Different day, same story!
You go to bed exhausted and wake up after your usual six to seven hours of sleep. The only difference? You struggle to get out of bed and don’t feel as refreshed and rejuvenated as you once did.
Your exhaustion and zapped energy are ill-inspiring to say the least. And the worst part is that you desperately attempt to regain your “lost energy” with a few cups of glorious, steaming coffee, only to end up crashing again mid-day.
But never fear! There’s nothing seriously wrong with you (we promise!) – you’re just aboard the “menopause energy drain train!” And it’s not always an enjoyable, scenic ride. It happens to all of us, regardless of our menotype, and it’s caused by the hormonal fluctuations that are occurring during this “oh-so-wonderful” time in your life.
So, what can you do to zap your energy train and give it the little extra boost you need to feel like your vibrant, young self again? Let’s explore a few easy options that might get this train back on track!
Embrace a Healthier Diet
Did you know that a lack of energy generally leads to sugar consumption? Oops!
We’ve all been there though. You’re tired, so you snag a quick candy bar, or a cupcake, or whatever sugary delight brings a smile to your face. Sure, all of that sugar gives you a little boost, and you’ll feel energized for about an hour, and then, BAM! You’re back to being ready to curl up under your desk and take a blissful cat nap. Once the sugar wears off, you’re right back where you started, completely drained and counting the hours until bedtime.
The reason for this is because those insulin spikes (from the sugar) throw your hormones even more out of whack than they already are from menopause. Your fatigue increases once the sugar fades from your system.
So, what’s the non-sugary solution? Well, it helps to eat a healthy diet, full of B vitamins and folic acid (nuts, eggs, legumes, greens, poultry). These amazing vitamins will help balance out those crazy hormones that are fluctuating like the stock market in your body.
Plus, when you consume a series of small healthy meals and snacks, you’re much less likely to experience that dreaded energy crash. New diet, new you!
Cut Back on the Caffeine
We know, we know - it’s not what you want to hear, but coffee is the first thing that women turn to when they need more energy.
The caffeine in coffee (at least, if you don’t drink too much of it) can help you perk up and feel focused – at least for a hot minute. Of course, coffee and other caffeinated beverages, like soft drinks, aren’t the magical, energy-of-life concoctions that they appear to be.
Too much caffeine can make you feel weird and jittery and ultimate leave you back in the front seat of your “energy drain train.”
All aboard! Plus, its effects don’t last all day, and if you drink coffee too late at night, it can interfere with your sleep patterns. No thank you! In the end, caffeine actually makes things worse.
So, limit yourself to a single cup (or two) before noon, and then switch to other beverages for the rest of the day. Trust us, though it’s a tough pill to swallow at first, you’ll feel the difference!
Turn to Herbal Teas and Get More Sleep
This healthful and delicious blend of two different solutions – more sleep, which no one will argue with, and tasty herbal teas – can balance out your hormones, improve your energy levels, and completely reset your body.
While herbal teas, in general, taste great and have many lasting benefits, choosing one designed for women going through menopause will prove even more advantageous in the long run.
With healthful, herbal ingredients like valerian root and lavender, you will drift off into a blissful slumber faster and awaken refreshed, well-rested, and rejuvenated for the day ahead.
In addition to lessening the symptoms of menopause, a tasty tea that can help you sleep better (those night sweats and bouts of insomnia can be brutal) is the perfect addition to your nightly routine.
