Ever wish mornings would be as magical and cheerful as you see in commercials?

You wake up feeling well rested…and the remainder of the day you’re smiling, skipping down the street, while the birds are chirping and you’re oozing with energy.  {sigh}

That would be a DREAM for many of us, but our reality goes more like this.  We wake up feeling groggy and muster up the little energy we have to get our crazy day started.  Even though we’ve had our 7-8 hours of sleep, we’re still exhausted and left wondering: why am I so tired?

While feeling fatigued after a decent sleep may be our normal, we shouldn’t accept it as normal.  Nor should we feel this way so often.  That’s why I recommend these 8 energy-boosting foods.

Let me share 3 foundational reasons why might feel like you’re dragging your feet.  We tend to overlook them because we’ve heard similar advice time and time again.  That’s because sometimes simple changes is all you need.  So let’s start here!  I’ll also give you some quick tips that you can incorporate despite a crazy busy life with kids.

3 Reasons You Are Tired (plus SIMPLE solutions)

Feeling Worn Out? 3 Reasons You're Feeling Tired All The Time

#1 – Drink to Your Health

Coffee is a regular part of many morning routines. It gives us a jolt in the morning and helps us keep up with kids during the day.  Although coffee and other caffeinated beverages are promoted as energy-enhancing beverages and aid in alertness, they also have the crash effect. Within a few hours of consuming the beverage, its effects begin to wear off making many of us tired throughout the day. This signals us to drink more to get that boost.

Thus the coffee craving/symptom cycle begins!  Not only can caffeine withdrawal cause fatigue, but it can also come in the form of headaches, drowsiness, irritability, and poor focus. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee also affect the adrenal glands which are imperative to release hormones throughout our body when we are put in danger and need that fight or flight response.

Here’s the problem. Coffee stimulates the adrenal glands, which means that every time you drink coffee, you’re activating the body’s fight-or-flight response. But, instead of releasing adrenaline so the body can react to a true stressor, the adrenals are releasing this hormone in response to your coffee consumption. – Source

Quick Tips:

  • Start your day by adding some lemon, berries, and/or herbs to your water for a flavour and antioxidant punch.
  • Try some herbal alternatives to coffee such as roasted dandelion root or chicory root. They won’t give you the “caffeine crash” and taste pretty darn close to regular coffee!  Psst…use promo code BINNS to save 10% on Dandy Blend (or any other products from Raw Elements.

reasons you are tired

#2 – Get to Steppin!

Another reason for feeling tired would be the sedentary lifestyles that many of us lead these days. With this fast-paced world and more time at our desks, it can be difficult to block off time for a workout. Many of us are drained after our 9-5 jobs and have families to come home to.  The last thing we want to do is hit the gym.

Although this zombie-like routine may seem normal in our day-to-day lives, it makes our cells more stagnant.  Nor does it allow for proper oxygen and blood flow to reach these cells. The result: creates stiffness, pain, headaches, inflammation, and of course – one of 3 reasons you are tired all the time!

Your body was made to move.  Get your blood pumping and oxygen flowing to increase your energy.  Not only does physical activity aid in boosting your energy, but it also helps to balance your hormones, uplift your mood, and encourage fat loss.

Quick Tips:

  • Go for a brisk 10-minute walk (5 minutes from your home, and then walk back). This is enough to help get the blood flowing, and the fresh air will help to wake you up.
  • Do a quick song challenge! Pick a song that is 3-5 minutes long and an activity such as running on the spot, jumping, squats, and see if you can do that activity for the entire song!

reasons you are tired

#3 – Unplug When You Unwind

Here’s the scenario: you’re getting ready for bed; the kids are asleep, you brush your teeth and get in bed. It’s a perfect time to unwind…with your smartphone or tablet.  You scan Facebook and Instagram or check the news before you’re ready for some shut. Seems harmless, right?  Unfortunately, these devices emit “blue light” which can create sleep disturbances and cause you to feel tired all the time.

Staring at blue light emitting devices such as televisions, computers, tablet, PCs and smart phones can all reduce the production of melatonin (our natural sleeping hormone) at night, causing increased sleeping difficulties and more daytime drowsiness.  – Source

Melatonin is not only important for sleep, but it is also a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and protect against cancers. Melatonin is released from the pineal gland when there is complete darkness. By using personal devices before bed, you run the risk of sleep deprivation and feeling run down the next morning.

Quick Tips:

  • Disengage from technology at least one hour before bedtime. It’s best to not have devices in the same room you sleep in.
  • Unwind by reading, journaling, meditating, stretching, or any other activity you enjoy.  These will prepare you to drift into your eternal slumber.

Making these lifestyle changes is a great step in the right direction to boosting energy as a busy parent.  HOWEVER, what we put in our mouths is incredibly important as well.  That’s why I created this handy cheatsheet for you. Find out which 8 foods are amazing for fighting fatigue and boosting your energy levels.  GRAB YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD HERE (recipes included!).

Energy-boosting foods