Modern workers complain of the mid-afternoon slump. All of a sudden, it feels as if all the energy has drained out of you. Some call it brain fog, others refer to it as plain old exhaustion. Rather than reach for a quick fix, the wiser option is to implement naturally energy-boosting habits you can maintain long-term. Your precarious balancing act ends here.
Aid your digestion
An unhealthy gut can have huge health implications for the rest of the body – energy levels included. Apple cider vinegar is an alkalising liquid that can help with digestion, especially for those who don’t produce enough hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. Opt for the unfiltered organic variety, and drink it diluted in water about 15 minutes before meals.
Step away from the white bread
While they can provide your body with energy, foods heavy in carbohydrates will, for the most part, leave you feeling sluggish. The main culprit? Simple carbs, like those found in sugary drinks, white bread, and pasta, which burn through your body quickly. Stick to wholegrain, low-glycaemic carbohydrates that take longer to digest. Nuts, legumes, sweet potatoes, oats, and brown rice will all provide your body a steady supply of energy, helping you avoid the crash-and-burn effect.
Break a sweat
If you’ve ever gotten your sweat on, you’d know the incredible clarity that comes from a flood of endorphins hitting your system. Exercise gives your cells more energy to burn, circulating oxygen around the body and releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine (stress hormones) that in modest amounts that make you feel energised. Even a brisk walk on your break can help.
Have another glass of water
Feeling fatigued is one of the first signs that your body is short on fluids. The recommended daily amount of water is 2 litres per day, but be sure to drink slowly and keep it at room temperature, so it is easily ingested and absorbed by your body.
School yourself in essential oils
Studies have found that inhaling essential oils under stressful conditions can lead to noticeable positive neurological responses, as fragrance compounds directly affect the brain. When it comes to improving energy levels, essential oils with citrus properties are great for boosting energy and motivation – we love a few drops of our Revitalising Blend Essential Oil, which can be used in a vaporiser for the office. If you don’t have a diffuser handy, try a spritz of our Revitalising Blend Aromatherapy Mist, close your eyes and spray mist above your head, and deeply inhale the Orange, Bergamot, Lemon and Lavender blend to awaken the senses.