7 tips to increase your energy levels naturally

Feeling fatigued? Low energy levels affect more than just your stamina with it commonly leading to stress, mood swings, weight gain and absent-mindedness.

As a nutritionist, I’m passionate about helping people lead happier, healthier lives, without having to deprive yourself. Thankfully, by using a few clever switches, you can make some big differences to your energy levels, naturally.

If you find yourself lost for words during an important meeting, using sugar and caffeine to keep going throughout the day or you’re just feeling ‘out of sorts’, you might benefit from these seven simple lifestyle changes.

Iron is an essential mineral that transports oxygen to the blood, so if you’re deficient in iron, you’re likely to experience fatigue. Make an effort to include iron-rich foods such as legumes, chicken, meat, leafy greens and nuts into your daily meals.

Processed, sugary foods can cause your blood sugar to spike and then rapidly drop, which can lead to quick bursts of energy, followed by long slumps. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t stress; just replace your unhealthy processed treats with a more nourishing option.

If you’re tired for too long, your adrenal function can become compromised, which can lead to fatigue. Focus on relieving your fatigue by getting more sleep, cutting out alcohol and reducing stress.

Aim to reduce your coffee to one per day before 10am - this can work wonders for lowering your stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. When there’s too much stress in the body, it limits its ability to heal and repair.

Yoga does wonders for your energy and mood. If you’re new to the practise, Vinyasa flow is a good starting point. This flow encourages you to focus on your breath as you move in between a series of poses. Yoga helps with stress and anxiety, as well as flexibility and agility.

Dehydration zaps your energy, so be sure you’re drinking at least two litres of water throughout the day.

To help maximise your energy levels, I recommend taking a vitamin or supplement with B complex, magnesium, vitamin C and iodine. Before taking a supplement, make sure you get guidance from your medical professional.

Book a telehealth consultation with a GP via the nib App.

The information on this page is general information and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Do not use the information found on this page as a substitute for professional health care advice. Any information you find on this page or on external sites which are linked to on this page should be verified with your professional healthcare provider.