TRICK your body into increasing energy

If you are low on energy, here are 5 interesting and very different ways to see a noticeable difference in your energy levels and to “trick” your body into becoming more energetic.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda) has been used for many things from making your blood more alkaline to cleaning your fridge! Put 1 teaspoonful of baking soda in 1 glass of water and drink in the morning on an empty stomach. You will notice an immediate increase in energy lasting several hours. You can top it up 1-2 times more during the day.

Eat early on

Some people skip breakfast or eat/drink just protein early in the day. What they find is that by around 4 p.m. they are getting tired and by night-time, they are “beat”! Many people don’t have a big reserve tank as such and do need to consume carbohydrates regularly to have energy.

If you have gone without carbohydrates from the morning to after lunch, then it is very likely that you may run out of energy and feel very tired by late afternoon, evening time.

The solution is to eat something in the morning, even if it is a small portion of carbohydrates such as a banana or a small bowel of porridge or some toast.

Use caffeine wisely

Caffeine can give you a fantastic boost. It can also make you jittery and nervous and affect your sleep, which in turn affects your energy level the next day - especially if you have not been able to sleep.

If you are very tired, have some caffeine. For different people, different shots of caffeine are required. Some people get energy from tea, some from coffee, others from energy drinks. Choose whatever that works for you but the trick is not to have caffeine too late in the day and not to have too much. The last thing you want is for caffeine to keep you awake!

Sleep or nap wisely

If you don’t sleep enough, you will be tired. If you constantly do not sleep enough or have sleep which is not deep enough, you will be chronically tired. Get into a routine of going to bed at the same time and make sure you get enough sleep. This means waking up at a time when you just get up naturally and you are not struggling to wake up or dreading the day!

For some, it will mean forgetting about that movie at night or reading their book all the way to midnight.

Taking a quick power nap whenever you can will also boost your energy levels. Even if you are not the napping type, you may well want to give it a go.

Avoid sugar rushes

Certain foods are terrible for bringing your energy levels down. There is a long list but the best way for you to know which ones they are is to keep a diary of what snacks kill off your energy levels. This decline in energy levels usually happens between 15-30 minutes after consumption.

The reason for the suggestion of a diary is that everyone is different. For many, a donut can make them very tired 15 minutes after eating but not for all.

Typical foods that can bring down your energy levels are pastry, chocolate, sweets, sugary drinks, juices, cordials etc.

Whilst some sugary drinks may give you a little short-lived energy, they are generally bad for your energy levels.