Sometimes even the most active of us feel a little low on energy. Scientifically, as we age, there is a good chance that energy levels are going down at a faster pace. The many changes that our body undergoes and possibly mental and physical and mental health issues are contributors to our depleting levels of energy. However, the good news is that unless the fatigue is not chronic and long-lasting, there are some simple tips to get your energy back. Here are some ways that can keep you ENERGISED.
1 Drink fluids throughout the day
How many of us drink water or any other fluid even when we are not thirsty? Staying hydrated is one essential and easy way to keep our energy levels up. One should not wait to feel thirsty to drink water. Make it a point to keep drinking healthy fluids throughout the day. Please do not consume sugary or aerated drinks. Even mild dehydration which we may not sense for what it is can cause sluggishness. Fatigue and witness in the body are symptoms of dehydration. Our body finds it tough to keep working normally when it is dehydrated and that makes us feel tired. One good way to make out when you need to drink more water is to watch your urine. Normal urine will be colourless. If it is even slightly yellowish, it is a sign that your body needs more water. Another sign is to watch the periodicity of urinating. If you are going for many hours without passing urine, you are probably not drinking enough water.
2 Get adequate sleep
Indeed, aging does affect sleep. However, there are enough ways in which people, especially seniors can still get a good night’s sleep. Sleeping is our body’s recharge time just like how the drained batteries get recharged. When we don’t get adequate sleep, not only do we feel sluggish and drained, but it also brings some health issues in the short and long term. Irregular or disturbed sleep once in while is quite natural. If you do not get proper sleep for more than 3 days a week, then it is a sign of a medical condition. A person needs 6 to 7 hours of sleep at night to recharge the body. Good sleep in a routine helps in feeling high on energy.
3 Be active
When you remain physically and mentally active, you will rarely feel low on energy. An active mind aids a robust body and vice versa. Follow regular exercise of physical activities that you love. It could be yoga, dancing, jogging, running, swimming, or any sport. Keep your mind active using interests, hobbies, clubs, and constant social interaction. Try jigsaw puzzles, baking, reading, playing an instrument, etc. to keep this active state going. This approach will help you to stay active. Also, even though we can not fully avoid stress, we must essentially learn to manage it using various techniques that work for us. Remember that even diet affects your stress.
Take a vacation
If you have been a little low on energy for a little while, and you do not have a medical issue causing it, try taking a vacation. Visit friends or family, or go for your dream vacation. It could be a beach city, a hill station, or some heritage city. Choose what you like best, you may go alone, with family or friends. A few days away from mundane routine activities, the change of environment can do wonders for you. Most people come back refreshed from the holidays.
Nutritious diet
A nutritious diet is important to keep your energy levels up. The body needs all the essential nutrients in the right quantities to keep working normally. That is when our body generates the energy required for us to keep going. A well-balanced diet can go long way in ensuring you always feel energized.
In the end, however, an essential point is that consistently being low on energy despite following all the tips given above, needs a thorough medical check-up. Please do not ignore it if the problem persists, and visit your doctor for further advice.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
10th October 2022.