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Health Articles > Tips to maximize energy & minimize stress during the festive season
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Tips to maximize energy & minimize stress during the festive season
The “silly season” is upon us again; this time of year goes hand in hand with elevated stress and lowered energy. We are generally staying up later and drinking more alcohol than usual and are often overeating.
It’s now three o’clock the “day after” and you are in need of the next “hit”; this will be the 4th coffee for the day, and with this one you’ve got the perfect slice of cake to go with it. Just thinking about getting through the rest of the day without it is unbearable. Stop! Put the coffee down and step away from the cake. It is easy to reach for the quick fixes; coffee, carb loaded snacks and energy drinks, but contrary to what you think they are helping you with, in the long run they are not doing you any favours. Coffee and cake may feel like it is the perfect antidote for your energy levels over this silly season, but it is far from it. Yes, caffeine and that carb laden treat may give you the spike of energy that you need in the moment, but have you ever wondered why you feel tired or need another fix not long after? The cake will give you a rise in blood sugar, and energy levels but it will be short lived. These quick fixes that cause these spikes in your blood sugar levels stimulate increased release of insulin; if this is your eating pattern, over time this may lead to insulin resistance and weight gain. As the sugar release is quick, you’ll find yourself coming down fast from the “high”; which will have you looking for the next quick fix again. On top of this caffeine can increase the body’s level of the “stress hormone” cortisol; overtime if the adrenals are constantly releasing cortisol it can lead to weight gain also. So not only is the cake contributing to your waist line so is the coffee…double whammy. Caffeine can also cause some unpleasant side effects: ‘jitters’, anxiety, insomnia, or an increase in heart rate. The trick is to reach for something else when you feel yourself flagging. Spriulina is a great alternative to reach for when 3 o’clock rolls around and you are seriously contemplating heading to the snack machine. It can be a very handy and quick alternative…easy to keep on your desk, sports bag and handbag for instance. Spirulina is a spiral shaped microscopic fresh-water plant that derives its energy from sunlight and water through the process of photosynthesis. Spirulina has traditionally been consumed by many cultures as a highly valued natural food for centuries. It is very well absorbed and has a vast range of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and co-factors for absorption. It also contains protein; so as a snack, as well as the benefits of its great nutrient profile, the protein content will support balanced blood sugar levels and help you to feel full. As well as burning the candle at both ends, another common reason for feeling tired, for women in particular, is iron; people who don’t get enough in their diet can become fatigued and lacking in energy. Among other functions, iron is part of the haemoglobin in blood which carries oxygen to cells throughout the body. When iron is low there’s less oxygen available to assist with energy production, thus leading to the feeling of fatigue. Some iron deficiency symptoms can include – low energy levels, dizziness, difficulty in thinking clearly, tiredness, pale skin, brittle hair and nails. This brings us back around to Spirulina again; it is a rich vegetarian source of naturally occurring iron. The human body easily digests and absorbs the iron in Spirulina due to it being a whole natural food. Spirulina also contains a unique blue-green pigment called phycocyanin which helps to support iron absorption and additionally boosts the immune system. So aside from keeping Spirulina at hand to foil those cravings, here are some further tips to get you through this silly season:
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