10 Healthy Ways to Keep Your Energy Up During the Holidays
by www.SixWise.com

On any given day, over 2 million Americans say they feel tired, according to WebMD, but during the holiday season this number likely skyrockets. There’s shopping to do, a house to clean, “gourmet” meals to prepare and extra expectations from visiting friends and family members.

It’s a joyful time for many, but one that often forces us to sacrifice much-needed sleep. In fact, 76 percent of Americans report losing sleep between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to a survey by The Gallup Organization. And of them, 49 percent said they lose three or more hours every week!

The top reasons for lost sleep during this time?

• Remembering the loss of loved ones

• Financial concerns

• Scheduling too many activities

• Family issues

"The holidays can be a difficult time physically, emotionally, and financially," said Ellen Miller, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York in Market Wire. "During this time, stress often comes from multiple sources and may seriously disrupt sleep for weeks."

The end result, of course, is fatigue. Fatigue that can seriously interfere with your ability to enjoy this special time of year. If you’re currently losing precious sleep, here are 17 tips to help you get the good night’s sleep you need. Respecting your body’s need for rest, and going to sleep when you’re tired at night, will always be among the best ways to keep your energy strong … but for those times when you simply need an extra boost, there are many healthy options out there.

1. Drink more water. If you get dehydrated, it will make you feel sluggish. Be sure to avoid BPA and toxins in your water as well.

2. Eat these eight delicious energy-boosting foods.

3. Limit your caffeine intake. Too much coffee or caffeinated soda will actually tire you out in the long run (about one cup a day is ok). Instead of reaching for caffeinated beverages, the staff at Sixwise loves Ajmera's Orang-O Energy, Coco Energy and Mang-O Energy. These drinks are 100% natural with NO caffeine, no preservatives, synthetic food colors or artificial flavors. All three of Ajmera's beverages will keep you hydrated, helping you function better, and are ideal after a tiring day or just when you need a boost. As a bonus, they taste great and come in powder form, so you can take them with you anywhere.

   Give Yourself More Holiday Oomph With Mango-O Energy! Mang-O Energy is delicious AND 100% natural with NO caffeine, no preservatives, synthetic food colors or artificial flavors. It’s perfect to replenish salts, vitamins and energy after a tiring day or whenever you need a boost. Learn more about Mang-O Energy Now!

4. Listen to your stomach. If you’re hungry, eat something. Otherwise your blood sugar levels will fall, along with your energy. “Clues” to watch out for? One hour after you eat anything is a great time to realize if you feel more energized or if your energy level drops. If you feel energized, note it for the future. If not, consider trying different foods or drinks until your energy levels increase regularly one hour after you eat.

5. Eat well. A healthy diet with fresh, minimally processed foods will give you drastically more energy than a diet of mostly processed food. Make sure to include plenty of protein as well -- your body needs it to keep organs functioning and energy levels up.

6. Resist the urge to splurge on carbs. When we’re under stress, we tend to crave sugary, carb-filled foods, but eating too many will zap your energy. Healthy carbs, however (like those from veggies) will keep your blood sugar levels balanced throughout the day, which in turn makes you feel awake.

7. Stretch. It’s a deceptively simple way to increase your daily energy. Using the proper form in stretching is essential to achieving the maximum energy benefits. To learn 15 important stretches that stretch all the key muscles groups throughout your entire body in only 15-20 minutes a day, Sixwise.com highly recommends the Stretching Toward a Healthier Life DVD.

   Engaging in simple holiday activities is a great way to enjoy the season and replenish your energy levels.

8. Exercise. Though it sounds ironic, putting out the energy to work out will give you more energy and make your daily tasks easier. While doing a cardio workout, alternate several minutes of high-intensity movement with several minutes of lower intensity. This will get your energy levels up without wearing you down.

9. Tend to your emotions. Worry, anxiety, stress and other negative emotions will drain your energy -- fast. Even positive emotions like excitement and anticipation can wear you down energy-wise. So make sure you take time every day to calm your mind and relax.

10. Choose your battles. The more energy you expend over the small stuff, the less you have for the fun (and necessary) stuff.

Recommended Reading

How to Keep Your Spirits High During the Upcoming Holidays

The 6 Top Dangers of Energy Drinks, and 5 Healthy Energy-Boosting Alternatives

Sources

Market Wire December 2003