Instant energy

Step away from the caffeine… here are five ways to get instant energy, naturally!

Tired, but don’t want to get wired? If you’re looking for a kick without the caffeine or a long-term fix to your energy lows, we’ve got the answer. Try these 5 top tips for lasting energy with serious staying power.

1. Stay hydrated

According to new studies conducted at the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory, even mild dehydration can seriously affect your energy levels to the point where you struggle to perform basic tasks. Not to mention those headaches and mood swings!

2. Get moving

We know, we know – the last thing you want to do when you feel sluggish is do a workout. But we promise it’ll make you feel better. Fitness has long been praised as a way to fight fatigue and we couldn’t agree more. Researchers at the University of Georgia found that just 20 minutes of exercise three times a week could curb that energy slump. That’s just an hour a week!

3. Make your carbs complex

If you’re filling up on simple carbohydrates like white pasta, bread and potatoes in a bid for a pick-me-up, you’re not going to feel energised for long. These foods will probably even cause you to experience a come-down leaving you lethargic until your next fix. Stick to complex carbohydrates like sweet potato and brown rice, which boast a fibre content that’ll provide a slower release of energy throughout the day.

4. Go green

Everyone knows vegetables are good for your general health, but loading up on leafy greens could give you a super-healthy energy boost. They’re nutrient-dense with energy-giving vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin C.

5. Sleep

Probably the most obvious one out there, but so often ignored. There are always more chores to do, and we’d never get any sleep if we didn’t draw the line somewhere. The problem is, it’s an endless cycle – if you’re lacking sleep, you become less productive, making the next day packed with errands, too. Put an end to it by hitting the hay and whizzing through your work the next day. Done.