As the season changes, we seem to be getting sunnier and warmer weather. And with longer days now upon us, everyone seems to be wanting to get out and enjoy the city! I’m not sure about anybody else, but the gloomy weather of this past winter really sucked the energy out of me. 

I want to have as much energy as possible for this summer! I want to be able to do as much as possible without feeling fatigued. So I decided to do some research on ways to boost my energy levels, and I wanted to share it in this article. 

An article published by Harvard Medical discusses natural ways to boost your energy. 

One of their first important tips is to reduce stress. Apparently, stress and energy levels do have a strong correlation with one another. They recommend some natural stress relievers such as going to therapy, meditating, talking to a friend, and doing yoga (1). Reducing stress levels can greatly improve your energy levels. Stress also plays a huge role in our moods so taking care of yourself and your mind is a must. 

Another tip they discuss is to eat for energy. They explain that “eating foods with a low glycemic index—whose sugars are absorbed slowly—may help you avoid the lag in energy that typically occurs after eating quickly absorbed sugars or refined starches” (1). Eating things like whole grains, nuts, and high-fiber vegetables can boost energy due to their low glycemic indexes (1). Eating fruits dense with Vitamin C, such as strawberries and oranges, can also help boost your iron levels. Good iron levels can, in turn, improve energy and brain functioning (2). Of course, it is important to adjust your diet due to your specific health and dietary needs. 

The next tip they recommend is to avoid smoking. Something that I had not known before reading this article is that smoking can cause insomnia and limit your energy. Nicotine is a stimulant, which means it “speeds the heart rate, raises blood pressure, and stimulates brain-wave activity associated with wakefulness” (1). Less sleep equals less energy. So, staying away from stimulants like nicotine can help keep your sleep routine stay balanced. This also applies to alcohol, especially when it comes to midday drinking. Apparently, the sedative effect of alcohol is especially strong during the middle of the day (1). 

Moreover, the last tip I want to share is to drink water. Water is so important when it comes to our energy. Harvard medical professionals have continuously studied this correlation. They explain how “if your body is short of fluids, one of the first signs is a feeling of fatigue” (1). Drinking more water can boost your energy levels and make you feel less tired. 

This is a great tip to follow, as overall hydration really does keep our bodies running correctly. And with the heat and bright sunshine that will be coming with this summer, it is critical to stay hydrated in order to stay healthy!

This summer is a great time to do things that you love (safely of course) as this pandemic slowly begins to lighten up. With the right amount of energy, you can do as much as you possibly want! Go hiking, go to the beach, and get outside.

I hope this article was enlightening in ways that you can naturally boost your energy levels and get the most out of this summer.

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/energy-and-fatigue/9-tips-to-boost-your-energy-naturally

2. https://fruitsandveggies.org/expert-advice/list-fruits-veggies-good-energy