Hot Health Tips

Increase Your Energy in 7 Easy Steps!
By Dr. Marissa Bentham

If you cannot function in the morning without gallons of coffee and you run out of energy every afternoon, then this energy-boosting article is for you! It's tough trying to find the energy to juggle your career, transport your kids from one activity to another, and spend time with your husband. Can you relate to this? I know most people want to give a 100% but are too exhausted to do so. Fatigue isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign that your body is stressed beyond its natural limits, and this is what drains you! The main thing to realize is fatigue can be treated and your everyday energy restored. Now let me show you some ways to increase your energy!

1) Find an outlet for your stress. Many factors can contribute to fatigue, and stress is one of the most common. Stress has become commonplace in our fast-paced lifestyle; you may not even realize when your body is in a state of stress. That's why it's important to have a routine for managing your stress. Some great methods for stress reduction include exercise, yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, or even keeping a journal! Try waking up an extra 10 minutes early to plan out the details of your day. Having a game plan will allow you to be more efficient and effective and less stressed.

2) Exercise. The most effective way of "burning off" excess stress and directly increasing your energy is to incorporate regular exercise! This is where Curves comes in! By conditioning your muscular and cardiovascular system for only 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week, you will achieve a heightened energy state, not to mention boost your metabolism. In addition, try Yoga and stretching for energy. We've made it easier for you by incorporating weekly yoga classes into our Curves program. Stretching will loosen your muscles, ease joints, and allow blood to flow more easily around your body. Yoga also teaches proper breathing techniques that will allow you to release your mental stress.

3) Cut the artificial stimulants. Yes, coffee gets you going in the morning. But we all know that your energy hits a low when the caffeine effect wears off. Countless other "energy drinks" have now hit the market, from Red Bull to Monster. Nearly all of these drinks contain large doses of caffeine, and/or ephedra. These products artificially stimulate your sympathetic nervous system, causing a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. To avoid the energy peaks and valleys (and to be kinder to your cardiovascular system) try substituting energy drinks and coffee for a "greens" drink in the morning (nature's highest energy food form). There are many powdered "green" formulas available in stores—just add water!

4) Eat 5 to 6 meals a day! Eat small meals throughout the day. In other words, by eating four meals and a couple of snacks (low carb) each day, you are keeping your blood sugar at a consistent level. When you eat 3 large meals a day, especially meals high in carbohydrates, your blood sugar (and therefore your energy) is going on a roller coaster ride. Just try changing your pattern for one week and feel the difference!

5) Drink 8 glasses of water per day. For our Curves ladies, that means 4-6 bottles of water per day. Not drinking enough fluids can cause you to feel fatigued due to dehydration. Water is the best, rather than sodas or sweetened beverages that can cause energy lows and weight gain because of high sugar content. Remember, if you're drinking tap water it should be purified through reverse osmosis. Otherwise, bottled water is best.

6) Increase rest. How many hours of restful sleep are you getting per night? Your body does 80-90% of its healing and repair while at rest. If you're not getting the optimum 8 hours of sleep, you haven't given your body enough time to recharge. This will inevitably result in fatigue the next day.

7) Multi-vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, due to the depletion of our soil nutrients, it is imperative to use supplements in your diet. Rather than simply taking B-12 for energy, your body needs all the B-vitamins along with several minerals, in order to utilize and absorb these vital micronutrients. We sell the liquid form multi-vitamin/mineral formula because liquids have a much higher absorption rate (80-90%) than tablets (20-50%).

Everything we've discussed is vital information that can significantly boost your everyday energy, so you can stop feeling exhausted, moody, and worn out! It can make a remarkable difference. You'll notice you wake up more refreshed and motivated in the morning, get more accomplished during the day and have energy left to do the things you want to do. That's what your life should be about! It's all in your hands.