How To Get An Energy Boost

Tips on how you can naturally increase your energy levels

Most people have experienced the afternoon slump. That time of day when you feel very tired and have no energy. It is times like these when most people wish they could either curl up and take a nap, or that there was some way to get an energy boost to help them get through the rest of the day.

Energy Levels

The bodies energy levels go up and down throughout the day as the bodies blood sugar levels rise and fall. A lot of the fluctuations in energy levels has to do with the types of foods that are eaten, how much food is eaten, and when the food is eaten. There are ways to naturally boost energy levels and prevent that afternoon slump.

Natural Ways To Boost Energy Levels

In order for our bodies to function properly they must be given the proper fuel. Blood sugar levels must remain steady in order for the body to have a steady energy level. Blood sugar is directly affected by the foods that are eaten. When the blood sugar level is too high or too low it makes a person feel fatigued and tired.

Foods that are made of simple sugars such as white bread, donuts, candy and sodas will make the bodies blood sugar quickly spike and then rapidly drop. Often people will grab for something sugary to give them an energy boost thinking that the sugar will give them the charge that they are looking for. And, to a point, they are right.

Eating foods high in simple sugars does cause the energy levels to rise, but they quickly drop again leaving the person feeling more tired and fatigued than ever. So then the person reaches for another quick pick me up snack made of simple sugars and the cycle repeats itself. This is a dangerous and useless road to take.

The best way to maintain a steady blood sugar level and start the day off right is to eat foods that have complex carbohydrates for breakfast, such as whole grain breads and cereals along with a healthy protein such as eggs or turkey bacon.

When you combine healthy carbohydrates with proteins and a small amount of fat it helps the bodies blood sugar levels to rise slowly over a period of time giving the body a steady supply of energy throughout the morning and preventing energy level crashes and feelings of fatigue.

Sleep is Essential for Optimal Energy Levels

Another step in maintaining natural energy levels is to be sure and get enough sleep at night. Sleep is the bodies way of naturally refreshing and reenergizing itself.

The average person needs about seven to nine hours of sleep every night in order for their bodies to function properly. It may sounds weird, but getting a good night sleep is a great way to give your body a natural energy boost.

Maintaining a healthy mental attitude is another way to give your body a natural energy boost. A negative attitude or feelings of ill will drag a body down and leave a person feeling overwhelmed, angry and stressed out. Having a positive and happy mental outlook on life can give a person a natural energy boost and brighten up everyone's day.

Many people who live in colder climates experience lower energy levels during the wintertime when the sun is not out as much. This is due to the fact that our energy levels coincide with the seasonal lights. To get a natural energy boost try to get a little sunshine every day. Natural sunlight increases the body's production of serotonin which makes people feel happy and energized.

There are many ways to feel better when you are in the midst of an energy slump. The first thing to do is get moving. Taking a brisk walk will invigorate your body giving you a natural energy boost. Anything that gets the body moving is good for increasing energy levels. Also be sure to drink enough water. Water helps to hydrate the body and a cool glass can be very refreshing and invigorating.

Sometimes when you are having an afternoon slump you really just want to get some shut eye. Taking a short nap can be helpful in recharging your body and giving you an energy boost. But be sure that your nap is short! A nice twenty minute nap is perfect for recharging your body and giving you a pick me up. Anything longer than twenty minutes will leave you feeling worse then before you laid down.

The Best Energy Foods

In order to have a steady energy level throughout the day and avoid sudden spikes and drops in your energy levels you will need to start off the day with a healthy and nutritious breakfast.

A bowl of cereal with some fresh fruit and low fat milk, two slices of whole grain toast with peanut butter and some fruit or some scrambled eggs and cheese with whole grain toast are some great options.

Any good carbohydrate/protein combination is going to help energy levels to remain steady and give you an energy boost.

Foods that are found on the low to medium level of the glycemic index are better for maintaining a good energy level. These include foods such as whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce, chicken, fish, rice, and beans. Wholegrain cereals, fruits and nuts are also great foods for a quick and healthy energy boost.