We could all use a little extra energy every now and again. If you’ve been battling with your sleep, overloaded at work, or just burning the candle at both ends lately, you could benefit from a natural boost of energy. Skip the double espresso and seek out natural, healthy ways to lift that heavy feeling of fatigue and face your day with a smile.

1. Breathe in energising essential oils. Essential oils can do a range of interesting things to your body and mind. They can relax you when you feel stressed, or give you a mental boost when you’re low on energy. If you’re feeling sluggish, try out an energising combination of oils from a natural retailer like Living Vitality Australia. Carry the oil around with you throughout the day for a quick pick-me-up whenever you need it.
2. Check your iron levels. Low iron can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms, from sleepiness and weakness to shortness of breath and muscle aches. This problem is particularly common in women, especially during pregnancy. If you suspect that low iron could be at the root of your energy problems, chat with your doctor and start including iron rich foods like red meat and dark leafy greens in your daily diet.
3. Keep your blood sugar stable. Dips in blood sugar can cause quite intense fatigue, as well as dizziness and a grouchy mood. Keep yours stable by eating regularly throughout the day, focusing on complex carbohydrates paired with protein, and avoiding refined sugars. This will help you to experience an even amount of energy throughout the day, instead of spiking and crashing.
4. Increase your water intake. One of the lesser-known signs of dehydration is fatigue. Even if you don’t feel especially thirsty, if you don’t tend to drink a lot of water throughout the day then you may be getting dehydrated without realising it. Keep a water bottle with you at your desk and sip frequently to keep your fluid levels up.
5. Go for a quick walk. If you start to feel your energy levels drop during the day, take a short break and go for a walk around the block. Walking releases endorphins in your brain that should make you feel happier and more alert, while the sunshine and fresh air will reinvigorate you and make you feel ready to face the rest of the day.
6. Tackle your depression. Depression is a major cause of fatigue and poor energy levels, and it’s an all-too-common illness. For those struggling with depression, treating the problem can help relieve feelings of persistent tiredness and sleep difficulties. Try speaking with a therapist on a regular basis to work through your problems, and speak to your doctor about antidepressant treatment if things don’t get better. Treatment can sometimes make things feel worse before they get better, but recovery is a real possibility for the future.
7. Reorganise your schedule. It may be that your days are just too busy to maintain sufficient energy to get everything done. Try looking at your lifestyle and finding areas that are draining the life out of you. Cut down on unnecessary stress wherever you can, and look at places where you could start adding more ‘me time’ to relax and unwind.