If it wasn’t for the fact that I’m constantly taking care of two children under 5, or the fact that I blog full-time as well as garden and keep the house in proper order, the summer heat itself would snap all of my energy. I know I’m not alone in this. The last thing I want to do is turn to chemicals and medications to give myself some much needed energy. Here are a few things you can do to naturally give yourself a little energy so that you can get all those tasks checked off of your to-do list.
Exercise
You’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again. Exercise releases endorphins which give you more natural energy. If you exercise regularly you will find that you have more energy, and your mood will also improve.
Water
If you’re not drinking enough water, then you are more likely to experience fatigue and headaches. Water flushes out toxins, turns food into energy and regulates body temperature. Soda and juices just won’t cut it and can actually increase your chances of dehydration and fatigue.
Herbs
Some great herbs for improving your mood and supplying some energy are Stinging Nettle, Gotu Kola, Milk Thistle and St. John’s Wort. Stinging Nettle
Chocolate
Yes, chocolate is definitely a mood and energy booster. Chocolate naturally increases levels of serotonin, which is the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. This may be why so many women seek it out when they are feeling down. But just remember that chocolate contains caffeine. Too much caffeine and not enough water leads to dehydration and a definite lack of energy. Also be careful with the chocolate that you choose to eat. There’s a big difference between a chocolate candy bar and raw cacao
What are some of the ways that you naturally boost your energy and “feel-good” levels?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I absolutely agree about hydration and exercise! Those two things make a very big difference to how I am feeling!
As for herbs, I have recently been taking St. John’s Wort for mood steadiness, and also Gingko Biloba for enhanced energy and brain function (I was finding I had a lot of times when I simply couldn’t concentrate or lacked mental energy), and they have been doing wonders for me! The Gingko is definitely more expensive so I take it more minimally, but St. John’s Wort is much more affordable.
The only thing you have to be aware of is that herbs like these should be taken for short-term only (about 4-8 weeks) unless you’re much more knowledgeable about herbs and their effect on the body, or you are working with someone like a naturopath.
And goodness, did you say chocolate? So my afternoon cocoa pick-me-up smoothies are Thrifty-Mama endorsed? Woot!
it is all great advice, especially for me, who also takes care of two kids under 5, one of them is special needs. I still have a really hard time understanding how you keep your kids occupied when you sit down at the computer to blog. I have so much to share, and have been wanting to start a blog for a while, but seriously, no time!
Well…I am a mama to four and am almost six months pregnant. My youngest two are 5 and 2, so I can understand how exhausting kiddos can be. I must say…I feel really good most of the time. I have a lot of energy and chalk it up to these things:
1. I have a strong faith in God and the joy I have in serving Him keeps me going!
2. I eat a lot of living/raw foods….not 100% by any means, yet I make a strong point to add more of these to our families diet when possible. Breakfast, snacks and lunches are easiest to do this with.
3. Eating a little every two hours through the day of nutrient dense food….drinking lots of water in between.
4. I exercise almost daily…I LOVE cathe friedrich’s workouts and have done them almost exclusively for 5 years now.
5. I know it may sound corny, but trying hard to keep a positive mental attitude…it’s something I strive for and do not by any means always attain.
6. And last but not least, I am always learning something new. Learning new things gets me excited and energetic….it might be knitting, learning about bugs with the kiddos…anything!
7. I feel NO pressure to be SUPER MOM…she doesn’t exist! I am doing the best I can do…and I don’t have to compare myself to anyone else…that alone keeps me from draining away in self-pity.
Here’s to more energy….Joy