We have all felt that sluggish, rundown feeling at some point, longing to be wrapped up in bed rather than sat at your desk. Whilst a caffeine boost may give you a quick and temporary fix, introducing some natural energy boosters into your daily life may improve your energy long term.

Energy boosting foods

Foods rich in complex carbs, such as bananas and sweet potatoes, are an excellent source of energy as the body digests them slowly which provides a steady supply of energy. Other foods such as avocados, oranges, oatmeal and dark chocolate can also help give the body a boost.

Exercise

Exercise may be the last thing on your mind when you’re feeling tired, but it can actually help. It improves the circulation of oxygen, as well as releasing dopamine which can improve your mood. Plus, good exercise can help you sleep better at night which in turn gives you more energy in the day.

Drink plenty of water

Dehydration can lead to slow bodily functions, which can leave you feeling sluggish and tired. Water is essential for many cellular functions, including energy production – avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty.

Natural supplements

A well-balanced diet, regular exercise and plenty of water are the best ways to improve your energy. However with the busy lifestyles many of us lead, these things aren’t always possible and therefore natural supplements such as ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea may be beneficial for boosting energy.

Sources

https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/362759/nutrients

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1663443/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22855911/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10956379/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3541197/