6 Ways to Support Energy Levels + Fight Fatigue
Modern-day living can be tiring with never-ending to-do lists, work and social commitments. There are a myriad of lifestyle-related factors that impact our energy, but thankfully there plenty of easy-to-implement strategies to help you to feel your best.
We've put together a list of 6 of our fave ways to support energy levels and fight fatigue.
Sleep- get those Zs
Sleep is the body's natural healing time. It is important to have an adequate amount of sleep every night so the mind and body can recover from the days events. Getting your 7-9 hours sleep and waking refreshed is crucial for energy and fighting fatigue. Quality sleep is the cornerstone to good health. We love the Gaia Botanica Dream blend to help us drift to the land of nod.
Manage stress- get zen!
Stress is a common problem that we all have to deal with in some way as part of modern day living. There are many factors that can influence stress like work or social pressures, which in turn can have adverse effects on our health and in turn our energy levels. Make sure you’re making time for you and incorporate daily stress reduction activities that you enjoy; try yoga, relaxation exercises, mindfulness apps, exercise or breathwork.
Eat a balanced, whole-foods diet
A whole food diet is comprised of foods, which are as close to their natural state as possible. Whole-foods contain an array of nutrients, which occur naturally in the correct ratios to work synergistically to support optimum health and combat fatigue.
For optimum health and energy levels we recommend a diet high in vegetables and fruit, with legumes, whole grains, lean protein from both animal and plant sources, nuts and seeds and fermented foods.
Stay hydrated
Being dehydrated dries up your energy. It’s important to ensure you re drinking enough water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle with you thorught the day to make it easier to remember. The recommenced daily intake of water is 1800-2200ml. An additional 500ml for every 30 minutes of mild-moderate exercise and 700ml for every 30 minutes of intense exercise. Herbal tea, nut milk, fresh juice (not prepackaged) and coconut water can be included in this amount.
Sunshine- chase that daily D!
Getting outdoors might not seem like the most significant aspect of health but it can lead to a dramatic improvement in energy levels and in turn mood and productivity. There’s a reason it feel so good to get outside and feel the sun’s rays on your skin. Vitamin D is synthesized by the action of sunlight on the skin. Lack of vitamin D causes a lack of energy.
Ditch the coffee crash
Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed stimulant. While caffeine is known to have energy stimulating effects, it can cause a caffeine crash which is characterized by sleepiness and fatigue. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system by increasing brain activity, thereby enhancing focus and cognition while delaying fatigue, however once these effects wear off tiredness can occur and that's when you feel "bleh".
We don’t want you to miss your "coffee break" ritual so we recommend a caffeine-free alternative like Gaia Botanica Balance or Radiance blends.
Anushka Malcolm
CO-FOUNDER + CLINICAL NUTRITIONIST
Anushka is clinical nutritionist and passionate health foodie from Adelaide, South Australia. Anushka uses up-to-date clinical research and traditional wisdom to you diets so you can nourish yourself, feel your best and thrive.