Natural Energizers
As a working mother of three boys four years of age and under, I definitely need A LOT of energy! On the days I am feeling sluggish, instead of turning to coffee, I look to add some of these natural energizers. If you feel like you’re dragging as of late, make sure to look at the below and see if you can implement these natural practices to get more energy.
More Sleep
There’s one really easy way you boost your tank of energy – just get some more sleep! Ideally, you need to be getting seven or eight hours of beauty sleep every night. It’s important to get quality sleep as well. With my babies, I find I am still up once or twice a night sometimes; but have been reading “The Essential Guide to Sleep” to see how I can get all of us rest.
A Good Diet
A good diet means a lot when it comes to our energy levels. Eating too many carbs and sugary foods will cause you to feel sluggish. You might try a higher protein diet to increase energy. I try and limit my carbs at night or eat high quality carbs like a sweet potato or low sugar yogurt. Or if you always crave chocolate try one of the SANESolution recipes that won’t weigh you down.
Exercise
This might seem slightly counterintuitive, but did you know that the more you exercise, the more energy you will have? Surprisingly, it’s true! When you do regular physical activity and exercise, your body will feel a lot more energized throughout the day. Exercise usually guarantees a good night’s sleep, which will help you with your energy levels the following day. Just try not to exercise right before bedtime, though. Ideally, there needs to be a couple of hours before you go to bed during which you can relax and unwind so that your body and mind get ready for sleep.
Stress Reducers
When you are very stressed, you get emotionally tired. So, if at all possible, you need to try and de-stress. There are various stress reducers you could use, such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and practicing meditation. Once you start to relax in your everyday life, you will find that your stress levels slowly decrease. It may take some time, but trust me, you will feel energized before you realize it! I have to make time daily for some deep breathing and yoga or else I get too stressed and I can feel how it drains my energy.
Low energy levels are really difficult to deal with, especially when they hold you back in your work or daily life. But if you try some of the natural energizers from the list above, you should find that things improve. As a new mom, I find I have to take care of myself first and then I have amazing energy to play with my boys and do the things I love.
Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City. She is currently teaching yoga with Peloton. She is the star of over 100 videos, seen in several magazines and tv shows and is a spokeswoman for many brands and causes she believes in. A proud mom to three, she sure keeps herself busy!