With all that is going on in the world at the moment, chances are your stress levels are higher than usual and your energy levels may be suffering too. If you want help with this, we have a few starting points for you below so that you can start give yourself the boost that you need. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but a few tips written by our Naturopath Claire to get you started.
Avoid refined sugar – It’s likely that this will be nothing new to you, but it is always worth mentioning when we are on the topic of fatigue and stress. Sugar intake causes large fluctuations in blood sugar levels and therefore energy levels, contributing to anxiety and irritability. Few things sap our energy and vitality faster than consuming refined sugar. It has zero nutritional value and will make you feel terrible in the long run once the initial sugar high has passed. Swap refined sugar for healthier options that have less of an impact on blood sugar such as coconut sugar, xylitol, stevia and rice malt syrup.
Slow down when you eat – Make each meal time an exercise in mindfulness and therefore stress reduction by turning off electronic devices, and sitting down to eat. Eat slowly and chew your food well, as this gives your digestive system the best chance to break down your food so that the nutrients can be extracted from it and distributed around the body. Slowing down by sitting down to eat and removing electronic distractions will help to reduce stress, which is vital for good digestion and therefore good energy levels. Improved digestion will naturally result in improved energy.
Include protein and fat in your diet – Adequate protein and fat are vital for stable energy levels. Protein and fats are also important for building neurotransmitters - chemical messengers in the brain which contribute to a stable and healthy mood. Nib and Noble muesli contains olive oil and nuts and seeds for healthy fats and protein.
Magnesium rich foods such as our raw cacao powder (also found in Nib and Noble drinking chocolates and muesli) is a tonic for the nervous system, and is excreted in large amounts from the body during times of stress, or excessive caffeine consumption. Consuming raw cacao is a good way to give your body a magnesium boost, helping to reduce stress levels and act as a muscle relaxant. We all need more magnesium in our lives.
Stay hydrated – Aim for two litres of water per day, and lay off the caffeine which is a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to lose water which can lead to dehydration and tiredness.
We hope these tips help you on your way to a more energised and stress-free life!