Increasing your energy levels

BOOSTING YOUR ENERGY LEVELS

The FHT’s Chief Executive Officer and Nutritional Therapist, Monica Price, offers six top tips to help you and your clients boost your energy levels…

NOW that the holiday season is over, one of the main concerns that people have is low energy levels. As winter is often a time spent indoors eating lots of food and generally hibernating, here are my top tips to help you and your clients kick-start the New Year...

Start exercising

This doesn’t have to be a workout in a gym - it could be taking up your favourite sport or a pastime that you haven’t done in a while, such as golf, tennis, running, walking, dancing or kickboxing. When you exercise your brain releases a surge of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which include endorphins, also known as the ‘happy hormone’. The increased blood flow will make you feel more alert and focused afterwards and will benefit your heart and muscles, too, leaving you feeling more energised.

Stay hydrated

It sounds simple, but not drinking enough water could be the reason you are lacking energy, as it affects your metabolism (your body’s ability to convert food into energy). Aim for six to eight glasses of water or healthy liquids a day and remember that there is water in fruit and vegetables. If you have an intense workout, drinking coconut water can help replace the electrolytes your body has sweated out.

Up your intake of B vitamins

Known as the ‘vitamin B complex’, these eight vitamins play a vital role in boosting our energy levels through the synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA (which keeps our cells healthy) and by metabolising protein, fat and carbohydrate in the body. They are water–soluble, which means the body doesn’t store them, and certain lifestyle factors including stress mean we often need to up our daily intake. Good sources include green leafy vegetables, wholegrain foods, beans, lentils, fish and supplements.

Eat more wholegrain carbohydrates

Healthy carbohydrates give your body energy, but if you are eating a lot of refined sugars, processed food and sugary drinks, these can leave your body feeling sluggish and bloated in the long run. Eat more wholemeal bread, pasta, oats and rice, as these are low glycaemic carbohydrates that take the body longer to digest and will allow your body to have a more consistent source of energy throughout the day.

Get more sleep

Sleep is so important for our health and wellbeing. Try eliminating any intake of caffeine after 5pm as this is a stimulant and your body will be fighting to go to sleep if you drink it before bedtime. Inhaling lavender essential oil is also good for calming the body and mind and promoting sleep. Turn off your mobile, read a good book, and try and empty your mind. I keep a notebook by my bed, to write down all the things I need to do or I am worrying about, which means I can then allow my body and mind to relax and unwind.

Do things that make you happy

Doing things that make you happy will have a positive effect on your body and energy levels. Ask yourself every day, ‘What have I done today to make me feel good?’ Doing the things you love energises your brain, whether it’s painting, salsa dancing, or simply seeing friends (never underestimate the power of a good conversation). Our bodies need this positive energy as much as a healthy diet. n

iThe FHT offers students and qualified practitioners a range of membership benefits to help support them, every step of their therapy career. For further information, visit www.fht. org.uk or call 023 8062 4350.