7 Healthy Ways to Boost Your Energy This Season
Let's face it, the urge to snuggle up and slumber during the colder seasons is hard to resist. Our natural response to the shorter, darker days and dropping temperatures is to go into hibernation mode. Because of this, keeping up with our busy schedules can be exhausting. Luckily, there are a number of ways to fight that fall and winter fatigue – and they don't require a trip to the coffee shop! Here are seven natural and healthy techniques to boost your energy so that you can rock your way through these colder seasons like a pro.
1) Begin Your Day with a Hot Bath
Did you know that a hot bath delivers health benefits that are similar to exercise? It's a great way to get your blood circulating and release toxins. It also doubles as a chance to settle your mind so that you have a smooth, soothing transition into your daily routine.
To boost the benefits of your bath experience, try pouring a packet of Aura Cacia's Purifying Tea Tree Mineral Bath into the tub. It will clarify your senses, refresh your body, and revitalize your spirit for a great day ahead.
2) Make Time for Meditation
Meditation is a great way to boost your energy and reduce stress for the day ahead. Being mindful can help keep you focused and in control of your thoughts and emotions, thus better able to handle the experiences that life throws your way. In fact, studies have shown that meditation can reduce the amount of cortisol in the body by a whopping 50% and that this alone could effectively double your energy level!
For those who are intimidated by meditation or think they don't have enough time to fit it in, we have good news for you. All you need is ten minutes of staying present with your emotions, thoughts, and body sensations without passing judgment or reacting to them. You can even start out with as little as one minute a day and then slowly increase that day by day. It's as simple as that!
3) Say Yes to Yoga on the Daily
We know that the thought of doing yoga every day sounds like a LOT to some people, but bear with us. Even as little as five minutes of yoga will provide energy-boosting benefits. We recommend trying some gentle yoga in the morning or when you're in an afternoon slump. It gets your circulatory system moving and awakens the nervous system – basically bringing new life into the body.
Start your day with an invigorating sun salutation. For a big boost of energy, try some heart openers or back bends, which wake up the nervous system. You can also get upside down with down dog or a headstand to get blood flowing to your brain. If you're busy at work and can't bust out a full-blown yoga pose, apply some modified stretching at your desk. Stretching is an elixir for the body that reduces stress, clears the mind, and enhances energy.
Whatever you do, just make sure to get moving. Sitting and being inactive for too long can cause vessels to constrict, which zaps you of energy and makes you feel tired – even if you're not sleep deprived. Some simple movements will wake you up and improve productivity.
4) Go Green
Fun fact: a green drink can boost your energy ten times more than caffeine! If you drink one blended smoothie with lots of green goodness every day, you'll notice a clearer mind and steady energy levels throughout the day. Here are some ingredient ideas to toss into the blender:
- High-vitamin leafy greens like kale and spinach
- Fruits that are high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, raspberries, and oranges
- Protein, such as flaxseed, hemp seeds, or a nut butter (These prevent a spike in sugar levels!)
- Coconut water, which is alkaline and rich in electrolytes
5) Keep the H2O Flowing
The number one cause of fatigue is dehydration. When your body is lacking fluid, your blood volume can drop. As a result of this, your body has to work harder in order to supply your cells with oxygen and nutrients. This can result in mental fogginess, fatigue, and impaired short-term memory. Making sure to stay hydrating all day long helps transport essential nutrients and oxygen and carries away toxins and metabolic waste – all of which is essential to retaining optimal energy. To make this easy on yourself, keep a handy reusable water bottle with you at all times. These S'well bottles are so cute that you'll always want to keep yours on-hand!
6) Spark Up The Senses with Aromatherapy
You can quickly revitalize your mind and body through the power of scent! This is one of the simplest ways to wake yourself up when you're suffering from sluggishness. Simply diffuse an energizing essential oil, such as peppermint or eucalyptus. You'll notice that it increases alertness and enhances memory!
7) Get Going with Green Tea
If you absolutely must reach for the caffeine, green tea is the way to go. Unlike coffee, green tea increases mental alertness without making you feel wired. Studies have found that it has a lot of health benefits as well, such as anti-infective properties, cancer risk-reducing abilities, and preventative cardiovascular properties. Plus, if drunk regularly, green tea may help control weight and blood sugar levels. You can boost your energy levels and burn some extra calories!
Do you have any energy boosting tips of your own? Share them in the comments below!