Recently, you might have noticed your energy levels plummeting during certain times of the day or just in general. Feeling energized and motivated is something you have always taken pride in, so it can knock your confidence when you’re unable to do all the things you usually do. Working, social activities and maintaining daily relationships can be exhausting when your body lacks the resources to power itself all day. Whether you’re concerned with your sleep patterns or hormone health, there are so many reasons why you might want to tune into your health a little bit more in the coming months and improve your energy levels. Consider some of the following ideas, and you will soon feel a little clearer about what you need to do to feel normal again.

• Take Note of Your Monthly Cycle

If you’re a female, your monthly cycle might be to blame for your dip in energy. In the week leading up to menstruation, your hormone levels take a turn, which can lead you to feel tired, irritable and low in motivation. Although this is an entirely typical symptom, you may want to visit your doctor and get checked out if you’re having irregular spouts of fatigue that aren’t related to your monthly cycle. Download an app on your phone to keep track of your mood and energy levels. You may be able to pinpoint the problems by noticing trends every month.

• Get Tested for Deficiencies

Feeling low in energy regularly could have something to do with nutritional deficiencies in your body. You may want to order a blood test online to ensure you don’t need additional supplements or medication. Your test results will be returned to you in as little as seven days, and it may paint a clearer picture of your health so that you can seek further advice from your medical practitioner. Many people find that low energy levels are due to a lack of iron and vitamin D in their diet. Try incorporating more dark leafy greens, red meat and orange vegetables to boost your iron levels and bring you back up to your usual self again. 

• Eliminate Stress Factors

If specific factors in your life are causing you stress, then you need to pinpoint them and do your best to eliminate them gradually. Of course, this is often much easier said than done, especially if you’re surrounded by these stressful elements on a daily basis. Whether it’s your workplace or your relationship causing you to feel drained, you must find a solution and work through the associated emotions. Even talking to someone about how you’re feeling might be enough to clear away those stresses and burdens so that your energy levels are restored.

• Drink More Water

If you don’t already have a refillable water bottle, this is your sign to invest in one and prioritize hydration! Lack of water could cause your lack of energy, so start drinking more and see how it works.

• Cut Down on Sugar and Processed Foods

When you have an afternoon slump in the middle of the day, it’s easy to reach for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Although this might be the only thing you want to consume, it will leave you tired and lethargic just an hour or so later. Instead of reaching for sugary and processed foods, try to switch up your diet and improve your daily diet. For example, if you usually head to a local takeaway after work for your dinner, you may want to start cooking from scratch and use wholesome ingredients. You will be super surprised at how effective this strategy is for your energy levels, so start eating more whole foods today!

• Take Care of Your Skin

Your skin is one of the largest organs of your body, so it makes sense to take care of it, right? You’re probably wondering how taking up a good skincare regime can benefit your skin, but you’d be surprised at its effectiveness. Getting into a healthy routine regarding cleanser, toner, and SPF will give you a glow. This will translate into your body, and you’ll ultimately feel more motivated and energized to finish things. Try it out for yourself and see if it works for you!

• Move Your Body Everyday

It may seem counterproductive, but exercising won’t tire you; it will re-energize you. When you take time to move your body every day, you will see a huge improvement in your energy levels. The key is finding a type of exercise that you love and sticking with a consistent regime. Your persona and motivational outlook will shift as soon as you find your happy place for exercise. It takes some time to discover the exact type of exercise that you love. Whether you’re heading to a local Pilates class or going on a speedy walk through the park, there are so many different ways to move your body effectively. As soon as you start to put the movement at the top of your agenda each day, you will be surprised at how incredible the results are, not just for your energy levels but for your body composition and mental health.

• Get More Sleep

Everyone needs sleep to function, concentrate, feel healthy and repair their muscles, so if you’re struggling with a specific area of your health, your sleep patterns may be to blame. Your solution to feeling tired may be simply getting more sleep whenever possible. You may not get enough sleep if you’re guilty of watching too much television before bed or scrolling on your phone until the early morning hours. Create a positive and enjoyable bedtime routine that lets you completely switch off and sink into a deep slumber. Having a warm bath, drinking a low-caffeine hot drink or reading a book are ideal ways to wind down before bed to get enough shut-eye to fuel the following day.

• Prioritize Mental Health

When your mental health isn’t in a good place, you may find that your energy levels start to dip. Feeling low in motivation and lethargic can be a sign of depression or anxiety, so it’s best to speak to your doctor or therapist about your symptoms. With the guidance of a professional, you will be able to work through these feelings and find ways to put your mental health first. Whether you need to spend more time with your friends or take a step back from your career, many different solutions can contribute to better mental health daily.

Your energy levels are something that only you can notice and tune into, so try not to ignore any worrying symptoms. It can be very easy to brush these minor inconveniences under the rug and forget about them until they snowball into a bigger problem. Catching them early, getting tested or making lifestyle improvements can help restore your energy levels and bring you back on track. Whether you’re improving your exercise regimen or finally getting some blood tests, all of these simple methods can help you and your energy levels to get back on track in no time.