Written by Depleted energy levels? Eat, sleep and drink!
There are times in the day when I just feel “meh.” Normally early afternoon, my energy level seem to drop a bit. Doing some pushups will often help, but sometimes increases the feeling of fatigue & low-energy. I have often resorted to coffee (caffeine) as a quick pick me up and it does, more often than not, work. However, as they say, what goes up, must come down! With caffeine whether it be via coffee, green or black tea, an energy drink, chocolate (dark chocolate!), there can be a spike but then not long thereafter a crash (of energy and attention levels), too. In other words, it’s a short-lived means to spike our energy level but is not maintained.
I am learning there is a better way to increase energy levels AND maintain them. First, sleep! Sleep is critical. A good nights sleep makes a huge difference and this has been a challenge for me at times, as I will awake hearing a noise or my mind will start racing about some sequence in a kata I am struggling with (maybe some of you can relate). But I do try to get a good and restful nights sleep. Second, what we eat and nutrition! Berries, fiber, nuts (almonds) are excellent choices–a handful of almonds can help put a little more pep in one’s step! And lastly but just as important, hydration! Drink plenty of water! Also remember if you do drink caffeinated coffee (or tea) or other beverages, caffeine is a diuretic. This can compound dehydration so being mindful of this and ensuring we keep our hydration levels up does help.
Of course, exercise is critical, too. But we ALL know that!