Feeling exhausted? Running on empty? Suffering from fatigue? Whether it's due to lack of sleep or stress, all these expressions convey a common situation: a lack of energy!
As a rule, a slight drop in vitality often occurs in the early or mid-afternoon. Who hasn't dozed off in front of their computer screen at work after lunchtime? This is quite common and not at all worrying. It is even a normal drop in energy.
However, there are solutions to counter this moment when you would like nothing more than to take a nap under your desk. If you also feel like you're running low on energy from the moment you wake up or finish your week completely depleted, it may be time to change some of your habits to boost your energy levels!
Sleep, an essential ally for your energy levels
It's no surprise that sleep is at the top of the list of good habits for having pep throughout the day. Most adults need between six to eight hours of rest per night. Avoiding screens before bed, going to bed and waking up at regular hours are simple tricks that promote restful sleep. Yes, our parents were right!
Diet, for unparalleled vitality
Breakfast is a must in the morning, but you already knew that! As for fighting the afternoon blues, it's worth noting that heavy and hearty meals require a great deal of digestion effort from your body. Give it a little boost by reducing your portions at lunchtime and choosing healthy foods. A snack around 3 pm can certainly give you a good boost to get you through the end of the day, while a balanced meal in the evening, but not too close to bedtime, will promote optimal sleep.
In any case, the golden rule is to consume fruits and vegetables, but also to combine fiber, protein, and good carbohydrates. The sugar contained in chocolate and processed foods may give you the illusion of increasing your energy, but it will be short-lived, and the subsequent crash is not worth it!
To maximize your endurance, drink water!
You've heard this one forever, and it's not a myth. Drinking enough water is essential for your body to function properly. How can water boost your energy levels? By preventing dehydration, which will drain your batteries completely. So, to last as long as the famous tireless pink rabbit, drink (water, of course!). You already know the tricks if you find water bland and unappealing: add slices of lemons, oranges, or replace your tap water with a good herbal tea or green tea.
Physical activity, to put a stop to the fatigue cycle
You're not moving because you're too tired, and you're tired because you're not moving enough? Yup, everyone goes through that! Rest assured, increasing your daily vitality doesn't mean spending two hours at the gym every day. Even short exercise sessions, such as walking outdoors during lunch hour, can make all the difference. Indeed, when you're active, your body goes into "energy production mode." A real little soldier that oxygenates your muscles, distributes nutrients and increases circulation. Try it, and you'll see!
Light, a vitamin for the soul, mood, and energy
It's not for nothing that energy levels drop as quickly as the temperature in winter! The lack of light is like a punch to the face of our energy reserves. Getting enough light, especially natural light, will give you a considerable boost. How to do it during the work week or the cold season? Here are some ideas: take your breaks outside or go for a walk at lunchtime or even in the morning before heading to work.
If you're working from home, setting up your workspace in a well-lit room can work wonders for your energy levels. If that's impossible and you have to work (unfortunately!) in a dark office, look for a large window elsewhere in the building where you can discreetly enjoy the invigorating light here and there throughout the day.
Taking breaks to recharge your energy reserves
Finally, taking a break to start fresh is a winning strategy. Here, we're talking about all types of breaks. Whether it's simply taking a few minutes regularly at work to clear your mind, integrating relaxing activities like meditation or yoga into your schedule, or planning vacations away from the daily grind. Give yourself the time and the right to recharge, you deserve it.
So, your energy boost starts now, we're sending you on a break!
