So what’s zapping your energy? Sure, you feel kind of draggy from time to time—a late and/or sleepless night here and there, a toxic day at work, or one too many sweets can take their toll on you.
But if you’re tired of feeling tired constantly, then it’s probably high time for you to look what brings your energy levels next to zero. Check these energy zappers and see what applies to you.
1. Inadequate Water Levels in the Body/Dehydration.
Your body is 60% made up of water. It is essential to your being and is very much needed for your body systems to function without fail. If you lack water, your blood becomes thicker, making it harder for your heart to pump it all-over your cells. Dehydration can make you feel weak, thirsty, sluggish and drained. So to combat this from happening, make sure that you drink up and stay fresh and hydrated all throughout the day.
2. You eat a lot of sweets/sugar.
Sugar is a quick pick-me-upper. But the thing is, after picking you up, it drops you hard and leaves you craving for more. This constant rollercoaster of energy levels can drain you in the long run. Battle your sugar addiction by cutting back and making sure that you have the right kinds of food with you so you won’t feel the need to go rushing to the nearest vending machine when one of your cravings hit. Keep a stash of healthy snacks on hand, and make sure that it somehow contains at least 1-2 oz of protein to help keep your blood sugar levels stable for hours plus a good combo of carbs to give you a quick energy boost. A few examples of which are as follows:
-Crackers (whole grain) plus low-fat cheese
– fresh fruits and cheese, again low fat, or a small box of raisins (instead of fruits)
– half serving of lean chicken or turkey sandwich
– non-fat yogurt (plain) plus blended fruit or jam
3. You consume a lot of caffeine
Caffeine is a natural stimulant which can leave you tired after. If you need sleep but then chose to down a cup of coffee, you’ll risk throwing off your natural sleep cycle. Too much caffeine, whether it be from your cola, tea, coffee or even chocolate can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. To counter this, try switching to the decaffeinated versions of your favourite beverage.
4. You are not getting enough sleep or goes to bed very late.
As per research, the most critical phase of sleep happens between 10pm and 1am. And if you’re constantly out partying at night or just go way past your bedtime, then chances are you’ll be missing a lot of snooze time and you’ll feel very sluggish and tired come the next day. So, if you don’t want to feel like hitting your alarm’s snooze button all morning, then consider adjusting the times you put yourself to bed.
5. You lack exercise and/or physical activities.
When you feel like going to the gym is such a chore because you don’t have energy, try going anyway. It is because studies have shown that exercises, even light ones, have the capacity to boost someone’s energy supplies. So hit the gym or just be more physically active to get yourself out of the energy rut you are in.
6. You have low iron levels in your body.
If you’re skipping nutritious foods like eggs, red meat and liver in your daily diet, then chances are you are not getting enough iron in your system. Iron is needed for your body to produce enough cells that can transport oxygen to all parts of your body. If you feel weak, it’s a way of your body telling you that it is deprived of oxygen, thus its need to compensate.
7. If you have such high standards.
Having huge expectations from yourself and the people around you can be very tiring. It’s very stressful as you need to put a lot of effort in making all those expectations a reality. Remember that it’s important not to overkill yourself with goals and keep them reasonable as much as possible.
8. If you’re such a people pleaser.
Wanting to make everyone happy is such an admirable trait but you can only do it for so long. You can’t possibly please everyone and attempting to do so will just tax your health and your own happiness.
9. If you don’t get enough downtime.
Working hard is great, but you also need to take time for yourself and de-stress. Overworking leads to burnout and you don’t want that to happen.
10. You always skip breakfast.
Breakfast is really underrated considering that it’s the most important meal of the day. After fasting all night, your body needs to replenish its supply of nutrients and you get that from eating a scrumptious and healthy breakfast, otherwise, you pretty much won’t have the energy to do anything else productive the entire day.
