I don’t know about you, but sometimes this cold and grey weather can leave meĀ feeling a little lacklustre to say the least. It’s hard to get motivated or enthusiastic when it’s so gloomy outside, isn’t it? And yes, it’s ok to close the doors and curl up under a blanket now and then, but we’re not natural hibernators. We need human interactions. We need engagement. We need stimulation! And if you’re anything like me, you need to stay active too. Exercise boosts endorphins, which help to lift your mood and will assist in relieving the mid winter slump. You just need a little push to get going now and then, which is why we’ve compiled five little ways to boost your energy naturally. Let us know if they work!
Give your diet an overhaul
As you may have already guess, what you eat and drink will affect yourĀ energy levels to the point where you can literally feel the slump approaching as the afternoon wears on. So our first tip to boosting your energy? Eat well. Give your diet an overhaul, and make sure that you’re not overloading on sugars, processed foods and others nasties such as caffeine and alcohol. All of these things will not do you any favours!
If you think you could do with a bit of a diet overhaul, make small changes now. Swap that chocolate bar for a more wholesome oath bar sweetened with maple syrup instead. Ditch the coffee for a fruit tea. Skip the wine with dinner. You’ll feel a lot better for it, honestly.
Drink lots of water
We’re always harping on about staying hydrated and honestly, it really is important. If you’re dehydrated, your body is not going to have the energy you want it to have. You’re not going to be able to get through the day without those little ‘pick me ups’ that you’re convinced you need.
Drinking enough water means that your body can refresh and renew itself throughout the day. It will keep headaches at bay and promote a clear complexion too. And best of all, it’s literally on tap all day. Make the most of it!
Juice it!
We LOVE juicing here at Little Soap HQ, and we cannot tell you how much the right juiceĀ will help your energy levels. Here are two of our favourite energy boosting juices you can make right now:
Minty fruit cocktail
You need:
- 1 apple, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1 orange, peeled andĀ segmented
- 1/2 cup pineapple (frozen is fine)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- A small sprig of fresh mint
Juice the apple and orange first, then follow with theĀ pineapple. Transfer the juice to a blender, and add the lemon juice and mint. Puree until smooth. This one is so refreshing!
Energy shots
You need:
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 cup blackcurrants
- 1 orange, peeled andĀ segmented
- 1 tangerine, peeled and segmented
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
Juice all of the ingredients, and serve. Easy peasy!
Get lots of fresh air
Yes, yes. It can be hard getting the energy up to go outside, but if you’re committed and you get out at least once a day you will definitely feel the benefit. Get outside, get some fresh air and allow the elements to boost your energy naturally. You will feel so much better, we promise!
Spice up your life
Many naturally occurring spices contain powerful antioxidants, anti inflammatory and energy boosting properties, so it would be wise to incorporate some of them into your daily diet. Our top three would have to be:
Curry Powder
Curry powder is not only the delicious base of any good meal, it is also the combination of some pretty amazing spices too, including turmeric. It’s well known to combat inflammations and works as a powerful antioxidant too. In addition, turmeric is known to have cancer fighting properties and can help to improveĀ brain, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and lung functions. A super spice that will naturally help to boost your energy!
Cinnamon
Ok, so cinnamon is amazing with a good old fashioned apple pie, but did you know it has some pretty wonderful properties when it comes to you health too? Research has foundĀ that it can help lower to blood sugar levels and improve heart health, and it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties too. Cinnamon also helpsĀ with anticancer and anti-infection activity in the body. Sprinkle some into your porridge today.
Coriander
Absolutely love fresh coriander, and dried is just as good too. This powerful spiceĀ acts as a detoxifier and can aid with digestion, hormone and mood balance. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory propertiesĀ and is a good source of minerals like magnesium, iron and manganese.
