Helping you get out and about when it’s cold and dark on a morning
Do you feel like you’ve had a dip in energy recently? Do you hit the snooze button a couple of times before you eventually drag yourself out of bed?
You’re not alone; many people do experience a dip in their energy levels and vitality around this time of year.
Winter brings colder temperatures and shorter days with less sunlight and sometimes a dark winter morning can make it difficult to get out of bed.
Here’s five things you can do to boost your energy levels and leave you feeling ready to face the cold and frosty days ahead.
Get a Good Breakfast:
A good nutritious breakfast can give you the energy boost you need to power through your day.
Try to include protein, slowly digested carbohydrates, and healthy fats, along with some fruit or vegetables.
Protein helps to build and repair tissue in your body, transport and store nutrients, and provide your body with energy. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for your body.
Healthy fats supply energy and also help your body absorb some vitamins.
Take a Brisk Walk:
Walking is a great form of exercise and produces endorphins, which will give you a natural boost.
It can stimulate the body, get the blood flowing, and the fresh air can make you feel more alert. It doesn't have to be a long walk – just 10 minutes in the fresh air can boost your day!
Avoid Too Much Caffeine:
A small amount of caffeine, consumed at the right time can make you feel more alert, but too much can have the opposite effect.
Too much caffeine will make you feel sluggish and tired. Stick to one cup of coffee a day and avoid drinking it close to bed time.
Eat High Protein Foods:
Not consuming enough protein during the day can contribute towards fatigue.
Protein-based foods provide the body with fuel to repair and build tissues. Protein takes longer than carbohydrates to break down in the body so it provides a longer-lasting energy.
Workout Regularly:
Maintaining an active lifestyle during the colder months can boost energy levels.
Regular physical activity increases your blood flow, improves your cardiovascular fitness and boosts your metabolism.
It also helps regulate your blood sugar levels preventing the peaks and dips that can cause fatigue.
All of this will help you see a big increase in energy when you workout consistently.
Graham says: “After returning from Dubai, where I instructed over 1,000 personal training sessions in one year and helped over 50 people achieve their fitness goals, I joined Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa.
“I left Seaham Hall in 2012 to focus on running my own business.
"I held the boot camp sessions in local car parks and travelled to PT clients to train them at home.
“Then in 2015 I opened my first Personal Training studio, East Coast Fitness at Seaham Harbour Marina, where I now run boot camps and personal training.
“That same year, I was shortlisted for Small Business of the Year and Leisure Award at the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards.
“In 2016 East Coast Fitness won Sole Trader of the Year at the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards and retained it again in 2017.
“My aim is to keep developing my knowledge, growing the business, and helping as many people as I can get in shape and stay in shape.”
Go to graham@eastcoast-fitness.com for more details.
“Walking is a great form of exercise and produces endorphins, which will give you a natural boost."