Ways To Boost Your Energy Levels As You Age

As we get older, the human body goes through certain changes including a dwindling of our energy levels. For some, age has nothing to do with this and  you may lack energy as a result of a lack of sleep, working in a job you despise, or simply being stressed out. A lack of energy isn't healthy for your mental or physical health especially when it means you don't want to do anything apart from lay around. And less physical activity can actually contribute to a drop in energy but you shouldn't be resigned to accept this because there are ways that you can boost your energy as you age. 

Reduce Your Load
Overworking is one of the leading causes of exhaustion and it can have serious health consequences. This is true for all people, not only those who have office jobs or run their own business. It's possible that you're simply attempting to fit too much into your schedule. If you have young kids to look after, that is a challenge in itself. But attempting to also fit in social engagements, shopping, chores, evening classes, and hair appointments, etc. can really wear anyone out. While you may enjoy most of these activities, you might consider cutting back on how much you do them. We all want down time to relax and unwind and while spending time with friends and family can be a terrific method to relieve stress, there are times time you just need to be alone. If you have too much on your plate, don't be hesitant to ask for help; sometimes that's all it takes. You will feel less fatigued and bound to have more energy if your life load is reduced.

Drink More Water, Less Alcohol
The consequences of an alcoholic drink vary depending on when you consume it. A lunchtime drink may make you want to sleep in the afternoons, affecting your sleep later that night. Having a drink in the late afternoon can dehydrate you for the rest of the day. No one is saying that you should never drink alcohol but you should be aware that when you drink it and how much you drink can deplete your energy and hydration levels. Fatigue is one of the first indicators of dehydration, which alcohol contributes to. Water is one of the most effective treatments for this. It will replenish you and provide more energy than any other drink including those marketed as energy drinks. If you feel you might have a problem with your drinking habits, it might be a good idea to take an inpatient detox to break the habit. 

Change Your Sleeping Habits
It's crucial to your overall wellbeing as well as your health to get enough sleep but the quality of that sleep is equally important. It is preferable to have 6 good hours of sleep rather than 8 hours of interrupted sleep. Try to establish and maintain a set bedtime and wakeup time. Take the time to unwind and get ready for bed and make sure you haven't spent an hour watching TV or playing on your phone before retiring. When you go to bed, your mind already be in a state of relaxation, allowing you to fall asleep faster and deeper. Regular sleep will do wonders for your energy levels.

Move More

A sedentary lifestyle will actually lead to your energy levels depleting more so it's important to stay as active as you can. Even a few minutes of movement a few times a day can make a difference in preventing dips in energy levels. Try to take a walk in the morning and enjoy some sunshine. The dose of early sun helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which helps you sleep better at night. Exercising in the morning also provides an immediate boost in energy while also helping to keep those energy levels stay higher.

Consume a Healthy Diet and Take Supplements As Needed
A nutritious diet is beneficial to your health, body and mind and eating the right foods will give you a boost in energy.  Small, frequent meals and snacks are preferable to three major meals each day. Consuming fresh, whole, unprocessed foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants will renew your energy levels. Try to avoid packaged, processed foods with preservatives that can make you feel sluggish and heavy. And consume animal products especially red meat in moderation. These take longer to digest, which diminishes the body's energy.  Supplements can play a vital role in ensuring your body is getting the nutrients it needs and some can also be effective energy boosters. Always check with your doctor to make sure that any supplements you take are safe for you to consume in your specific situation.

Quit Smoking
Smoking is terrible and one of the worst habits anyone can have because of it's highly detrimental health effects.  for them, Even it's even worse when people smoke before bed since it might make it more difficult for them to sleep. Tobacco's stimulants keep your brain active, disrupting sleep quality, causing you to wake at night. Smokers are also more likely to develop sleep apnea and experience daytime sleepiness. The best thing you can do for yourself is to is quit smoking completely.

See Your Doctor
There are certain medical disorders which list fatigue and lack of energy as their symptoms.  If you've made lifestyle changes and still feel tired all of the time, make an appointment to consult with your doctor. He/she can perform tests to check if your condition might be a medical one and get you on an appropriate treatment plan if it is..

This is a contributed post.

Photo: Marie Claire Korea