With the festive season just behind us, we’re probably all feeling a little sluggish as we return to work and settle in to our daily routines. There are, however, some easy steps to help boost depleted energy levels.

17 September, 2008 – 12:53

Make sure you are breathing properly. It may sound daftbut most of us do not breathe properly, reducing our oxygen intake and energy levels by up to a third.

Correct abdominal breathing requires taking fewer but deeper breaths. Your stomach should go out when you inhale and in when you exhale, and you should always try to breathe through your nose.

Exercise is also important. It may still be nippy out there, but even one twenty-minute walk a day can make a huge difference to digestion, your metabolic rate and your overall health.

A top tip is to exercise earlier in the day, because the earlier you lift your metabolism the more time it has to burn extra calories.

As far as diet is concerned choose foods, which release a gradual and prolonged amount of energy, such as peanuts, nuts and high protein foods.

Foods to avoid include those high in carbohydrates and sugar. Although carbohydrates and sugar do give us energy by providing glucose, the body uses it too quickly.

You should also drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and enable the body to function more efficiently.

Finally, for those of us who need a little extra help there is a natural catalyst called Co-Enzyme Q10, which speeds up the chemical reactions that create energy.

One of the richest sources of Co Q10 is Bio-Quinone Q10, which has been found in clinical trials to dramatically boost energy levels as well as helping to maintain a healthy heart.

So, if you practice your breathing, start to exercise and watch what you eat, it won’t be long before you have enough energy to get you through a whole week of Monday mornings!