How to Stay Energized The Natural Way

It’s that wonderful time of the year again, Yes! The holidays are upon us… The holidays are a fun and busy season for businesses and family’s alike full of extra errands, traveling and entertaining. Along with your everyday tasks, keeping up with the holiday crunch can drain your energy.  

This can cause you to lose focus, become stressed out, leaving you feeling shall we say hating the holidays. Bah HumBug. THAT’S NO GOOD. 

If you and your family want to make the most of these special times together, you need to take care of you, and that means keeping your energy level up, and keeping you on track.  

Stop! Don’t you dare run to those sugary energy drinks and put down that cookie there are plenty of natural and effective ways to keep your energy levels up. 

Eat Smart 

Eating Smart is one the best ways to keep you going like the energizer bunny. I know what you’re going to say I’m busy already I don’t have time to think about planning meals I got enough on my plate. You don’t have to plan meals with just a small pivit in your day can change everything. Just try one… 

Avoid big meals. I know it tempting to sample all the goodies but your body has to work harder to digest those huge holiday dinners. Slowing down your eating helps your body digest your food properly. Try to eat more slowly and limit your portions. 

Reach for healthy snacks. All carbs are not bad. Complex carbohydrates will give you energy fast. Protein provides fuel for the longer term. Don’t reach for cookies, Instead grab a apple or banana, Loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, fruit is great for times when you need a little energy boost. Yogurt and popcorn are great choices too. 

Eat more fiber. Foods rich in fiber help your body break down carbohydrates at a steadier pace over a longer time. That gives you more stamina. Feast on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. 

Stay hydrated. I can’t stress this enough. Water , water and more water. Hey, it doesn’t have to come from a glass. Munch on foods that are high in water content like celery sticks and grapefruit. Drink plenty of water too. Your blood will flow more easily, transporting the oxygen and nutrients your cells need. 

Eat breakfast. If you miss this one you will pay for it the rest of the day! You’re bound to feel fatigued unless you refuel in the morning. A healthy breakfast will also make it easier to resist fattening snacks or overeating at later meals. 

Get a Good Night Sleep 

Getting a good night of sleep can directly affects your mental and physical health. If you are missing out on a good night sleep it can take a serious toll on your daytime energy, productivity, emotional balance.  

Sleep is vital to Keeping your energy up 

1. Take a nap. What? Did she say take a nap? Yes, I did. Sneak in a power nap. Brief naps of 20 minutes or less will help you recharge. Just closing your eyes for a few minutes can also be refreshing. 
2. Watch out for extra caffeine. This is a big one! Those chocolates and peppermint-flavored coffee drinks may put you over your limit for caffeine. At best it is a quick fix with a hard crash. It can also keep you up at night, cut back. 
3. Drink alcohol in moderation. A cocktail may help you fall asleep faster but it interferes with the quality of your sleep. Try to avoid any alcohol within a few hours of bedtime. 
4. Place a curfew on online shopping. I know I know you don’t want to miss out on those holiday deals but if you shop for gifts all night on the Internet you’ll feel the effects the next day. Turn the computer off a couple of hours before retiring to adjust your mind and body after the mental stimulation and lighted screen. 
5. Stick to a regular schedule. Don’t spread yourself to then. Holiday parties and travel may interrupt your daily routines. As much as possible, getting up and going to bed at the same time each day will help you stay in top shape.  

More Lifestyle Tips 

1. Exercise every day. Movement is Key! Brisk walk or other moderate exercise will wake you up and pump more oxygen to your brain. Take the stairs at the shopping mall and park farther from the entrance. 
2. Clear away clutter. Upcycle, Organize, Donate You’ll feel more restful when your surroundings are in good order. Organize your living and workspace. When your all done donate what you don’t need, this a great time to donate, remember your junk is another person’s treasure. Upcycle, before you though that old picture frame away try a upcycle project Pinterest is a place to get great ideas too. 
3. Alternate between tasks. Switch things up. Baking hundreds of cookies and wrapping mountains of gifts can be tiring. Switching off between jobs can help. Even better, recruit family and friends to divide the load. 
4. Manage stress. Take time out for you and breathe. Feeling more stress this time of year is natural. To help prevent this, listen to relaxing music, meditate, deep breathing or talk with friends. A positive outlook can make handling extra tasks much easier. 
5. Focus on giving. This is the season of sharing So share a little of yourself. Giving to others is the best part of the holiday season and the most effective way to stay energized. You’ll feel motivated to accomplish more with less effort when you think about making others happy. Share your time and attention with the people you love and do some volunteer work to connect with others in your community. 

Remember Sharing is Caring 

The holiday season can be demanding, but simple lifestyle changes are usually enough to keep you alert and merry. Watch your diet, get plenty of rest, and manage stress so you’ll be ready to tackle all the shopping and parties. You got this!