Essential energy is the energy you need to feel at your best. When you have it, you feel like the day ahead is yours for the taking. But when you don’t, you might feel underpowered and like everything is too hard. Simple things like getting out of bed in the morning, making school lunches or getting to the gym can become a battle when your energy levels are low. It can often feel like you’re surviving the days, rather than thriving in them.
There are many things that make us tired and stress our body out, and restoring your energy levels takes a holistic approach. A combination of nutrition and lifestyle strategies can help to restore your energy levels so that whatever you want to do, you have the energy to do it.
The many reasons why you’re tired
- Not enough quality sleep
- Insufficient or excess physical activity
- Psychological stress
- Dehydration
- Poor dietary intake - lack of micronutrients
- Nutrient deficiencies (i.e. iron, B12, iodine)
- Undereating - lack of macronutrients
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Increased inflammation
- Infections (chronic or acute)
- Toxic / chemical overload
- Low thyroid function
- Illnesses and diseases
The fatigue cycle
When you’re feeling tired and lacking in essential energy, you can easily find yourself stuck in “the fatigue cycle”. For many people this means that after a night of poor sleep, they find themselves reaching for a caffeine (and sugar) hit first thing in the morning. Rather than giving you that much-needed boost of energy, it only serves to keep you wired and tired throughout the day.
Did you know? Caffeine has a 6 hour half-life & a 12 hour ¼ life which means 1 cup of coffee at 10am = 1/4 cup of caffeine in your system at 10pm.
And so the cycle continues.
Tips for being more energised
When you’re lacking in energy, or stuck in the fatigue cycle, it can be hard to make your next move. But without a steady base of essential energy, you can start to lose the very best parts of yourself.
Restoring your energy levels will not happen overnight - and there’s no quick fix! - but don’t downplay the power of the foundational good habits:
- Avoid alcohol or reduce your intake
- Power up with adequate hydration
- Eat right for you, here are 6 signs you are
- Build restorative lifestyle habits to reduce your stress response
Supplement support for healthy energy levels
If you’re ticking the boxes already i.e. eating and sleeping well, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake; a supplement might be helpful to get your energy levels back on track and help you feel good again. Here’s our recommendations:
Nutritional Support
- Multivitamin – BePure One
- The B Vitamins - B12 in particular
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Minerals for hydration
- Magnesium for relaxation
- Iron
- Iodine
- Selenium
Herbal Support
- Adaptogenic herbs - Ashwagandha, found in Inner Strength
- Calming herbs - Kava kava & Passionflower, found in Inner Calm
