Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #66

feature
5. AVOID FLAT BATTERIES
Adrenal exhaustion may occur as a result of chronic stress. We often associate
stress with things like loss, moving house and financial pressure. In reality, stress
comes from all areas of our lives. Dragging ourselves out of bed in the morning
and lacking stamina are classic symptoms of stress, but more subtle symptoms
can include difficulty in completing tasks and craving sugar or salt. The limbic
system in our brain is responsible for telling us if we are we under threat or
if we need a stress response. The good news is that it can be trained. Often
our perception of events can greatly affect our stress response. By developing
positive attitudes we can go a long way to reduce stress and gain more energy.
6. GET ADEQUATE SLEEP
Have the lights out by 10pm and get eight hours of undisturbed sleep. ‘Disturbed
sleep results in tiredness, and while we may be able to push through, the more
tired we get the more we will crave caffeine, starchy and sugary foods – from
here it is almost inevitable that weight will creep on,’ O’Sullivan says.
7. DECREASE SUGAR AND STARCHY FOODS
Do you find yourself falling asleep at your desk in the afternoon or unable to
concentrate? You may have unstable blood sugar levels. ‘Take a look at what
you’ve eaten during the morning and chances are you haven’t had enough to
eat or have relied on too much sugar. Although sugar can easily satisfy cravings
and re-energise, it diminishes quickly, leaving you stuck on a blood-sugar
rollercoaster,’ she says.
Our digestive
system is like an
ecosystem: if
there is a build-up
of bad microorganisms,
we’re
unlikely to be
absorbing the full
nutrients and
energy from our
meals
8. GET MOVING
If you don’t exercise, start. Getting the blood pumping around the body will get
the oxygen moving. This can be difficult when we have digestive issues, but
exercise helps digestion – even if it’s a gentle walk. Our muscles are packed
with mitochondria, which are the energy powerhouses of our cells. Building lean
muscle will help with energy production – and will also keep us younger.
9. PRACTISE CALMNESS
Often we are in a state of stress without being aware of it. ‘Adrenalin – one of
our stress hormones – can put us in a state of constant hyper-stimulation and
can trigger feelings of anxiety and panic, making it difficult to maintain a relaxed
composure,’ says O’Sullivan. Calming practices such as meditation, yoga and
breathing exercises calm the stress response, in turn helping the flow of energy.
10. SUPPLEMENT YOUR DIET
Many of us eat on the go and miss key vitamins and minerals. Supplements, in
particular B-vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, and magnesium, help to
replace the missing nutrients and sources of energy that many of us lack in our
diets. If you are struggling with low energy on a daily basis your body may be
giving you a clue that it’s time to assess your health and lifestyle. csbm
44 www.cosbeauty.com.au