Arduous hours spent toiling at your desk, insufficient diet and lack of rest will cause the bodies store of nutrients to be depleted causing fatigue. Understanding what aspects of your exercise program will benefit and what aspects will undermine it, will be useful to you enabling you to stay fit and healthy.

Vitality Bad Boys

Smoking – nicotine stimulates the brain in the first instance, and then subsequently acts as a depressant. Smoking a cigarette additionally speeds up the rate at which your liver utilises micronutrients, particularly the B vitamins and vitamins C. It also ensures your antioxidants have to do more work to detoxify your body.

Alcohol – if consumed in excess, alcohol will interfere with the quality and quantity of sleep you receive. Stay within your safe alcohol limits and try to ensure you stick to having one or two days a week when you do not consume any alcohol.

Allergies – unexplained fatigue and tiredness can sometimes be a symptom of an intolerance or allergy to a particular food. It may well therefore be worth considering as a cause if you are feeling lethargic.

Anxiety – try to get into a routine of doing something different each day thereby taking your mind off any current problems. Clearly, exercise is a good method along with listening to your favourite music, gardening or even meditation.

Vitality Heroes

Sleep – no surprises here, getting a good night’s sleep and a small nap during the day will help rest your mind and increase your energy levels

Breakfast – you will come to feel tired and lethargic should you make your body continue to function all morning without any fuel. Always eat a decent and sustaining breakfast such as whole grain cereal, fresh fruit, wholemeal toast or porridge.

Outside Air – taking in fresh air through a simple walk can instantly make you feel more alert and can help to increase your vitality levels.

Breathing Exercises – introducing more oxygen into your body is an excellent way to relieve tension and increase your energy levels. Lay in a comfortable position and relax, breathing through your nose whilst counting to four. Exhale through your mouth whilst keeping your jaw relaxed and count to eight. Continue until you feel relaxed and refreshed.