Energy – How to Get More of It?

In today’s hectic world, with long work days, children’s activities, and other things that must get done each day, no wonder we are usually out of energy.

We get through the things we have to do, but many, if not most of us, complain that we are tired, and we feel we are stretching our bodies to the maximum. How can we remedy this situation?

The answer lies in some very basic practices. In a way, these are the practices of yesteryear. They are time-tested practices that medical practitioners continue to support, and that our parents have always preached.

They are: (1) getting enough sleep, (2) Eating well, and (3) Exercising.

There is more and more evidence that our nation is sleep deprived. We’re trying to fit in so much in a day, thinking that we’re “beating the clock.” In effect, our daily activities often get us to bed late, and up early in the morning, so that we may be getting 6 hours of sleep at best.

According to a report from Harvard Medical School, chronic sleep deprivation can ultimately lead to health problems, including weight gain and high blood pressure. Sleep deprivation, in addition to making us feel tired, has a major affect on our immune system. (Harvard Women’s Health Watch).

If we’re tired from too little sleep, of course we won’t have the energy we want. So, the first thing we must do is to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

The second Energy basic relates to eating well. Food is the fuel for our bodily functions. If we skimp on meals, or don’t eat the right foods, than we won’t feel very well.

www.foodnetwork.com has a section on the “10 foods for better health.” The section focuses on the resources of Cheryl Forberg, a registered dietician and weight loss expert who provides information on these “power foods.”

The foods Forberg recommends are those that have been touted many times by other medical practitioners: a combination of berries, citrus, legumes, vegetables, whole grains, salmon, olive oil, tea, nuts and seeds.

It is well known that eating sugary treats may boost your energy immediately, but the outflow of insulin will help to plunge your sugar back down drastically within a few hours, leading to less energy than before.

So, reaching for that candy bar for a pick-up at 3:00 p.m. will not help your energy problem. The sound diet foods mentioned above are the way to go for a real energy boost!

Finally, exercise is a great booster of “feel good” chemicals in the body. According to an article by Jennifer Warner of WebMD Medical News, Nov. 2006, it has been shown that you will get more energy from taking a walk, rather than taking a nap!

Getting up each morning and doing some exercise, or starting a regular exercise program will go a long way to helping you feel better overall and have more energy.

The bottom line: get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly and you will find the energy you need to do everything you want to do.

-

Add your comment below…
-

Photo by boskizzi- flickr.com.