Life is exhausting for all of us. Between work, kids, housework, and everything else that’s expected of us in a day, sometimes it’s a challenge just to make it to the end of the day without feeling the need to take a nap.

While it’s normal to feel this way for many of us from time to time, there are certainly ways we can manage our energy levels and support our bodies through periods of fatigue.

1. Have your hormones checked

   Fatigue is a normal part of life, but it doesn’t hurt to mention it to a doctor if you are feeling especially tired. Are you familiar with the adrenal gland? It sits just above the kidneys and is responsible for releasing hormones involved in stress response. When our brains sense a threat, the adrenal gland secretes cortisol in response.

   According to this site, “while stress-induced cortisol fluctuations by themselves don’t cause symptoms, if stress persists for weeks or months, it may cause cortisol-induced problems like insomnia, weight gain, and fatigue.”

   This is where the term “adrenal fatigue” comes from. So, if your exhaustion is long-lasting or feels like there is nothing you can do about it on your own, consider giving your doctor a call. We also offer a selection of adrenal-supporting supplements here!

2. Eat to support your energy.

   Food is so important when it comes to supporting energy levels. We all know the feeling after a big, heavy meal in the middle of the day where it feels impossible to get moving again afterwards. Fueling our bodies with the proper nutrition is a simple way to keep us energized throughout the day. Some examples of this include:

   – Eating “slow-release foods,” or foods that digest slowly and provide energy over a stretch of time. Foods like simple carbs (think potato chips, cookies, crackers) are broken down and utilized by the body quickly- that’s why we experience a “crash” in energy. Choosing high fiber foods like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains will slow that release and provide steady energy. 

   – Eating 6 small meals rather than 3 large meals. Similarly, this allows for a slow and steady release of energy throughout the day.

   – Eating nutrient-dense foods. Enjoy a colorful diet of various fruits, vegetables, nuts & seeds, legumes, and whole grains. This will ensure you get the nutrients necessary to maintain healthy energy levels.

   Nobody’s diet is perfect – that’s why multivitamins exist. Fill gaps in your diet with a high quality, whole food multivitamin to supplement nutrient needs and help maintain energy levels. Shop our multivitamin selection here.
   

3. Practice daily exercise

   If the idea of daily exercise seems daunting given your lifestyle, just remember: it doesn’t have to be much. Just a simple 10 minute walk around the block is proven to increase energy levels for up to two hours, according to WebMD. Find a form of movement that is enjoyable and sustainable for your lifestyle and incorporate it into your daily routine.