Tired of feeling tired? Top tips to boost your energy

Life is busy, and a lack of sleep, an unbalanced diet and high levels of stress can leave you feeling tired and run down, making even mundane daily tasks feel difficult. If you’re in a low-energy rut, here are a few simple ways to get you feeling more energized and focused:

1. Get some z’s. Everyone knows that getting a good night’s sleep helps increase energy levels. But what many don’t realize is how much your energy level can be impacted by when you go to bed, not just how many hours of sleep you get. Going to bed at a consistent time each night is important for ensuring a good sleep.
2. Drink your vitamins. According to Dietitians of Canada, B vitamins help keep your nervous system healthy and help your body use energy from food. How about getting more B vitamins in your diet with a cup of tea? Tetley has just released Canada’s first lineup of teas fortified with vitamins and minerals, including Tetley Super Green Tea – Boost, which provides an excellent source of Vitamin B6, a factor in energy metabolism and in the maintenance of good health. The hydration from the tea is an added bonus, since lack of fluids is a major cause of fatigue.
3. Get physical. It’s important to remember that human beings don’t “get” energy, we create it. Physical activity is one of the most important ways to feel more energized, release stress hormones and improve the quality of your sleep. Start small — you don’t need to run a marathon. Consider a 10-minute walk on your next lunch break or a few jumping jacks in the middle of a busy afternoon at your desk.
4. Take a deep breath. Practice revitalizing breathing by letting your stomach expand outwards and your ribs flare out to the sides while your shoulders, upper chest and abdomen remain motionless. Fill every part of your lungs with air. This is called diaphragmatic breathing and it can almost instantly help you feel more energized.
5. Practice self-care. It’s a simple equation — more stress equals less energy. This is because stress is a result of anxiety, which uses up lots of energy and can often impact sleep patterns. Take some time for self-care, whether it means talking with family or friends, a daily dose of meditation or doing some yoga. Just find a moment every day to relax and recharge.