Energizer Bunny Vs Running Low on Energy

May 13, 2014 in Foodland Chronicles, General, Health by Joyce Bunderson

I’ve spent most of my life with a marvelous level of energy; by that I mean the ability to keep going – you know, like the Energizer Bunny. It’s been a real blessing to me that I can get so much done in a day. But I’ve had an interesting experience in the past several months – intense fatigue; sometimes before the day is even over. I had both of my knees replaced during the last quarter of 2013; thanks to rheumatoid arthritis. I expected pain and weakness, but I didn’t really expect healing to lead to fatigue. It was a fascinating and frustrating experience. What was fascinating to me is to realize that I so often hear people (who haven’t had knee replacements or other health problems) complain about not having any or enough energy. I now have an enhanced compassion for their lack of vigor. Post note: I’m so grateful that my energy has returned, albeit slowly. It’s taken about six months to really get back to having a good level of energy. I guess the saying about appreciating what you have before it’s gone or diminished is apropos.

Many people have the idea that taking supplements is the way to keep your energy high. Since some of the vitamins are involved in producing the form of energy our body needs to heal, grow, replace cells, and do all the functions that the body does, some people have the thought that taking more of those vitamins will give them more energy. But, unfortunately, that only works if the person is truly deficient in the vitamin and that is generally not the problem. There are a number of issues to consider; however, if you believe that your level of energy is low.

How to get your energy back:

  • One of the most important issues to consider is adequate sleep. Our brain just doesn’t work optimally if we’ve not had enough sleep. Even if there’s plenty of food, water, and nutrients, if there’s not enough sleep, our brains tell us to slow down. The quality of the sleep, not just the number of hours with our head on our pillow, is also very important. If you’re worried about the quality of your sleep, you may want to take a little time to analyze your sleep hygiene.
  • Check out any medications and/or herbs that you’re taking; many can lead to lethargy and drowsiness. If it’s a necessary medication, talk with your healthcare provider; you may discover that there are other options that don’t have these de-energizing side effects.
  • Rule out health problems. Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, anemia, thyroid disease, and sleep apnea are some of the common causes of feeling tired.
  • Exercise actually enhances energy levels. It seems the opposite of what you expect. But there are in fact many studies that show improved energy with regular exercise. This is a big one.  It really works!
  • Being dehydrated is an easy way to become exhausted. You may even become inattentive, drowsy, and have trouble concentrating, if you are dehydrated. Thirst is not a good measure of dehydration; many people are fully dehydrated by the time they recognize thirst. If your urine is dark yellow or brownish, you may be dehydrated.
  • Losing extra weight can be a great way to increase energy. Dragging around extra pounds is hard work for the body.
  • Eat smaller meals with small snacks in between; it delivers more consistent energy with fewer dips and peaks. Eating too much can lead to feeling sluggish. Having said that, if you’re half starving yourself to lose weight too fast, you may discover that you also feel fatigued between meals – avoid crash diets.
  • Caffeine can be a real problem for feeling energetic. It seems like a real dichotomy. Why would Monster and the other energy drinks load it up with caffeine, if it were not a great way to stay feeling energetic? Part of caffeine’s problem comes from its ability to stay in the body much longer than many people realize. If you want quality sleep, you may want to conduct a trial for yourself. If you don’t drink caffeinated drinks for five or six hours before bedtime and are better able to fall asleep and get a good recharging sleep, you may feel more energetic the next day. I have discovered that I’m less able to clear caffeine as I’ve aged; so I rarely consume anything with caffeine. I know that I’ll pay the price if I have too much caffeine or have it too late. On a night following caffeine consumption, I may fall asleep, but I wake in the wee hours and have difficulty going back to sleep. Caffeine can generate a cycle of not sleeping that encourages the individual to need a strong kick-start the next morning (more caffeine).
  • Some energy drinks and energy bars are loaded with sugar – check out the label. If you get a little spike in energy, you may discover that a short time later you’re crashing. Sugar (all forms) and highly processed foods in excess are nothing more than empty calories. Our body, including our brain, to be optimally healthy and energetic, needs the nutrients in a balance of nutritious foods. If we rely on processed foods it’s fairly difficult to stay on top of your game, with a slow stable energy release.
  • Balance in life – a balance between working and relaxing. Our energy levels can reflect our mental and emotional well-being. Pay some attention to how our lifestyle habits affect our mood. It can help to change our environment; getting outside; spending time with family and friends and scheduling relaxation time. All work and no play can deplete our physical and mental stamina.
  • Stress can quickly deplete your energy. Are you overly dedicated? Maybe practice saying ‘no’ a little more. Physical exercise is one important way to help crush the effects of stress.
  • Supplying nutrients throughout the day is an important part of feeling energetic. Don’t forget breakfast. Having only a cup of java will not nourish your brain and body. Eating about every three hours supplies a nice steady flow of energy. Stay away from too much sugar and highly processed foods to avoid spikes and crashes, as I mentioned above. Vegetables, fruit, whole grains and low fat protein foods, will provide a stable release of energy. If you need a pick-me-up snack, try nuts; yogurt and fruit; nut butter and whole grain crackers or another fiber and protein source. Fiber, protein and a little fat slow the release of energy and thus prolong the energy coming from the source.

If like me, you’re used to relying on a healthy, energetic self, then remember that having an energetic body and brain involves some care. I believe it’s really worth the effort involved to have the energy to do the things that I like to do. I like having a fully charged battery – being the Energizer Bunny is beneficial in my life. If you’ve tried resolving your fatigue with no success, you should talk to your health care provider – there may be a medical reason for the fatigue.