How I Beat Afternoon Fatigue Naturally: Adaptogens, Minerals & Easy Habits

Are you finding yourself nodding off in the afternoon? Do you long for a burst of energy but feel too drained to even think about it? That was me! I was constantly running on empty, unable to keep up with my kids. But I discovered some simple, life-changing tips that revitalized me and can do the same for you. Let's bid farewell to fatigue and say a resounding HELLO to a more vibrant, energetic life full of possibilities and opportunities!

What would you enjoy doing if you could get your energy back? Close your eyes and imagine doing that one thing. It is essential to begin visualizing it because your brain doesn't differentiate between reality and imagination. The more vivid that imagination is, the more the brain thinks it is reality. So start engaging in that activity, and you will have this incredible amount of energy, excitement, and passion as you do it. You have the power to shape your energy levels through the power of your mind. 

Years ago, a friend gave me some basil oil when I was on my healing journey. I bathed with Epsom salts and a few drops of the basil oil. Wow! It was the beginning of a turnaround for me. My little tiny overworked, overstressed adrenals thanked me! I began to feel better. I didn't know then that basil is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are unique herbs that help your body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Basil, being an adaptogenic herb, helps balance cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress. I really needed help managing my anxiety. 

Stress really kicks our health and immune system to the ground. Stress is exhausting. Most of us are living with a tremendous amount of stress. I encourage you to find ways to reduce your stress. I know that sounds easier said than done, but it is vital to your well-being. Your nervous system is screaming at you. And YOU are WORTH so much more! Today is the day to make a change. It could be as simple as drinking warm water in the morning with a squeeze of lemon juice or 1 drop of lemon oil. Are you a coffee drinker? Try drinking a cup of dandelion and chicory. Dandelion has trace minerals that support adrenal function, while chicory may regulate cortisol levels, which helps lower stress. My favorite dandelion drink is Dandy Blend. I like to fill a mug with hot water, 1 tablespoon of Dandy Blend, 1 teaspoon of cacao powder, and 1 teaspoon of monkfruit. Cacao has magnesium, which supports the nervous system and promotes relaxation. 

I like to use monkfruit to replace sugar, which is another essential thing to switch out. Sugary, processed foods, and sodas affect our blood sugar and cause us to experience tiredness. I know this could be hard to hear, but ditch those sugary drinks. Coffee filled with sweeteners, soda of all kinds, even diet soda with artificial sweeteners—research is showing this can cause inflammation, which can make us feel exhausted. If you enjoy a glass of wine, consider a Pinot Grigio or a Bordeaux with the least sugar, versus a Riesling or a Moscato with a high sugar content. 

Have you ever eaten berries in the morning, knowing you are doing a good thing for your body with all those antioxidants? But shortly after, you feel tired and want to nap! Berries can affect our blood sugar. Here is a secret. Since berries have melatonin, have them at the end of the day to support your sleep. 

You may have noticed your blood pressure is low. I always look at that top number (systolic) with my clients. It is associated with adrenal gland function, and when I see it below 120, I find that my clients are super tired. Low blood pressure can often lead to feelings of fatigue and dizziness. An easy way to support the adrenals is to increase Vitamin C. My favorite Vitamin C is Camu Camu. It has such a powerful punch! Camu Camu is a berry with one of the highest amounts of Vitamin C. It not only supports our energy levels but also combats free radicals in the body and supports healthy skin, joints, and tissues, which supports collagen production. 

Since I am an iridologist, I look at the eyes as an assessment tool. I often see markings that indicate a possibility of a lack of oxygen or low iron. Iron is a crucial mineral that helps carry oxygen in the blood and plays a key role in energy production. To check iron levels, you can request blood work from your doctor. When a person is anemic, this can lead to tiredness, too. Don't ignore these signs. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Iron is vital for carrying red blood cells that carry oxygen. Don't ignore those feelings of heart palpitations. Are you a milk drinker? It can interfere with your iron levels. The calcium binds with iron in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing it from being absorbed. 

I have found that minerals and electrolytes increase my clients' and my energy. If you would like the link for my favorite minerals, send me an email at bee.radiant01@gmail.com. 

This week, which suggestion will you start with in your daily life? Just take ONE idea that resonates with you. It is all about ONE STEP AT A TIME. Years ago, I started with Basil and Epsom salt in my bath. Then, I started drinking black coffee with monk fruit instead of vanilla creamer. Now, I do all of these suggestions, but it started with one thing. Always start slow. Take a deep breath. You got this!