From Sluggish to Energised. Habits to boost your energy.

In writing this there is no disrespect to the slug. But some days it can feel like your body is just like a slug. Slow to move, dragging through the day, feeling like you're slogging through mud hoping just to get to the end of the day. Those days time drags on and not in the good way we want time to linger. 

We've all experienced those moments when our energy levels plummet, leaving us longing for a nap or an extra shot of espresso or that mid-afternoon chocolate hit. 

Feeling sluggish makes everything hard and when we don’t have the energy to do the things we want then we can feel like we want to give up and call it a day.

But fear not, because I want to show you some behaviours and habits that may be  zapping your energy and how you can, with a few simple tweaks, change your habits and re boost your energy.  

1.Overeating.

Picture this: you've just polished off a big meal, and suddenly, all you want to do is curl up and take a nap. Sound familiar? That's because overeating can send your body into overdrive as it works to digest all that food, leaving you feeling sluggish and lethargic. Think of a bear hibernating for the winter. A big meal and they curl up and go to sleep for months!

To combat overeating, try:

• Listening to your body's hunger cues and stopping when you're satisfied, not stuffed.
• Opting for smaller, more frequent meals to keep your energy levels stable.
• Mindfully savoring each bite and paying attention to how different foods make you feel.

Note: If your eating habits are an area where you know you need help , then please consult a qualified health professional to guide you to healthy habits that are right for you.

2.Lack of sleep.

Ah, the sweet allure of late-night Netflix binges and scrolling through social media feeds until the wee hours of the morning. STOP IT! While it may be tempting to burn the midnight oil, skimping on sleep can leave you feeling like a zombie the next day. I wrote about his in my last blog: 5 Bedtime Rituals to Help You Sleep Better Tonight.

 Your body needs quality rest to recharge and repair, so prioritize sleep by:

• Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and sticking to it, even on weekends.
• Creating a relaxing sleep environment free of screens and distractions.
• Avoiding caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime to promote better sleep quality.
• Implement the practices I share in the article:  5 Bedtime Rituals to Help You Sleep Better Tonight.

3.Excessive sugar consumption.
There is a reason you do not give kids red frog lollies before bedtime! The images of kids spiking in energy just before bedtime is a nightmare for any parent. But the sneaky dessert we have just before bedtime could be impacting our sleep. We've all experienced the sugar rush followed by the inevitable crash, leaving us feeling drained and irritable. 

Consuming too much sugar can wreak havoc on your energy levels and mood, so try to:

• Limit your intake of sugary beverages like soft drink (soda), fruit juices, and energy drinks.
• Opt for whole foods over processed snacks, which tend to be high in added sugars.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with naturally sweet alternatives like fresh fruit or dark chocolate.

4.Excessive device use.
Yes I need to mention this again. In today's digital age, it's easy to get lost in a sea of screens, and we trick ourselves to thinking that scrolling on our phones or watching TV in bed helps us to fall asleep. But excessive device use can disrupt your sleep patterns and leave you feeling fatigued. I talk about how device use before bed impacts our sleep in my last article:  5 Bedtime Rituals to Help You Sleep Better Tonight.

To minimize screen time:

• Set boundaries for device use, such as implementing screen-free zones in your home or scheduling regular breaks.
• Practice mindfulness when using devices, taking breaks to rest your eyes and stretch your body.
• Establish a bedtime routine that doesn't involve screens, such as reading a book, journalling or listening to calming music.

5.Lack of movement. 
When we feel sluggish we do not feel like doing anything active, so we sit for longer and the cycle of sluggishness (not sure if this is a word) continues. However our work practices also impacts our energy. Sitting for prolonged periods can leave you feeling stiff, sore, and drained of energy. If you sit at a desk for too long you can feel like your body has stuck energy. It is because it does. Your body needs to move. 

Incorporating movement into your day can help boost circulation and invigorate both your body and mind, so try these:

• Taking short breaks to stretch or walk around, especially if you have a desk job.
• Incorporating regular exercise into your routine, whether it's a brisk walk, yoga class, or dance session.
• Finding activities you enjoy and making them a priority, whether it's gardening, swimming, or playing with your kids or pets.

By understanding the impact of these habits on your energy levels and taking proactive steps to address them, you can turn feeling sluggish to feeling energised and ready for anything. Remember, small changes can lead to big results, so start with just one thing and see your energy shift.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What is your go-to habit to help you feel energised? 

Warm regards,