Have the winter blues wiped you out, leaving you feeling exhausted all day? If they have, it’s not surprising: the darkness and the cold can really drain your energy. Luckily, there are a few simple diet and lifestyle tricks that will get you through the day feeling more motivated and with a pep in your step! Feel like trying our 5 tips for getting more vitality in your day?
Get started straight away today and recharge your energy!
Yes, it might take some getting used to, but some morning hydrotherapy is definitely worth it! Alternating between hot and cold water will immediately invigorate your circulation and stimulate the blood flow. You are guaranteed to step out of the shower feeling refreshed and wide awake, ready to take on the day and bursting with energy. The secret is very simple. The warm shower will first of all expand your blood vessels; they will then contract again in a reflex response when exposed to the cold water. Tip: If you aren’t quite ready for the whole hydrotherapy experience, try holding your wrists, forearms or the crook of your arm under alternating hot and cold water. Wonderful!
B vitamins make a strong team and are vital for a healthy body. There are eight of them in total: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12). We need B vitamins for a functioning metabolism. They also help concentration and boost our energy. B vitamins are water-soluble, which means that our bodies cannot store them very well, making it all the more important that we absorb them from our food so that we can go about our daily lives with energy and vitality. Meat, fish, eggs and milk all contain B vitamins. Wholegrain products, cereals and pulses are also good sources. Vegans should note that vitamin B12 is only found in animal products.
Sipping coffee all day to stay awake can actually have the opposite effect: too much caffeine can make you feel tired, affect your concentration and cause you to be irritable. It can also result in headaches or stomach problems. But there are some good alternatives for boosting your energy every day. Try a refreshing ginger tea. Fresh fruit can also increase your energy levels quickly, thanks to the carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals it contains. Green vegetables are an excellent source of iron – and also a super option for restoring your vitality. Snacking on nuts will help to avoid the afternoon slump and hot spices like chilli will revitalise you from the inside out. Something sour will cheer you up and refresh you: a glass of lemon water will raise your spirits even on grey days. Eat and drink yourself awake!
Nobody can constantly deliver their best performance without a break. So listen to your body and treat yourself to little breaks during the day. A quick power nap will give you the energy to keep going. Keep it to 20 minutes, the ideal length of time for the body to quickly regenerate. You will probably be in a better mood and feel more motivated once you have recharged your batteries. Your cardiovascular system may even benefit in the long term from a regular power nap. Give it a try!
We typically feel tired and exhausted a lot of the time during winter. This is because we simply don’t have any sunlight, which we need to produce vitamin D and serotonin, the “happy hormone”. So get out into the open air as much as you can! Go for a run in the park, take a bike ride, sit on your balcony and soak up the warming sunshine. If you would like more light, why not try a daylight therapy lamp. This can have a positive effect on our moods and ensure more energy during the day.
Be the energy!
