natural-energy-boost

In a day and age when many of us are taking pills, canned drinks and supersized coffees to boost our energy levels, it’s easy to forget that there are some pretty remarkable AND natural ways to also jack up our energy. It seems like every other day there’s a new 5-hour boost or energy drink on the market and my site producer Richard is always trying to kick his daily Red Bull habit! So with that in mind Rich suggested I write a post on NATURAL ways to boost your energy for this week’s Top 10…

Here we go:

1. Rock It Out! – It’s a scientifically proven fact that listening to music can have a profound effect on your energy levels. Listening to upbeat music for one hour per day has been shown to reduce fatigue levels and may even play a vital role in cell growth and repair. I mean who hasn’t had an awesome workout while listening to some tunes! Crazy right? Pump up the Black Eyes Peas and get energized!

2. Get Some Rays – No I’m not talking about working on your tan, but exposure to light, whether it be a bright light in your house or the sun, has been shown to increase alertness and happiness levels. Think about it – in shady or dimly lit areas most of us want to nap, so it makes sense that bright lights will awaken us and make us feel active. And of course you can even purchase a portable ‘light box’ for your house. Me? I prefer some good old sunshine!

3. Spice Up Your Life – Who likes their life a little spicy? Well check this out – Cayenne is the herb that has the fastest effect on your body’s blood flow. That’s right, no other herb moves blood and helps circulate oxygen better than Cayenne. In fact if you were to look at most fat burners on the market you’ll see they contain this potent ingredient. Plus Cayenne is known to boost heart health, improve the immune system and even aid digestion!

4. Fast Don’t Feast – I know this sounds crazy and if I hadn’t tried it myself I wouldn’t believe it either. But the truth is that 1/3 of your body’s energy is spent digesting and processing foods, so when you fast or only consume fluids for 24 hours, you’re freeing up a lot of energy that can be used to rid the body of toxins. In many cases people feel MORE energized and have a better sense of well being after just a one day fast. I can tell you I do this once every two weeks and it works! I feel awesome after a fast.

5. Hit The Gym – I know – seems a bit contradictory right? But exercising when you’re feeling fatigued may be just what you need. Even just 20 minutes of intense exercise can boost endorphins and release dopamine, which will give you a sense of well-being and euphoria AND amp up you up. Plus exercise will increase respiration, which will increase blood flow and oxygen consumption. What does this add up to? More energy, alertness and re-invigoration!

6. Grab A Nap – One of our biggest issues as a society is that many of us don’t get enough sleep. And personally I feel like traditional sleeping patterns are manmade. I’m of the mindset that if you’re tired – SLEEP! I see nothing wrong with an hour nap in the early afternoon as is the custom in many other countries. A short nap can leave you feeling refreshed, energized and provide crucial rest for you mind and cellular processes. I say we follow the Italians and schedule naps every day!

7. Lower Your Carbs – Just like the fasting technique, many people experience huge increases in energy levels when they consume low to moderate carbohydrates. It’s especially common in those people who go ‘gluten free’ due to their food limitations. I believe the reason for this is simply that when blood sugar levels are kept extremely low then energy levels remain stable and consistent. Personally I feel great on a low carbohydrate diet. Come on you all know how you feel when you eat a big bowl of pasta for lunch!

8. Time For Tea – Many people shy away from coffee and caffeine because of the associated jitters, raised heart rate and possible side effects. But Yerba Mate can give you a similar energy boost without all the caffeine-like side effects. This tea-like drink has a cult following who in addition to its antioxidant properties, claim it provides ‘smooth energy’, increased peace of mind and well being, helps with focus and cognitive function and doesn’t make you crash like coffee. Sounds like a cup of Yerba Mate is darn good!

9. Go Green  – Many supplements and energy drinks contain B vitamins, which are responsible for the production of cellular energy. But Spirulina, which is a single cell algae is high in many vitamins and minerals and contains chlorophyll, which gives it its trademark green pigment and also helps purify the blood. Many cultures use these algae as a staple of their diet and it’s known as a natural energy booster. Try supplementing your diet with Spirulina and see if it works for you…

10. Breathe! – Once again we have a simple fix to a serious problem. I’m not just talking about breathing during your workout, but breathing throughout the day. How deeply we breathe and the rate at which we take breaths effects how much oxygen gets to our brain. If you have allergies or are a shallow breather, chances are you feel fatigued and ‘cloudy’ a lot of the day. Meditating or taking 10 minutes every few hours to focus on deep breaths can help oxygenate the blood and give you a feeling of being refreshed. Makes sense right?

So those are 10 NATURAL ways to boost your energy levels and trust me…there are many more. Do you have any to add or have you tried these methods yourself? Tell us what works for you – or where you hit your energy highs and lows…

All information contained within this site, Angry Trainer Fitness.com, is for informational purposes only.  It’s not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician.  No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website.  Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health or on any opinions expressed within this website. Please see your physician before changing your diet, starting an exercise program, or taking any supplements of any kind.