Almost half (44%) of Brits want to prioritise improving their overall energy levels as part of their fitness routines as Covid-19 restrictions continue to lift and people ease back into more normal routines. The BCA has shared its top tips to improve energy levels.
The British Chiropractic Association has launched new research investigating the step change in people’s attitude towards their physical health and wellbeing beyond the the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey-based study reveals that almost half of the British public want to focus on improving their overall energy levels as restrictions lift and people ease back into normal routines.
The survey, conducted with OnePoll and the BCA, investigated the lifestyle habits and wellbeing routines of 5,000 people across the UK, to understand the lasting impact of lockdown to the population’s physical health – the study looked at areas including exercise, social interaction and workplace initiatives.
Across all generations (18-65-year-olds), people are expected to continue to take a more proactive approach to staying fit and healthy, with 44% of Brits wanting to improve their overall energy levels post-lockdown. 39% want to generally get more movement into their day, 36% want to improve their stamina and 34% want to improve their strength.
Catherine Quinn, President of the BCA, said: “Social distancing and anxiety about returning to open and shared spaces has impacted everyone, so it’s encouraging to see that so many people are looking to pick up or continue exercise routines to improve their energy levels, as well as their strength and stamina”.
“Sleep and adequate nutrition are the two most important factors to boost energy levels. For a lot of people, either getting a good night’s sleep or finding the right diet can be challenging. The good news is that incorporating just a few quick and easy steps into your everyday routine or diet can make all the difference and help you to feel much more energetic.”
Catherine’s top tips to improve your energy levels:
- A good night’s sleep can make all the difference to your energy levels. If you struggle with your sleep, one of the biggest tips which I do myself is to switch off from any technology at least an hour before bedtime – it’s important to make your bedroom a place to relax in with no impact from the outside world.
- A more practical step to improve your sleep is to invest in a comfortable mattress. The Sleep Council recommends getting a new mattress every seven years to help ensure a dreamy night’s sleep, so learn to recognise the warning signs that it’s time to change. If you wake up feeling stiff or aching, or if your mattress is misshapen, sagging or you can feel individual springs, it’s time to invest in a new one!
- It’s also important to remember that the perfect night’s sleep varies from adult to adult, but on average, 7-9 hours are ideal for you to feel invigorated and productive during the next day. To help get into regular sleeping patterns, it’s a good idea to set a reminder to head to bed – this will make it easier for you to get into a more rigorous routine and track your sleep patterns.
- Remaining active isn’t just important for our wellbeing and continued health, it also impacts our energy levels. Typically, the more physically active you are, the more energy you have. This doesn’t need to mean exercise either, you can increase your levels of activity in simple ways: walk to the shops instead of drive; try walking a little faster; or take the stairs instead of an escalator or lift.
- What you eat has a massive impact on overall energy levels, it’s a good idea to avoid snacking on simple carbohydrates like sweets, chocolate, sugary drinks and energy bars as they can make you feel very lethargic. If we eat too many carbohydrates but don’t burn them off through exercise then our body will try to store the excess energy – this can lead to an ‘energy crash’ or ‘sugar low’ causing you to feel lethargic.
