For many people, a lack of energy can make even the smallest tasks seem difficult to complete. This happens especially if we’ve got a backlog of chores, work assignments, bills, and family responsibilities to take care of. Fortunately, there are many ways that we can increase our energy levels. When we start out by making small alterations to our diet or exercise routines, the changes to our sense of well-being and energy can be enormous. Here are just three ways to get the energy that you need each day. Also, why 2019 is a great year to develop healthier habits.
Watch Out for Dehydration
You should drink eight glasses of water per day to stay healthy isn’t just an old wives’ tale. It’s far from disagreeing with his bit of wisdom, health professionals now claim that eight glasses of water will keep you refreshed and energetic. This should be your daily goal for proper hydration. An easy way to accomplish this goal is to invest in a reusable water bottle that you can continue to fill at the office.
Conversely, dehydration can increase feelings of lethargy. This means without the proper amount of water per day, you won’t have the energy to accomplish daily tasks. A glass of water certainly isn’t as fun to drink as a favorite soda. However, if tap water isn’t your thing, try picking up a case of spring water next time you’re at the grocery store. This is often flavored with fruit juice to make for an interesting (and calorie-free!) drink.
Take a Hard Look at Your Diet
Anyone who has ever sat down to watch a television show with a bag of nacho chips only to find that the bag is gone by the end of the night knows that the most enjoyable foods aren’t always the healthiest, but as doctors have known for many years, long-term health effects and short-term lethargy can often follow in the wake of an unhealthy diet.
Meals that center around protein and carbohydrates such as hamburgers and pasta are often more tasty and “filling.” However, vegetables and fruits are a vital part of any healthy diet, and without them energy levels can fall fast. For a healthy, low-calorie meal that will leave you feeling energetic, try finding interesting dressings, a fun topping such as bacon bits or a meat alternative such as tofu, and spices for energy the next time you make a salad. Your body will thank you!
Don’t Skip the Exercise (Even Small Amounts Help!)
It isn’t easy to get a bit of exercise each day. When we procrastinate on activities that promote health, wellness, and energy such as running, bicycle-riding, or hiking. Exercise is one of the most important things that we can do to feel fresh and rested. After we are ready to take on our responsibilities.
Even if you live a busy life, health professionals recommend trying making little changes to your daily routine so that you can experience the health benefits of exercise: Even a bit of walking each day can have big results for our feelings of well-being and energy levels.
To create a more energetic version of ourselves, it is often important to examine how our daily habits are affecting the way we feel. If we’re eating meals that are loaded with carbohydrates or skipping exercise in favor of maintaining an unhealthy diet or a largely sedentary lifestyle, we’re probably not feeling our best or giving ourselves the amount of energy that will allow us to take on new challenges.
With a bit of change to our diet and exercise routines, we may be impressed by both our new energy levels and improvements to our appearance. These qualities build on one another to positively affect our sense of happiness and well-being. This is a healthy approach to living done right!
