You’re not alone, many people do experience a lull in their energy levels and vitality around this time of year.
Winter brings colder temperatures and shorter days with less sunlight and sometimes a dark winter morning can make it difficult to get out of bed.
Local fitness expert Dean Coulson, 44 has some tips tricks you can use to help boost your energy levels and leave you feeling ready to face the cold and frosty days ahead.
- Get a Good Breakfast: It is the most important meal of the day! Try to get a mix of lean protein, vegetables and healthy fats to start your day off to a great start. These will provide a quick energy boost, while the protein takes longer to digest keeping you fuller for longer and less likely to snack.
- Take a Brisk Walk: Walking is a great form of exercise and produces endorphins, which will give you a natural boost. It doesn’t have to be a long walk—just 10-20 minutes. Getting outdoors in the fresh air is vital for your health.
- Avoid caffeine: Despite popular belief, caffeine from coffee, tea and energy drinks can lead to a dip in energy. Instead enjoy a warming mug of herbal tea or a fresh vegetable/fruit smoothie instead.
- Hydrate: Do not underestimate the importance of water in your day to day life. It is vitally important for improved brain function, better blood flow, joint health, nutrient absorption, energy production and muscle contraction. As well as helping the body remove harmful toxins.
- Eat high protein foods: High protein can be found in fish, meat, chicken and eggs every day, particularly at lunch as it will help improve afternoon alertness.
- Exercise: maintaining an active lifestyle during the colder months can boost energy levels as physical activity is proven to increase energy and reduce fatigue. We use metabolic resistance training to help boost your fitness and increase fat loss to get you leaner, fitter and stronger. Due to the nature of our training program, they are short and fit perfectly into a busy schedule.
- Rest: Rest and recovery are just as important as exercise. Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Our body is very active with growth and repair as we rest, in particular the liver. It is also important to rest to get to bed at 10:30pmto allow the liver to detoxify the body.