18th January 2019 l Lifestyle.com.au

5 natural energy-boosting strategies

Recovering from the festive season can be tough, so avoid post-holiday burnout with natural ways to boost your energy.

Returning to work and getting back into the swing of life after the silly season can be tiring. Start the New Year with a fresh glow by following these steps from nutritionist and naturopath Stephen Eddey.

Sunflower seeds

These seeds are powerhouses if you’re looking to increase energy levels.

While they’re tiny, sunflower seeds are high in protein and omega-3s to give you a kick and help you focus.

Sprinkle them on salads, cereal or mix them with other seeds like pepitas for a convenient snack.

Sleep well

We all know that there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep, but getting a good kip is so much more than preventing you from falling asleep by 4pm.

“A good night’s sleep will allow you to reload your energy levels and help you deal better with stressful situations,” Stephen explains.

So, it’s time to get back into a consistent sleep routine and even try to use some meditation to help wind down for the evening and de-stress your mind and body.

“Getting the correct amount of sleep also has the ability to delay the ageing process,” he adds.

Get moving

Along with getting you physically fit, Stephen says that regular exercise is vital to help diminish stress levels, increase energy and improve heart health.

Stephen recommends getting active at least 30 minutes each day, whether it’s a short jog or a yoga class.

Mint

Add mint to your salad, water or brew a cup of good-quality mint tea for a little energy lift.

The smell of peppermint activates the trigeminal nerve, responsible for stimulating the arousal area of the brain, which can make you more alert.

As an added bonus, mint helps digestion with it’s anti-inflammatory antioxidant rosmarinic acid.

Try a supplement

It can be easy at this time of year to fall into a post-holiday slump, but Stephen says that the supplement, Ubiquinol, may be the answer.

“Studies have shown that Ubiquinol may assist with energy production and protect your body against oxidative stress and inflammation,” he explains. “This daily supplement is the active form of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is an antioxidant that is important for the functioning of mitochondria (producing energy in bodily cells) within our bodies.”

 

https://www.lifestyle.com.au/health/how-to-boost-your-energy-naturally%20.aspx