Are you dehydrated?

Tiredness can be caused by dehydration. Often times we may not feel thirsty, but the many cells in our bodies, when faced with low water levels, will not function properly/optimally. Our cells are surrounded by liquid and are filled with intra-cellular fluid. Many of us do not drink enough pure water (which does not include coffee, tea or soft drinks). Generally, we need half our body weight in ounces. Drink some water now and throughout your day. NOTE: Constant hunger may be a signal from your body asking for water.

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Are you getting enough oxygen?

Our brain needs more oxygen than any other organ in the body. Yes! Even more than the heart. Take a series of moments out of your day to breathe slowly and deeply.

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Are you getting enough sunshine?

At least 10 minutes of sun on the front and back of your body will be very energizing. Expose your skin to as much sunlight as you can to enable the generation of Vitamin D by your skin. NOTE: Vitamin D is essential for your DNA and about 2000 other functions. Vitamin D supplementation is also beneficial if you are unable to get adequate amounts of sunshine.

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Are you getting enough exercise?

Lack of exercise can be a cause of tiredness. When most people feel tired, the last thing they want to do is exercise. In fact, any type of movement for as little as five or ten minutes is beneficial to your body. Every time we move and stretch our muscles and bones, the connective tissue that surrounds each muscle, bone and organ is stretched. The stretching of muscles, bones and connective tissues creates an electrical charge. Also, exercise increases your body’s lymphatic drainage. So, if you are feeling tired or if your energy levels are low it may be a signal to get moving. NOTE: Start slowly; after a few days take notice of your energy levels.

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Are you getting enough sleep?

Sleep is essential if we are looking to maintain high energy levels. See what happens when you go to sleep earlier than usual. As you sleep, your body uses this time to detoxify and cleanse.

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What types of foods are you eating (energizing or de-energizing)?

a. Heavy food prior to sleep, especially protein, is hard to digest and leads to tiredness when you wake.

b. A large meal at lunch usually leads to afternoon tiredness. See what happens to your energy levels when you eat a lighter lunch.

c. When potassium moves into each of our trillions of cells and sodium moves out, an electrical charge is created. This charge allows nutrients and oxygen to move into our cells and metabolic waste and carbon dioxide to move out of our cells.

i. The best way to maintain this very beneficial charge is to eat foods that have the correct potassium/sodium ratios (Apples, Vegetables, Green Leafy Vegetables, Sunflower Seeds and Potatoes for example). The combination of high potassium and low sodium is energizing!

ii. High sodium and low potassium foods (Pizza, Pretzels, Crackers for example) can be de-energizing.

iii. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption.

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