Are you “dragging your feet” throughout your day?

Struggling to wake up and get after it?

Or finding it difficult to rally yourself to get to the gym?

Don’t worry - everyone goes through a “slump” once in a while…

And life can be hectic and stressful for all of us…

But if a lack of energy is consistent in your life, you may want to enhance your energy levels all-naturally.

Instead of reaching for a Red Bull or Starbucks - try these 5 simple energy-boosting tips instead:

1. Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night

According to the CDC, 35% of American adults don’t get the recommended 7 hours of sleep every night! Sufficient sleep is crucial to give your brain and body time to “reboot”, prevent illness and disease, and stay energetic during the day. So, to upgrade your sleep:

• Go to bed at the same time each night (and wake up at the same time every morning!)

• Reduce technology use at least 1 hour before bed.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol at least 6 hours before bedtime.

• Relax - take a bath, read a book, meditate, etc.

• Create a cool and dark sleep environment.

And if you’d like a little “extra help”? A natural sleep aid can help induce deep and restorative sleep consistently.

2. Limit alcohol

Many people think alcohol helps them sleep. Although it may help you zonk out faster, it ruins your sleep quality (especially REM sleep which is crucial for feeling energetic and alive the next day!) And this doesn’t even include the potential next-day hangovers… So if you’re going to drink? Do so in moderation and avoid alcohol a few hours before bed.

3. Cut down on processed foods

Food is our main source of energy. Eating processed foods may offer a slight “boost”, usually thanks to the sugar content. But spiked energy levels result in a crash later. And processed foods fail to deliver the proper nutrition your body needs to function properly. So, opt for whole foods as much as possible to boost short and long-term energy levels. Your body will thank you for it!

4. Stay hydrated

Most people don’t drink enough water. And dehydration causes tiredness and fatigue. If you’re feeling low-energy, it may simply mean you need to hydrate! Aim to drink roughly 10 glasses of water a day if you can. This may be the easiest way to maintain optimal levels of energy.

5. Get your vitamins

Vitamin deficiencies are more common than most people think. When your body is deficient in certain vitamins, your body lacks the fuel it needs to produce energy. These deficiencies can lead to other health issues, too. Eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to get your vitamins. That said, depleted soil and the modern American diet can cause even “healthy” people to miss out on essential vitamins. To remedy this, you may want to take a multivitamin This is the easiest way to ensure you never miss out on the fuel your body needs to run properly!

Follow these 5 tips to restore optimal energy levels.

More energy means better performance at the gym, in your career, and life in general. And makes the day much more enjoyable, too!