Get energy now
Here’s how to step into autumn with a spring in your step
Feeling tired and that you just want to hibernate now that autumn is approaching? You are not alone. But giving into lethargy won’t get you anywhere …it’s time to snap out of it and greet the new season brimming with energy.
But how do you rev yourself up? A cup of coffee, tea or a couple of pieces of chocolate may spring to mind. And although they will give you a sudden boost of energy it won’t be long lasting. Your energy levels will soon drop again and you will find yourself searching for another coffee or square of chocolate and so the roller coaster continues.
The healthy answer is to give the chocolate and caffeine a miss and reach for some herbs instead. Sometimes referred to as system boosters, herbs have natural energy boosting properties, providing a more sustained and gradual release of energy.
A good herb to get you going on the energy trail is rhodiola. Used throughout Eastern Europe as a natural stimulant it is starting to make a noise over here. It is thought to have anti-fatigue, anti stress, anti oxidant and immune enhancing effects. Several randomised double-blind placebo controlled studies have also shown it can help improve mental and physical performance especially under stress.
Next, if you are looking to boost your get up and go, comes ginseng. Long regarded as something of a wonder herb it is a highly respected herbal tonic, which will give your body the injection of energy, you are looking for. Guarana is another great energy giver not to be missed. Derived from a seed from a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, it can help you to feel more alert as well as reducing mental fatigue.
Finally you need to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Often when people complain about feeling tired and washed out all they need is a week of early nights to revive and refresh them.
But what if you can’t get to sleep even when you go to bed at a decent hour? Don’t despair there are some herbs that can help. Valerian is one of the most popular sleep enhancers. It will make you feel sleepy if you take it at bedtime while taken during the day it can help you deal with stress, which may be what is keeping you awake at night.
Camomile is another sleep inducing herb, which is best taken as a tea. To get maximum benefit, buy it in loose form and use a tablespoon to a cup of boiling water. Infuse it covered for 10 minutes before drinking.
QUICK FIXES
- Do things quickly. Studies show that thinking and reading fast all enhance mood leaving you feeling happier and more energised
- Surround yourself with bright colours especially red. It is said to be the colour of energy and particularly energising
- Sprinkle a few drops of peppermint essential oil on to a tissue and inhale. This stimulating oil will help you to feel more alert
- Try massaging the muscles at the back of your neck for 60 seconds. It is said to help stave off an energy slump by improving blood flow to the brain.
Rhodiola is found in Vitano - A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress such as fatigue, exhausstion and mild anxiety based on traditional use only.
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