Take this quiz to find out if you are likely to experience an energy slump
How susceptible are you to ending up in an energy slump? Are you in a good place, or a Serious Slumper? Take this quiz to find out.
The online tool asks about how many hours of sleep you typically get a night, how likely you are to nod off on the sofa while watching TV, and how often you experience a slump in energy, among other tiredness-related questions.
And depending on the answers, it will then recommend some things you can do to boost your alertness levels, from making some lifestyle changes, to introducing more iron-rich snacks, like nuts and dried fruit, into your diet.
It comes as a survey of 2,000 adults reveals they typically experience three energy slumps a day – and half of those polled (49%) have no idea how to avoid these.
The most common time Brits experience a drop in energy is at 2.36pm – with 37% going for a walk outdoors, or turning to coffee, to try and pull themselves out of the slump.
Dr Michael Mosley shares exercise that can cut cholesterol and blood pressure
Meanwhile, three in ten have tried taking supplements, or changing their diet – but the same number think giving themselves a sugar hit, by tucking into sugary snacks, is the answer.
However, it turns out the most common cause of an energy slump is a lack of sleep (45%) – followed by not drinking enough water (25%), and not having the right foods (21%).
And in a bid to help Brits cope with the dreaded afternoon slump, nutritionist and mental health advocate, Rosie Millen, has shared her top 10 tips on pulling yourself out of an energy lull.
These include chewing gum, having a ginger shot – and watching cute cat videos. Meanwhile, spraying your favourite perfume, calling a friend, or grabbing a colouring-in book, are among other easy solutions.
According to Rosie, watching heart-warming videos of cats can have a huge impact on your mood and energy levels, and also decreases stress.
Studies also show that simply chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which then makes you more alert – while drinking a shot of ginger, which is a natural energy booster, can also help you out of a slump.
Rosie, who is working with Vitabiotics Feroglobin, said: “We’ve all been there, some of us more than others. And when it hits, it hits hard.
“We all know the obvious solutions on hand – exercise, have a cup coffee, or take a nap. But what are some of the more unconventional hacks at our fingertips that can also help bring you out of your energy lull, and allow you to get on with your day?”
When it comes to other common causes of energy slumps, 19% blamed it on having to complete a boring activity, while 12% suffer a slump when they are in a meeting that goes on for too long. And worryingly, 34% have even had an energy slump while driving.
But having a shot of ginger can help to serve as a natural energy booster (Getty Images)As a result of the lull in their energy levels, 21% have cried, and 19% have argued with their partner.
TV doc Michael Mosley says of last meal of day time is cruical to losing weight
Others admitted to cancelling a social engagement (19%), forgetting they were meant to be somewhere (16%), or shouting at their children (15%). And 12% have even fallen asleep in a meeting, while one in ten have made a mistake at work.
It also emerged the average adult complains of feeling tired three times a day – with 39% admitting their lack of energy is often a topic of conversation with friends.
However, a quarter of those polled, via OnePoll, who suffer with energy slumps, have been so concerned, that they have visited a doctor or medical professional.
To try and boost their energy levels and avoid a slump, 38% have attempted to improve their sleeping pattern, while 36% have done more exercise. And 26% splash their face with water, or take more breaks throughout the day, while 12% put some loud music on.
A spokesman for Vitabiotics Feroglobin said: “We’ve all experienced an energy slump – and when it hits, it can be really hard to get out of it. But as well as learning how to beat it, it’s important to learn how to avoid the slump in the first place.
“Your diet and nutrition can have a huge impact on your energy levels – so making sure you are eating the right foods, and getting the vitamins and minerals you need, can go a long way to beating the slump.”
ROSIE MILLEN’S TOP TIPS TO BEAT THE SLUMP:
- Watch cute cat videos. Believe it or not, watching cat videos can have a profound effect on your mood and energy levels. A study from the Indiana University Media School, of 7,000 people, found that watching cat videos not only improves your mood, but also decreases stress and re-energises you for when you return to your work.
- Eat an iron-rich snack. You need iron to carry oxygen to the muscles and organs in the body. When iron levels are low, this can contribute to fatigue – so make sure you get some iron-rich snacks every day to keep your levels up. Good recommendations include dried fruit and pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and houmous with chopped veg.
- Chew gum. This semi-strange tip actually has science to back it up. A study from the journal of physiology and behaviour found that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which in turn improves alertness.
- Grab a colouring-in book. Not only does colouring in alleviate stress and reduce anxiety, it is like a full brain workout for your neurologic system. While colouring, you use the parts of your brain (the frontal lobe) that enhances focus and concentration. Certain colours, such as yellow and orange, are also thought to increase energy.
- Jump into an ice bath, or have a very cold shower. Experts say that cold showers boost the immune system and increase energy levels. Scientists believe it improves circulation and blood flow to and from the muscles. It is also thought to improve your mood. A 2008 study found that the use of cold showers on a daily basis decreases depressive symptoms.
- Make a playlist. Music has an incredible impact on our mood, and can absolutely transform your energy levels – even in a short space of time. Just popping in your earphones and blasting your favourite song alters brainwaves, and improves cognitive performance. New research from the British Academy of Sound Therapy found that after listening to music for just nine minutes, 65% of test subjects reported they were happier and laughed more, while 89% had improved energy levels, and 82% felt more in control of their lives. So, get a playlist ready before you start to crash.
- Turn up the lights. If you’re feeling slumped, turn up the lights in your house. The high colour temperature of bright and cool lights triggers the release of serotonin, which makes us more alert and energetic. Results of a study with 52 test subjects showed that people felt more alert and energized after having been exposed to bright light. Stepping out into the sunshine is also a game-changer. The effects of vitamin D and energy are well documented, and fatigue is one of the main symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.
- Spray your favourite perfume. A lot of clinical research supports claims that certain essential oils increase energy and relieve fatigue. Peppermint oil, for example, is effective for preventing fatigue and improving exercise performance. Meanwhile, eucalyptus is thought to awaken the mind and increase mental clarity. You can either inhale essential oils directly, spray a perfume with them in, add a few drops to your shampoo, or opt for an energising massage (time and finances permitting).
- Call a friend. Unsurprisingly, socialising with friends can be really lifting. Dopamine and oxytocin are released when you socialize, which in turn boosts your mood, reduces cortisol levels, and lowers stress. In fact, social isolation has more far-reaching negative effects. New research suggests that being alone for too long is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
- Have a ginger shot. Ginger is a natural energy booster, and may be able to give you the kick you are looking for mid-afternoon. Studies suggest it has stimulatory effects. Just make sure you go for as fresh as possible, without any added sugar.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
