Speediest way to gain energy and improve mood?

[rolvus]

Back at work on Tues so I'll be forced to get on, but the summer holidays have killed me. Plummeted into low energy and low mood, as we've not been away and have very little money. My energy levels are rock bottom. Has anyone found a way to lift themselves? I cannot tolerate medication at all. The lack of sunshine does not help!

Please, someone, give me some magic suggestions. Would CBD oil help? I've had to come back to bed. Luckily DH is home for once so is dealing with the kids. I just want to feel better 😢

The things that help me;

• Routine. Im an early to bed person. I try and keep good sleep habit, reduced screen time around bedtime etc.
• Good diet, stay well hydrated lots of fruit and veg, limit caffeine to 2 cups a day, lots of water.
• exercise. I’d start with a walk outside. Somewhere green / pretty should really help.

I wanted to start this thread!

I'm trying dietary boosts by aiming for ten a day of fruit and veg and hope to improve my evening routine to get better sleep. Also two short walks a day and lots of water to drink.

Oh and a good quality multi vitamin in case im Lacking in anything (eg iron) which migh effect mood / tiredness etc

It sounds like stress management could be key for you too OP, I found a gratitude journal app very helpful even if I whinge into it instead of expressing thanks.

Thank you.

It's the lack of routine that kills me every time. I don't understand what's wrong with me. I would be happiest working 5-6 days per week my entire life. I don't think that's normal. Left to my own devices, I fall into a deep hole.

I can't exercise or eat healthily at all. I'm too far gone right now. Even taking a shower seems like a complete ordeal this week.

I mean the speediest way is drugs. Not legal ones. For the best way you'll need vitamins, sleep, 2l of water, good food, caffeine and exercise.

I'm going to have to order some Cook meals and protein shakes. I have lots of good vitamins, just never take them.

It's interesting what you say about work. I dislike time off, but I'm freelance, and it suits me to work almost every day but take a three-hour lunch break and not do much after lunch. I'm just happier that way.

I feel paralysed by time off. It's ok if you have plenty of money to get away and do interesting stuff, actually have a holiday. Or if you're childless and can go the gym or crack on with home improvements. It's the limbo with looking after kids who don't get on and need entertaining on the cheap, and who wake you up at 6 am and want to stay up chatting until 10pm. Find it so so hard.

I have problems with lack of energy. I've recently started taking magnesium, iron, and a vitamin b complex (just cheap ones from the supermarket) and I've found I'm not having that afternoon crash that I usually do.

Have you tried floradix? They sell it at Asda/Tesco/boots/Holland and barret and Amazon etc. it really helps me when I feel run down. It’s a vitamin supplement

I'll have a look at Floradix, thanks. I also have some green drinks I should get down me today. It's the most horrible feeling.

Walking, first thing, even if it's just 20 mins per day. Free, easy to commit to and honestly makes the biggest difference.

Does it really? I'll try it tomorrow morning.

This might be a bit left-field OP, so understandably not an ideal suggestion (apologies if this is the case), but reading you say you'd happily work 5-6 days a week makes me wonder if you'd enjoy having a side hussle alongside your day job. I'm thinking your own website or an Etsy shop... something of that ilk. You can dip in and out of it, evenings, weekends and when you're off from your main job. Might be a good focus - are you creative at all? Or book to do some courses when you know you will be off work so you have a focus. Could be online, or in person.

Hope you feel better soon 💐

I think walking is a good one too.

Have your Vit D levels checked- or just take supplements as most Brits have low levels of vit D, especially given the rubbish summer we've had!

Exercise.
If I don't exercise I have zero energy.
I know you said you're not in a place right now for exercise but could you start off with walking or a gentle swim. Would also give you headspace from the kids(I would lose my mind if I didn't run over the summer holidays).
Vitamins are a waste of money. You don't get the same nutrients as you would by sourcing them from actual food. Might be good idea to get your iron levels checked too?

Definitely walking and cut down on sugary and carby food and increase your protein.
Can you go to a park or woods? Lots of nature is very grounding.

Set a routine for yourself fit your days off.
Do a timetable that includes showering, walking, meal times, chores and relaxing.

When DS was 1, during a mid-winter, I hit a low slump after over 18m of very broken sleep. I ended up each morning flinging some clothes on, sticking him in a snow suit and getting out for a short walk for fresh air and movement and it did help start the day well. Faffing with breakfast, looking nice, brushing teeth etc could all be done afterwards when I felt more alive for the day.

Yes, you have me down to a tee. I've always been the queen of size hustles! I always struggle in the summer holidays, so I know things will get better, but I worry that we've had no summer this year, as I really struggle in the winter too! I need work and additional projects, so Sept will be better, but then it's gets so dark and cold :(

I'm going to do this tomorrow first thing! Thank you for the inspiration.

I would be happiest working 5-6 days per week my entire life. I don't think that's normal.

I had low energy and mood when I worked part-time, I’m much happier now working full-time. It obviously helps that I enjoy my job. I love the routine of work, and feeling like I’m contributing to society and helping people.
I find time off pretty difficult and quickly feel like I have no energy or motivation again.