PEP

Boost energy and sail through your busy day with tips from a doctor

BOUTTE - You can boost energy and sail through your busy day with simple lifestyle tips that won’t cost you a dime, a nutritionist tells Herald-Guide readers exclusively.

"People think they need the caffeine in coffee and soda pop to keep themselves revved up and productive but that’s not true - you can get even more energy by paying attention to your body’s needs for light exercise, restful sleep and healthful food," says Dr. Donna Schwontkowski, a nutritionist who has written six books on health and lifestyle issues.

Here’s the plan:

1. Boot stress out of your life.

"Nothing eats up your energy like stress," says Schwontkowski. "Friends and family members are your first-line defense.

"Talking with them on a daily basis is important. If friends and family members aren’t available, check out support groups - and join one. Daily prayer, meditation, yoga and some of the gentler martial arts, such as tai chi, are excellent "de-stressors" too.

2. Get a little exercise.

"You don’t have to run a marathon or spend six hours a day in a gym to get the exercise you need to improve energy levels," says Schwontkowski. "A brisk daily walk suited to your age and health - ask your doctor what’s right for you - is great.“

3. Cut out cigarettes.

"Smoking pulls the rug out from under your energy levels," says Schwontkowski. “Enough said.”

4. Eat more often.

"The human body performs better when you eat small meals or healthful snacks every few hours rather than sitting down to the table for a big breakfast, lunch and dinner," Schwontkowski tells the Herald-Guide.

5. Stop working so hard.

"Fatigue often is a byproduct of overwork," says Schwontkowski. "Cut back on your listing of ‘do-or-die’ activities. Set priorities. Still have too much on your plate? Ask for help."

6. Drink plenty of water.

"The first thing you feel when your body needs water is, you guessed it - fatigue," says Schwontkowski. "Dehydration is a common cause of tiredness. Carry a water bottle with you and sip often. You’ll feel the difference."



Donna Schwontkowski is a retired doctor of chiropractic, master herbalist and nutritionist. She has written six books on health and nutrition.