Keeping Energy Levels High

Long hours spent working, a poor diet and not enough rest deplete the body’s store of nutrients and cause fatigue. Knowing what will reinforce the benefits of your exercise programme – and what will undermine it – will help you stay fit.

Vitality Robbers:

• Alcohol: In excess, alcohol can interfere with the quality of your sleep. Stick to safe limits and have one or two alcohol free days a week.

• Smoking: Nicotine stimulates the brain initially, but then acts as a depressant. Smoking also increases the rate at which the liver uses up micro nutrients, especially the B vitamins and vitamin C. It also makes extra work for the antioxidantsdefine that help to detoxify the body.

• Anxiety and Stress: Make a habit of doing something every day that takes your mind off your problems, whether it is exercise, meditation, listening to music or gardening. Do it until you feel relaxed.

• Allergies: Fatigue can be the only symptom of an intolerance or allergy to particular foods, which may be worth considering as the cause of unexplained lethargy.

Vitality Boosters:

• Sleep: A good night’s sleep, or a cat nap during the day will rest your mind and boost energy levels.

• Breakfast: You will feel lethargic if you force your body to keep going all morning without any fuel. Eat a sustaining breakfast such as wholemeal toast, wholegrain cereal, porridge, or fresh fruit and yogurt.

• Fresh Air: A bracing walk can do wonders when you are feeling tired.

• Deep Breathing: Bringing oxygen into your body is a good way to release tension and increase energy levels. Relax and breath in through your nose and count to four. Breathe out through your mouth (keeping your jaws relaxed) and count to eight. Repeat until you feel refreshed.