KAWARTHA LAKES-Feeling like your energy is being drained? So many of us struggle with energy levels. If you find yourself getting home from work and having absolutely no motivation to do anything else, notice you are hitting the 2 pm slump, or find yourself reaching for a second (or third) cup of coffee-this article is for you!
There are so many contributors to “energy leakage” and today we will talk about a few of them and give you a strategy to take back your energy once and for all!
- Inconsistent Bedtimes
Sleep is just as important for adults as it is for toddlers! Put yourself to bed at a reasonable time every night-including weekends. Our Circadian Rhythms govern our energy and hunger levels. When we go to bed at all different hours, our circadian Rhythms get out of sync. This disruption can really zap our energy! Choose a bedtime that works for you and your lifestyle and stick with it-7 days per week! It’s important to start a “wind down” activity at least an hour before bed (relaxing activities, no screens, nothing too stimulating) and this will help your body shut down before it’s time to rest up.
2. Procrastination
If you have a thousand little things calling for your attention, this can be a major drain in your energy levels! Undone to-do lists, tasks left unfinished, or work piling up can cause a lot of stress. If you don’t want to do it, have left it on the back burner long enough, or just can’t seem to find the time-OUTSOURCE! See if there are any tasks that just don’t need doing, see if you can get your children/spouse/someone else to help out to lighten the load. Outsourcing can be a great way to cross some of those little things calling for your energy of your to-do list for good!
3. Information Overload -We live in the information age with apps, fast delivery, and internet services at our fingertips. While the internet makes many things simpler and more efficient, it does suck a lot of our energy. Limit your screen time as much as possible and avoid checking your phone once every 15 minutes. You will be surprised how your energy levels are restored!
4. Energy Vampires
Some people just drain our energy. We all have to cope in relationships, but can some of these relationships be dealt with in a less toxic way? Some people can be very demanding. Know how to distance yourself from energy vampires and you will have a lot more peace in your life. This could mean setting stronger boundaries or getting out of the relationship completely. Knowing who your energy vampires are and how to deal with them can be very liberating.
5. Poor Diet
This one is important because so many of us have a less than ideal diet and it’s one of the simplest fixes to improve your energy levels. First, watch how much processed food you are taking in. Excess salt and sugar can really deplete our energy levels. Secondly, make sure you are eating lots of hydrating foods: fresh and colorful is best for nutrient density-meaning more energy! Lastly, avoid a heavy meal at lunch time. This can really contribute to that 2 pm slump.
I hope this article has been useful for you! For more information on all things health and wellness, please visit http://www.sweathappywellness.com where all my online coaching programs and Pilates classes and events are listed.
Becky Sheehey is a Holistic Health Coach, and a Pilates and Movement Expert with a background in Kinesiology. She lives in Lindsay.
