How many times during the day do you find yourself sitting in class with your head in your hands, grasping to stay awake? For some of us, there are too many times to count. It may not be just a sleep deficiency. Ask yourself what else you could be lacking in your body that can be making you unnecessarily tired. There are many natural ways to boost your energy according to Webmd.com.
* First of all, try increasing your magnesium intake. This mineral is necessary in many chemical reactions within the body, including the breakdown of glucose (sugar) into energy. The recommended daily intake of magnesium for women is 300 milligrams and 350 milligrams for men. Magnesium can be found in nuts, grains and fish.
* Take a hike, literally. Walking is one of the best natural ways to boost your energy. A ten-minute walk can continue to boost your energy for up to two hours afterward. When you walk consistently each day, the benefits of walking increase. Many of us walk to class around campus but there can be something peaceful and refreshing about walking just for fun. This can also double as a relaxation technique.
* Take a catnap. Even a one-hour nap can relieve stress and allow you to focus better than before. Taking breaks from your hectic schedule for a quick nap is not a bad thing, and will probably make it so that for the rest of the day you’re as happy as a clam with everyone you encounter.
* Be sure to eat breakfast. When you wake up and fuel your body with breakfast, you are boosting your energy for the whole day. It has been found that missing any meal during the day will lead to exhaustion. Leave ten or fifteen minutes early for your morning classes to grab something on the fly. To many, breakfast is motivation to get out of bed. If you don’t eat breakfast currently, try starting off with a piece of fruit or a yogurt. You may find a big difference in your energy levels throughout the day.
* Deal with stress before things get out of hand. Stress is a huge cause of fatigue, as well as being linked to many illnesses. Set up daily goals for yourself, and if you are organized, keep a to-do list. This way at least you won’t stress out about forgetting the things that you have to do.
* Drink a lot of water and not a lot of alcohol. Many people are so dehydrated that they confuse hunger for thirst, but many can even confuse being dehydrated with being tired. Drinking alcohol late at night initially makes you fall asleep but disturbs the deep sleep cycle, actually robbing your body of a good night’s sleep.
Also, eat more whole grains and less sugar. Have snacks throughout the day. Have a low-fat latte instead of a cup of coffee. There are so many natural ways to replenish your body’s energy source- it doesn’t seem worth it to gulp down expensive energy drinks only to crash a few hours later. Trying any of these strategies will leave you with energy to spare and the motivation to possibly even get up early. What could you do with that extra time?