Alyssa Abbey gives you her top tips for increasing your physical energy to improve your health and overall wellbeing
- The quickest way to have more physical energy is deep full breaths to the bottom and outer reaches of your lungs. This gets more oxygen into your bloodstream and on to your brain. You’ve got to breathe anyway, right? So this should take no more time than a split second reminder.
- Get moving. We’re designed to move, so make sure you try to exercise as much as you can, ideally three times a week, and boost your circulation every couple of hours with a short walk or stretch.
- When you’re moving, or static, pay attention to your posture. Slumping slumps your energy. Roll your shoulders back and down, keep your spine straight and lift your breastbone.
- Work on all 4 aspects of fitness: Stamina, Strength, Suppleness and Speed. This sort of all-round fitness will give you boundless energy.
- Take just 10 minutes a day to completely relax. This release of tension will pay huge energy dividends. Why not try some relaxation techniques such as yoga, or meditation or listening to calming music in a hot bath?
- Keep your blood sugar level topped up – but not with sugary snacks or crisps. Eat a small snack every couple of hours that will maintain a steady flow of energy to your brain. Try fruit, dried fruit, raw veggies with a low-fat dip, oatcakes or small amounts of nuts or seeds.
- Stay hydrated. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it’s easy to forget. Drink 2-3 litres of water every day – more if you’re exercising in the heat.
- Protect your sleep. Do whatever it takes to get enough sleep. Be disciplined about getting to bed on time or learn a relaxation technique to get to sleep (or back to sleep)
- Cut out the things that are sapping your energy. Are they really worth it? Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, tobacco...
- Use aromatherapy for energy. Use 5 – 8 drops of aromatherapy oils in a bowl of hot water. Try any combination of lemon, mint, orange, mandarin, neroli, rosemary or clary sage. Inhale deeply and relax...