How to boost energy levels during lockdown

Staying at home may seem ideal, but in reality, it takes its toll after a while. The lack of movement and little change of scenery can lead us to feel sluggish and unmotivated. Your first instinct may be to down a coffee and caffeinate yourself, but whilst caffeine may seem like it is boosting your energy, it is actually doing more harm than good. It can raise blood pressure, bring on headaches and actually cause insomnia. Also, it has been linked to more dangerous, long term health issues. A cup or two is fine, but no more than four cups a day should be consumed. 

There are plenty of healthy alternatives to boost your energy levels. Especially, right now, as we are focusing more than ever on our health and immune systems. Here are some healthy, beneficial ways of boosting energy levels during isolation. 

Reasons for reduced energy:

• Lack of sleep 
• Stress
• Lack of exercise 
• Consuming food with no nutritional value
• Eating sugary breakfasts 
• Poor posture

Drinks 

The NHS recommends six to eight glasses of fluid a day. The most obvious choice is water, as most of us are fortunate enough to have easy access to it, especially at this time. The list of health benefits is endless – regulating body temperature, aiding the digestive system, flushing body waste, delivering oxygen throughout the body and so on. However, there are options if you are craving something different (if you have access to these food/drink items in your shops at the moment). 

• Kombucha – a newer trend for a  healthy lifestyle. Kombucha is a fermented tea, with a ‘symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast’. It has numerous health benefits such as a reduced risk of cancer, weight loss, maintaining gut and liver health, reduction of infection and balancing your metabolism. 

• Vitamin C based drinks – Vitamin C is amazing for strengthening the immune system, lowering cholesterol, absorbing iron at a high rate, relieving stress and depression. It is very important to keep your immune system highly functioning during this health pandemic. Ways to get your vitamin c through your drinks is hot water with lemon, cold water with lemon, orange juice or dissolvable energy-boosting tablets such as Voost and Fizzbenefitz Vitamin C Supplement. 

• Celery Juice – many are jumping on the celery juice bandwagon and it does not disappoint! You will only need a blender and a whole bunch of celery. The benefits are lowering inflammation, preventing cancer, lowering blood pressure, promoting hydration, relieves migraines, balancing PH levels. And many more!

• Green Tea – Green tea is a great alternative to regular tea, as it contains a larger quantity and quality of antioxidants than black tea. It is lighter on the digestive system too. It is shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol. Green tea reduces bloating and includes an amino acid called ‘L-theanine’, which works alongside caffeine to improve brain function. 

• Ginger – Ginger is a well-known natural remedy. It improves digestion, relieves pain, eases cold and flu symptoms and supports cardiovascular health. Ginger tea can boost energy by bettering circulation and blood sugar levels. Ways to include ginger to your diet are making hot water with lemon, ginger, and honey or alternatively, blending it into a juice with apples and carrots. 

Food

All food will release different types of energy, from fats to carbohydrates. Different food nourishes your body in different ways. If you are looking for an energy boost, we recommend the following. 

• Bananas – These are a wonderful source of potassium. Potassium is great for heart health and blood pressure. They give energy, despite the fat and cholesterol. Bananas also have vitamin C. 

• Fatty fish – Oily fish such as tuna and salmon are great sources of vitamin b and protein. Eating them will boost brain health, supply vitamin D and lower the chances of developing autoimmune diseases. 

• Plant-based diet – Alternatively, a plant-based has been proven to increase energy and keep you feeling fuller for longer. It is important to research the right diet if you aren’t eating meat. Fill your diet with nuts and seeds, fruit and vegetables and grains. Animal-based protein is hard for the body to digest. Many vegetables contain vitamin B6 which improves sleep quality. Many naturally occurring plant-based foods have complex carbohydrates that help energize your metabolism. 

• Sweet potatoes – Everyone loves the good old, diverse potato. Both types of potatoes are high in carbohydrates and protein. Sweet potatoes, however, are very high in vitamin A and have a lower glycemic index. This means that they are slower to convert carbs into glucose and therefore avoid a spike in blood sugar. 

Lifestyle

• Exercise – A great way to feel energized is to work out and release endorphins. There are many online classes and live streams online at the moment for you to join in. However, alternatively, it’s important not to overdo it. It seems that our feeds have been taken over with people exercising and taking up yoga, however, rest is extremely important. Don’t feel pressured by everybody else. They are only showing a fraction of their day. 

• Less alcohol – The weekly units for alcohol consumption is 14 for both men and women. It is great to wind down and take our minds off the current situation of COVID-19 with a glass of wine. However, try not to make it a daily habit. Alcohol decreases energy levels significantly and furthermore increases blood pressure. 

• Sleep – The recommendation is between seven and nine hours, of course this differs between individuals. Both insufficient sleep and too much sleep can cause you to feel tired and lethargic. Try to get a good balance. Also, napping can decrease energy levels and leave you feeling just as tired, if not more. They can mess up your sleep schedule at night and leave you feeling disoriented. 

How are you boosting your energy levels whilst at home? Let us know!