It’s finally happened. I have decided to stop plucking out my gray hairs. I only had a dozen or so over the past few years. But, if I keep pulling them out, I won’t have any more hair period — colored or not. It doesn’t help that my daughter and husband love searching in my natural jet black hair for them and yanking them out. So, I’ve decided to embrace the gray for a while. Well, at least until there are enough for me to justify dying it. 😉 Getting older is no fun. Then there’s low energy that comes with it…
At 37 years of age, I’m already having a tough time keeping up with my teen daughter. I don’t know how you other parents can chase around toddlers at this age! I know, I know. I’m not that old but sometimes it feels like I am. It’s a horrible thing when you start making noises when you sit down or get up. Oy! That’s why I’m trying to take better care of myself. If I’m like this now, life is going to be all downhill after 40. That’s so not cool.
Practical Steps to Improve Low Energy Levels
So what am I going to do about it? Here are a few tips that I am already putting into practice or will be soon.
- Take daily vitamins. Though Munchkin is good about this, I am not. I picked up some gummy multivitamins from CVS Pharmacy. I’m just getting started with these but I know they will help.
- Look into supplements. I may be eating better but I know I’m not getting enough nutrients from food alone. Supplements go beyond general multi-vitamins. There’s a huge selection that includes Fish Oil, Omega-3, calcium and vitamin D, vitamin B complex, and more. So, I still have a ton of research to do regarding what to take and how much of each so I don’t overdose on anything.
- Bring snacks. Now, you might only think about snacks for your kids. But, I have found that keeping Gold Emblem snack bars or other munchies on me prevents me from eating junk. Sometimes, when you’re out and about, it’s so easy to lose track of time and not eat. Then, when the stomach starts growling, hunger moves you to order something quick from the closest fast food joint. Definitely not a good way to watch your health!
- Cut down on sugar. Ooh, this has been a toughie for me. Everyone knows that sugar can have adverse effects on the body. But, for those with depression, sugar crashes can be brutal. I did this slowly and substituted stevia for a while (but that had the same effect as sugar so I stopped using it). Now I will allow myself a small treat every so often but the constant sweet tooth is subsiding.
- No more soda. The single best change I have made in the past year is to cut down on soda. I used to crave it all the time but now I don’t. I lessened my intake gradually and now I’m actually okay with water. I may mix in milk or sparkling juice if I need a change here and there. Plus, it just doesn’t taste the same to me anymore either.
- Use soluble boosts. As I transition away from sugary drinks, I’m drinking more water. Sure, water is good for you but, yikes, it can get really boring really fast. Using soluble vitamins will add some flavor and variety while replenishing my health. Did you know they even have fizzy mixes?
- Fight away the germs. Of course, none of this matters if you get sick. No matter how hard you try to stay healthy, there will also be germies floating. People may constantly cough or sneeze around you. Also, many surfaces, such as those in airplanes, are full of immune system-attacking bacteria. We have tons of CVS Health Airshield on hand to fight anything that might be floating around.
- Start exercising. Gah! The dreaded E-word. We all know regular exercise is beneficial. Getting started and keeping it up is a whole other internal struggle, though. There’s a gym in our building complex but I’ve only used it a couple of times during the four years we’ve lived here. One of those times Munchkin and I ended up just watching a movie. Yeah, this is my weakest link and I know it. This is the area I need build determination…
- Follow a regular sleep routine. I’m a night owl. Always have been. It seems like, no matter how early I wake up, my mind doesn’t actually start working until after dark. Then, once I do get into bed, playing mobile games on my phone is such a mindless way to unwind. That is not conducive to good sleeping habits, though.
Some of the vitamins and supplements can get costly. Fortunately, when I went into CVS Pharmacy, there was a “Buy One, Get One” deal on store brand vitamins. I only needed to use my ExtraCare Card (which I pulled up via the app on my phone) and instantly saved more than $12! What a savings!
Trying to take care of my health so I have more strength to spend with my daughter won’t be easy. While I’m doing okay on some life changes, others look to be more challenging. However, we only have our kids for a little while and it’s a shame to spend that time grouchy and tired.
What tips do you have for improving your energy levels?
Disclosure: I’m proud to be working with CVS Pharmacy to help spread the word about how to #FindYourHealthy. All opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.
