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Try these seven essential tips for boosting energy and maintaining vitality

7 simple ways to boost your energy

We all get tired from time to time.  In today’s world it’s a par for the course.

Occasional tiredness is normal and our bodies are equipped to quickly recover. But long term fatigue can be debilitating, robbing you of physical energy, mental sharpness, and the “get up and go” you need to enjoy life to the fullest.

The good news is there is much you can do to boost your physical and mental energy and it definitely doesn’t have much to do with sugary power bars and energy drinks.

Assuming there are no serious medical causes for your fatigue, here are some things each of us can do to recharge our batteries.

Slow down Nobody can run at top speed day after day and not, eventually, feel drained. Organise your day so that you have regular breaks for nourishing food, for stretching and for fresh air. Learn to pace yourself and you may find that things still get done but you are in better shape at the end of it. Pay attention to your natural energy cycles and work with them not against them to get the most out of the day.

Get back to nature Time spent in nature can relieve depression and stress, and improve mental health and well-being. Countless studies have shown that contact and connection with nature provides our body, mind and soul with a deep level of nourishment, which in turn promotes vitality, emotional health, mental health and indeed spiritual growth and maturation. Instead of sticking to the same old treadmill at the gym why not green your workout routine by taking it outdoors?

Try a detox. We are under constant assault from toxins; whether this is from our diet, environment, lifestyle, emotions or just from life. Often we cannot get rid of these toxins fast enough, when they build up our body cannot function at its peak ability. Detox is simply a process of removing toxins from the body. Giving your body an opportunity to detox is allowing it to recover, rebalance, rejuvenate and renew. For some great tips on detox see our essential guide to detox Part 1 and Part 2.

Herbal help There are many gentle herbal remedies that can help you rebalance. Two powerhouse herbs you may not have tried include maca and rhodiola. Maca – sometimes called Peruvian ginseng – is an adaptogenic and nutrient-rich herb. It helps reduce stress and increases vitality by supporting the adrenal glands, improving immunity and helping support the cardiovascular system. Rhodiola – also known as golden root or roseroot – is commonly used in countries like Russia and Scandinavia to increase endurance, stamina and resistance to several health conditions including fatigue, altitude sickness and depression.

Take a nap Naps aren’t just for kids! As adults we often don’t give ourselves permission to rest when we are tires but there’s nothing more satisfying than a short power nap when you’re exhausted. Short 20-30 minute naps have been shown to improve alertness and performance in emergency department physicians and nurses, along with first-year medical students. What these and other studies are showing is that naps can restore our attention, the quality of our work, while also helping us reduce our mistakes. It also improves our ability to learn while on the job.

Eat better There’s no doubt that a healthy, varied and balanced diet plays an important role in looking and feeling more alive. Substances such as antioxidants and essential fatty acids help keep your mind and body fighting fit and prevent many of the illnesses associated with ageing such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Adding more whole grains, fruit and vegetables, and beans and pulses to your diet can add years to your life and will ensure that your skin glows and you feel full of energy and vigour. Check out our tips to help you eat well for greater vitality.

Take our quiz. Our Vitality Quiz is a fun and simple way to find out how you can best support your own unique ‘vitality type’.