The past few years have taken a toll on so many people and their energy—physical, emotional, and mental. We are suffering from emotional stress, fear, anger, unexpected lifestyle adjustments, feelings of uncertainty, loss, and losing control–you can probably add your own items to the list.
Food, Mood, and Energy
Food is fuel, and your food choices are critical regarding your mood, energy levels, and energy expenditures. In fact, you can better manage your mood if you make wise food habits and choices. Here are some ways to do just that.Easy Activities to Add to Your Daily Life
Want to easily increase your daily physical activity for better sleep, mood, and energy? There are dozens of ways to sneak extra exercise into your routine with little effort. Your body will love you for it!- Skip the elevator and take the steps whenever possible.
- Park further away from your destination.
- Take stretch and exercise breaks throughout the day.
- Sneak in brief walks before breakfast and at lunch.
- Exercise while watching TV or movies.
- Stretch before getting out of bed.
How Movement Helps Mood and Sleep
Research shows that being physically active improves mood and helps with sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, people who engage in regular exercise (especially moderate aerobic exercise) are less likely to experience insomnia and other sleep problems and also experience relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety.Bouncing Back From Activity-Delayed Onset Inflammation
Sometimes when we exercise too hard or engage muscles we haven’t worked much in the past, we experience inflammation and soreness. On a cellular level, research indicates that cells called neutrophils are activated and move into the exercised area, causing inflammation and damage. One way to help bounce back from activity-delayed onset inflammation is to focus on certain foods. These include:- Bananas provide natural sugars and an insulin boost to send protein into muscle fibers. They also have potassium, which helps muscle damage.
- Eggs, a source of leucine, which helps with muscle recovery.
- Salmon is known for the healthy fat, omega-3, which fights inflammation.
- Tart cherry juice, which can help heal muscle damage.
- Turmeric, a delicious spice known for its anti-inflammatory powers.
- Watermelon is a source of L-citrulline, which reduces soreness.
Consider Supplements
Adopting the best diet and lifestyle habits can go a long way toward maintaining energy, mood, and quality sleep. But sometimes, you need help from your friends—natural, high-quality supplements—because life is full of challenges that block your best efforts when it comes to eating well.Take protein, for example. You may not always get the amount you need, especially if you have stepped up your exercise. This is a time when a protein supplement can help. You’ll find lots of protein powders on the market, but if you want a plant-based protein powder that doesn’t cause bloating or gas, then choose a fermented protein powder. Fermentation releases the nutrients for optimal absorption.
If you’ve kicked up your exercise routine, you’ll need to take care of your joints and related body parts. A natural protein called collagen is a wise choice for this task. Aching knees, overworked hips, and stressed elbows can all benefit from collagen supplements. Collagen supplements can help you reduce activity-related joint aches and pain and help repair and build ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints, and cartilage. Joint health can also greatly benefit from a joint supplement made with natural eggshell membranes, bromelain, and avocado extract, which also fights inflammation.
