Written By
HealthyDoesIt Features Writer
If you’re feeling lockdown less than your best, it’s time to take stock and revive your life. Whether you’re eating for more energy, supplementing to safeguard your nutrient levels or finding ways to exercise that get’s out all your agro, whilst not stressing your already stressed body out.
Revitalise
Do you need to revitalise? To be ‘re-charged’ and ‘invigorated’?……who wouldn’t!
Whilst the pace of life has slowed down for many during lockdown, it’s come with it’s own stresses, which can be equally as draining.
So what supplements are out there to help you up your energy?
B vitamins are paramount for production of energy in the body. These can be taken in various potencies, so ask in store about which one is most suitable for you.
Coenzyme Q10 is found naturally occurring in the body, and, as we age, levels decline. This interesting health substance is involved in the final stages of energy production, and research has shown that it can help to maintain stamina and endurance in those whose body levels are declining (such as people with hectic lifestyles, those who are physically active and those in older age).
We cannot talk about re-vitalising without talking about the Ginsengs (Korean and Siberian). Korean ginseng (Panax Ginseng) has traditionally been taken to for mental and physical wellbeing. It is an adaptogenic herb, which helps the body to realign the ‘pituitary-adrenal axis’ (in other words, to support balancing of the hormonal systems of the body).
De-Stress
Anyone whose experienced long-term stress knows how much this leaves you feeling drained, depressed and worn out. It’s important to catch stress in the early stages, taking proactive steps to halt it and regain strength and emotional wellbeing.
Studies have shown that people with busy lifestyles, or those who are feeling a bit down, quite often don’t eat a healthy diet, and, therefore, levels of B vitamins (found in wholefoods and fresh produce) can go down in the blood (why not take a supplement?). As well as this, changes in diet and stress can cause upset to the digestive system, so chose live bacterial culture formulation formulation to increase your gut levels of good bacteria.
Relax and Rest
Its easy to see why people get so het up. It seems like there’s hardly a minute to take 5 minutes rest and relaxation, but its important to create somewhere, and some time to back away from the cares and worries of each day. Rather than this being the odd day here and there as a luxury (is it hardly surprising that spas do so well?), creating a rest and relaxation routine is vital. To do this, remove or block out harsh noise and light, create a peaceful space with different textures and restful sensations (use aromatherapy products such as diffusers and scented/heated wheat bags, lava lamps, and meditative CDs). You’d be amazed at how simple steps can leave you feeling calmer.
Herbal remedies are wonderful for all kinds of stress-related problems, and are easily recognised in store. Various sleep remedies are available, and these could also be used for general relaxation (as a herbal practitioner for more information about intakes that are specific to you). Broadly speaking, they are all calminative, bringing a relaxed state to the body. Look for: Hops (Humulus lupulus), Passiflora (sometimes called Purple Coneflower) – used for nervous restlessness) or Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) used for insomnia or nervous tension.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is probably the most well known herb for relaxation and, more specifically, for good sleep and has been used since the 18th century. It’s sedative action works on the central nervous system, affecting brain receptors, and inducing a calming effect. If you’re unsure about which supplement to take, ask in store or contact a herbal practitioner.
Another popular remedy is 5-HTP, derived from the seeds of Griffonia simplificonia. 5-HTP is used by the body to make serotonin, which plays a role in sleep, mood and pain control.