As much as I adore having more hours of daylight during the summer, there is a tendency for much of that extra time to get filled with incessant activity. The non-stop stream of date nights, pool time, vacations and cookouts are certainly moments we’re excited about. It’s also common to feel as if an energy boost is needed to stay fully engaged as we go from one outing to another. However, many quick remedies for fatigue are not nearly as effective as we might think. Here are three such examples:
Cranking Up The Caffeine
- The ‘perk up’ coffee and other caffeinated beverages provide wears off much quicker than people realize. Plus, drinking more than one to two servings a day can trigger anxiety, sleep issues and frequent bouts of midday fatigue. Health experts confirm that “a caffeine crash may result from a lack of sleep, consuming the substance too close to bedtime or consuming too much. The symptoms range from mild to severe and last anywhere from hours to a week, depending on individual factors.”
Exercising Less
- Working out is often the first thing we are tempted to forgo when we are tired. But there is a plethora of research that has proven that one of the most efficient ways to naturally increase your energy levels is having a consistent exercise routine. A medically-reviewed article published in 2023 reported that “Your body releases [endorphins] when you exercise, particularly when you challenge yourself with moderate-intensity activity such as aerobic exercise, moderate-intensity exercise, and weight training. … And this post-exercise endorphin release helps relieve pain, reduce stress, and boost your overall sense of well-being.”
Sleeping In
- Turns out the benefits of moderation can be applied to sleep, too. Seven to nine hours a night seems to be the ‘sweet spot’ in terms of getting a good night’s rest. According to the Sleep Foundation, “The exact amount of sleep you need each night depends on your daytime habits and activities, health, and sleep patterns. Older adults may need only six hours of sleep while other people, such as athletes, may need an extra hour of sleep. Occasionally you may require more sleep than normal, such as after strenuous activity or travel.” Yet oversleeping on a regular basis — combined with other symptoms like a lower appetite, memory loss, impaired speech and headaches — “may be a sign of an underlying health issue.”
Now it’s our turn to share how we’ve been staying energized this summer in the comments below. I am looking forward to reading the latest healthy living tips from members this month!
Have a jubilant rest of July!
~Rachel
