How often have you heard the term, “It takes money to make money?” Probably one too many, I’m sure.
But for the most part, it rings true. The more you have, the easier it seems to come. Withstanding financial hardship isn’t as trying, and over time money tends to grow as people with it accumulate more and more—a trend clearly indicated by the growing gap between the rich and the rest of us!
But what does this have to do with your health and increasing energy as you age? Nearly everything.
Just as having more money can increase your chances of making more, expending more energy can increase your energy level. And when your energy level is up, you’ll feel better, get more exercise, grow stronger, improve balance, and greatly reduce your risk for conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain.
But the biggest barrier to creating more energy is making the initial investment.
I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you don’t deserve a break, or to sit and relax. Life is full of stress and other things that wear you down. But they can strip away the very root of healthy existence and actually be the reason why your energy level is low.
Increase Energy Levels by Adopting a Healthy, Energy-Supporting Diet
When you become more active, your energy level increases. I know it might not make sense, but it’s scientifically proven that the more energy a person uses, the more they have. And the less energy and activity they get, the more likely that are to feel fatigued and adopt a lifestyle that keeps them feeling this way. Although they may think they’re resting by sitting on the couch, that absence of energy is actually created by sitting there!
By fighting through those periods of fatigue and instead using that time to go for a walk, ride a bike, do some gardening, dance, go to the gym, or do virtually anything else, you’ll be increasing your energy levels now and into the future. It might take a week or two for your body to adjust, and the activity might take a lot out of you at first—but you’ll begin to notice a change as you start your new routine and your body adapts to it.
You can increase energy even more by adopting a healthy, energy-supporting diet to supplement your activity. Refined carbs and unhealthy fats found in processed foods can zap the energy from you, so opting for healthier options such as fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help boost energy and strength, while helping you feel less fatigued.
It takes energy to make energy, so start investing in yourself to reap the rewards!
Sources for Today’s Article:
Goudreau, J., “The Fatigue Solution: How to Increase Your Energy in 8 Easy Steps,” Forbes web site, http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagoudreau/2012/04/02/the-fatigue-solution-how-to-increase-your-energy-in-eight-easy-steps/2/#26557e042561, last accessed May 10, 2016.
Ellingston, LD., “Active and sedentary behaviors influence feelings of energy and fatigue in women,” Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2014 Jan;46(1):192-200. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182a036ab.