Feeling tired?
There is no disputing that a well balanced healthy diet provides most of our nutrition, but sometimes it seems we need something a little extra to combat the feeling of fatigue, low energy levels and general lethargy.
Sleep better, feel better
Often those symptoms could be the product of not enough sleep, or even too much stress. Try getting to bed earlier and catching a little shut eye. It’s amazing the difference an extra few hours of sleep each night can make us feel.
Another option is to try a little regular exercise. A brisk twenty minute walk each day is not going to win you any fitness awards, but it can improve your energy levels. Try a couple of week’s worth of small walks and fresh air and see whether this helps. You can plug your ipod into your ears and listen to your favourite music, or, even a podcast from your lecturer.
Try a Multi-Vitamin
If you find this isn’t working, or need something extra in the meantime that, you could try a supplement. Multi vitamins available from a health store come in both men’s and women’s varieties. They have high levels of vitamin B and can increase energy levels. Some formulas are specifically for stress reduction also. Once you have purchased a bottle, it is best to complete the course as the effects are usually long term rather than immediate.
Are you getting enough iron in your diet?
You may also need to consider your diet and assess whether you are having enough red meat. Lack of iron can contribute to extreme feelings or tiredness, fatigue, dizziness and generally feeling unwell. A blood test taken by your local doctor will indicate whether your levels are low, if so, an iron supplement will be necessary. If you don’t get enough red meat in your diet, you might want to try an iron supplement anyway.
Don’t depend on energy drinks as a pick-me-up. They are high in sugar and have no nutritional value at all.
Photo source: Flickr
