Whenever I worked the early morning shift back in my LAPD days, it sure seemed that my energy levels were down. Back then, me and my partner would stop (with other officers) at the local donut shop after role call. And yes, cops did eat donuts. So it’s not a fairy tale. Little did we realize that those freaking donuts only made things worse as far as our energy levels.
Years later studies would come out that shift workers had decreased energy levels as well as their health being affected. While being a police officer was not good for one’s health, neither was other aspects of the job. In today’s world, the average law enforcement officer is 40% obese. That is another factor in decreased energy levels. Lack of sleep being another.
A lack of energy can lead one to stop moving their body physically. That starts a “slipper slope” of further reducing energy levels. Being tired and especially on the job increases cravings of sugary foods. All of which makes things even worse.
So what the heck can we do to bring our energy levels back up? Well, it’s got to be done the right way. Here are 5 ways to help you do just that:
Get into physical movement. Being fit naturally helps to increase energy levels. It also is great at helping to create better sleep as well. Exercise and especially high intensity interval training (HIIT), helps to boost metabolism.
Get plenty of sleep, just not too much. Stick to the 7-9 hour range. Oversleeping decreases energy and slows metabolism. To little sleep does the same thing. It is all about balance. You can also take a power nap during the day.
Eat healthy. This includes eating foods that increase energy properly and decreasing foods that lower energy. While sugary foods may give a temporary boost, it will also have a rapid drop. If you’ve ever experienced “night terrors” during your sleep, this is normally due to rapid blood sugar drop. It’s the same thing after eating a pasta lunch. You start to feel tired a couple of hours later. Eat nuts. They have magnesium which helps to boost energy. Eat omega-3 fatty acids foods. This helps to boost mood and improve brain function.
Drink plenty of water. Feeling tired can be a sign of mild dehydration. I’ve experienced this several times and even had headaches until I hydrated. In fact, drinking water after you wake up in the morning is a great way to ramp up your energy.
Get your thyroid checked. This is particularly troublesome in women during perimenopause. Also, anemia can contribute to low energy levels.
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