8 ways to fight tiredness and feel great

You’ve made it through the mid-year hump, but how do you summon up enough energy to see you through the rest of the year? These eight easy steps will help you make it with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

1. Sleep (because you’re really not getting enough)
Your body needs the chance to rest regularly and for sustained periods, so make sure you get at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep every night – preferably in the same regular timeslot. Sleeping allows your cells to regenerate, and it repairs your immune system so it can fight anything that might otherwise slow you down. Sleep also ensures that your body and mind rest and recover, so you’re physically and psychologically ready for action the next day. Sure, you’re busy. But this is your life we’re talking about.

2. Eat regularly
Your body needs fuel to do all the things you want it to, so it’s essential that you feed it regularly to avoid grinding to a halt. Some people favour the three meals a day approach, while others find that grazing throughout the day works better for them. The main thing it that you listen to your body, and give it what it needs when it needs it.

3. Make the right food choices
Eating the right foods in the right amounts is crucial. Too little (or too much) food can reduce your stamina and drain your energy. Increase your wholegrain, vegetable and fruit intake, and choose lean meats and low fat dairy products. Reducing your fat, salt and sugar consumption will make you feel healthier, lighter and more energetic.

4. Reduce caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant, but too much caffeine can actually lead to fatigue. Consider cutting back and working towards gradually reducing your caffeine intake to zero. After just a month you should feel more energetic, with fewer slumps throughout the day.

5. Boost your vitamin intake
To further combat fatigue, consider taking a comprehensive multivitamin containing vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, iron and folic acid. Taking Swisse Women’s Ultivite Multivitamins, which has been given a 5-star customer rating, helps local celebrity Rebecca Lim reduce tiredness and fatigue.

“New Swisse Women’s Ultivite assists in my body’s energy production, and is a healthy way to maintain my stamina and vitality,” Rebecca says. And supplements are also available in variants specially formulated to support the nutritional needs of men, children and seniors.

6. Get moving
Exercise gives you energy, and because physical activity releases feel good hormones you’ll feel more alert and better able to manage life’s demands. So start slow and gentle, gradually increasing your exercise as your energy levels and stamina improve. As time passes you’ll find that the more you do, the more energetic you’ll feel.

7. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can make you feel lethargic. And take special care to stay hydrated when it’s hot, as well as before, during and after exercise. You don’t need to over do it, though. The most recent advice it to drink when you feel thirsty – it’s really that simple!

8. Reduce stress
Stress can be exhausting and can slow your body and mind. Look for ways to avoid or limit stress whenever possible, and learn some easy stress relieving techniques. Try deep breathing, counting to 10, or just talking about how you’re feeling. Finding time for yoga, massages and regular holidays will help with long-term stress.

It really doesn’t take too much effort to increase your energy levels. So try a few of these tweaks, say goodbye to feeling tired and fly through the next few months. Life is good!