Encouraging Health

We know how it is. The thought of sweating through a workout can turn couch gravity into an absolutely irresistible force.

But here’s some good news for slackers: Easy, breezy, light exercise may do more for your energy levels than the hard stuff. So go ahead, put your workout on cruise control. Just this once.

Get up and go . . .
Research shows that a program of low intensity exercise training — like light cycling on a stationary bike for 30 minutes three times a week — can reduce tired-all-the-time feelings by as much as 65 percent. And it only takes 6 weeks of light workouts to feel pepped up. Moderate-intensity exercise programs boost energy levels, too, but not as much.

…got up and went
One possible explanation for the better energy boost from lighter workouts: More vigorous workouts shape you up but also tire you out. So if you’re just trying to get off the couch for a change, start slow. Go at whatever pace is comfortable for you — in a few weeks, you’ll feel your tiredness fade. Then you can think about kicking things up a notch.

Energy Drain–Running on Empty

The best antidote for an afternoon slump is a cold energy drink, right? Not so fast.

You may be so tired that you could fall asleep right here, right now, on your keyboard. But before you pop open another energy drink, read the list of ingredients on the label. Some so-called “energy” drinks are high in sugar and low in caffeine, a combination that, according to research, could actually have you crashing even harder about 70 to 80 minutes later. A better remedy: a cup of coffee (not decaf) or a 20-minute nap. You’ll feel like a new person.

High-sugar drinks make your blood glucose rise — and fast. Your body’s response? Pump out massive amounts of insulin to handle the load. Your system metabolizes all that sugar just as quickly as it entered your system, leading to a big drop in blood glucose about 70 to 80 minutes after you consumed the beverage. Essentially, you crash — hard.

So what’s sapping your energy?
Are you having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night? Your sleep struggles may be due to insomnia, medication side effects, or a common condition called restless legs syndrome (RLS). You’ll receive personalized recommendations about:
Symptoms associated with serious sleep disorders
Your risk for RLS, insomnia, and sleep apnea
Causes of your sleep troubles
Strategies to manage your sleeping difficulties

Or maybe you’ve got a food allergy. Or maybe you need more B vitamins.

Then again, it could be stress that has you feeling drained.

Browse Encouraging Health.