As you get older, fatigue can negatively impact your quality of life if you aren’t careful. The good news is that you can beat the odds with implementing good habits.
Get Enough Quality Sleep
A good night’s sleep is crucial for feeling energetic the next day. If you aren’t getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, you are probably feeling tired and unmotivated. There are some tips for getting a better night’s sleep that may help you sleep longer and wake up less during the night.
WebMD recommends turning off your electronics so you can relax before bedtime. Blue light from your computer and smartphone may be getting in the way of a good night’s sleep.
Be careful about what you drink before bedtime. Many people find it best to stop drinking caffeine in the afternoon, since it makes it difficult to fall asleep. While alcohol may make you drowsy, it can also prevent you from staying asleep throughout the night. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake and consuming them earlier in the day will set the stage for some relaxing shuteye.
Exercise has been found to promote sleep. The time of day you exercise can make a difference though. Experts tend to agree that vigorous exercise an hour before bedtime may make it harder to drift off to dreamland.
Get Moving to Fight Fatigue
A key to feeling energetic is getting some exercise. You don’t have to go to the gym and lift weights or run a marathon to boost your energy level. Taking a walk outside is always a great way to lift your spirits with the added benefits of sunshine and fresh air. Getting your vitamin D is a plus.
Exercise has been proven to enhance your cardiovascular health. It also produces dopamine, which boosts energy levels. Brisk exercise where you can work up a sweat is an excellent way to eliminate fatigue, as long as you don’t overdo it.
Make Healthy Diet Choices
“You are what you eat” is a common adage. That’s why it is so important to eat healthy whole foods as much as possible. Limiting processed foods, carbohydrates and sugars will help you feel vibrant and full of energy. By loading up on lean proteins and high-nutrient fruits and vegetables, you can rest assured that you will have the proper fuel you need to feel good and ready for new adventures.
Minimize Stress
Nothing saps your energy like stress. There are several ways to deal with the inevitable stress that is simply part of life. Meditation is one excellent way to cope by allowing you to shut down mentally for a short period of time in order to recharge your battery.
Another proven way to manage stress is to talk it out with a trusted friend. It is easier to put life’s little setbacks and challenges into perspective with an objective point of view. In cases when the stress is unmanageable, it makes sense to talk to a therapist.
Find a Purpose That Excites You
We all need a reason to get up in the morning. Finding your passion or purpose for your life is crucial for energizing your days. Whether you start a new business or volunteer for a charity, it doesn’t matter what you choose. Finding a meaningful purpose in life allows you to feel alive, which makes the journey worth it.
In Summary
When you’re young, energy levels run high. In your late 30’s or early 40’s, things can change, as your body no longer recovers from poor life habits so easily. Middle-age years can either be an exhilarating time or a period where your energy levels plummet. It is up to you to make your life as vibrant as your biggest dreams. Eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and finding an exciting reason to get up in the morning is a recipe for prolonged happiness and renewed vigor.