5 ways to beat stress naturally

Is the heat, coupled with hours of non-stop work, sapping your strength? Don't reach for that calorie-rich energy drink yet; here are five ways to feel as good as new naturally.

Watch what you eat

If you think you are eating right, here's news. There's a big difference between crunching calories to lose weight and dieting to better your health. Eating plenty of protein helps keep fatigue away, especially early in the day when your cortisol levels are high. Try eggs, a slice of ham and less carb-rich food.

Clean out that gut

Energy levels are tied to the health of your gastrointestinal tract. So if you feel tired or bloated frequently, you may want to get your gut in shape. For starters, keep off liquor for two to four weeks and drink lots of water. Avoid diet colas too - pro-inflammatory artificial sweeteners can be worse than calories.

Beat insomnia

To sleep well, it's important that you enhance your 'bedroom hygiene'. You could start by showing that television the door. Chuck those fancy lights, and hang up heavy curtains to ensure that you are not disturbed by daylight. Also, go to bed and get up at the same time every day to streamline your body clock.

The sex solution

Frequent sex, with oodles of affection poured in, is one of the best things you can do to increase your health and get rid of fatigue. Why, you ask? It stimulates brain function, burns calories, increases oxygenation, boosts immunity and relieves stress and depression. Start your day with some good ol' love, and you will never fall short of energy.

Get your thyroid checked

Well, this may not seem as exciting as making love, but that does not discount the fact that hypothyroidism can cause nightmares, anxiety, mood swings, weight gain, impaired concentration and severe fatigue. Fix an appointment.

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