habits to Implement Now
4 Simple Natural Energy Boosting Habits to Implement Now
I feel like everyone gets a surge of energy as summer arrives, but then a zap as fall turns to winter. This makes sense in some ways, as the days are shorter and our natural clocks adjust to wanting a little more sleep, following the sun. But it shouldn’t mean feeling tired and less motivated all day long. Here are my tips on staying more alert and energetic throughout the season change.
Allow yourself a little more sleep.
A lot of you may roll your eyes at this, and I totally understand if this can't be done, but I still have to recommend it. Your body might really want a little shut eye when the days are shorter. Try skipping TV at night and instead reading a book until you naturally feel tired. Or, see if you can prep for your day in the evening to give yourself a little longer to sleep in.
Use light to your advantage
Get outside first thing in the morning, even if it's cloudy, it's the best way for your body to naturally wake up! A few deep breaths of fresh air. Continue getting ready for your day with indoor light therapy like a happy light from Verilux. After the sun has set, turn off as many lights as you can to promote restful sleep. Sleep quality is even more important than the actual amount of hours you are lying in bed, and this starts with giving your body the right signals all day long. Wear blue light blocking glasses to really help cue your body that sleep is soon.
Sip on natural energy and supplement your healthy diet
A few of my favorite rec’s for fun and helpful things to add to your diet for natural energy are
MineralRich from Maximum Living
Juice Plus capsules or chews
LMTN electrolytes
Vitamin D
Lemon, cucumber or sparkling water
Movement during the second half of the day
I always recommend working out in the morning. Its when you don’t have as many excuses to pass it up, it gives you endorphins and makes so many connections in the body that should lead to more sustained energy throughout the day. But I also think designated movement in the afternoon is so helpful to get over the hunch and not have a snoozy afternoon. Don’t overthink it, it can be 2 minutes long, up to 10 minutes. Here are go to’s for my clients:
Speed walk around the block
20 squats, 20 jumping jacks, 1 minute plank
Run up and down your stairs 5x
Play fetch with your dog for 5 minutes
Walk out to your car, taking the longest way possible, and back to your office.
If you really can't get up, I would at least make it a habit to first take a deep breath, then do some shoulder circles, and sing a song out loud!
My hope is that you can add at least one of these tips to your life this fall to help you with your energy come winter. Which one is manageable for you now? Check back in and let me know how it has helped!