Get Your Va-Va-Voom Back!

By Rachel Burge

Winter can sap your energy and leave you feeling down - but there is something you can do.

Get your va-va-voom back in no time with these five quick energy boosters...

1. Eat for Energy

Carbohydrates are the body’s most important source of energy - but what type you eat will determine how energetic, or not, you feel.

"All carbohydrate ends up being broken down into glucose but it's the speed at which this happens that's crucial to your energy levels,” explains nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville.

"Unrefined carbohydrates supply slow-release energy throughout the day," she adds. "For best results, choose brown rice, wholewheat bread or wholemeal pasta and eat with good quality protein, like eggs, fish, and beans."

Eating small meals every three hours will help keep blood sugar levels steady and prevent dips in energy.

2. Go for a Brisk Walk

It can be tempting to stay indoors during winter but exercising outdoors and making the most of what light there is will help boost your energy levels.

A brisk 20-minute walk can reduce the production of the energy-sapping stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline by as much as 45 percent, and leave you feeling upbeat for more than an hour afterwards, according to a study at Stanford University.

3. Become a Warrior

Yoga poses that require balance help sharpen your focus while breathing deeply increases your intake of oxygen, making you feel instantly alert and energised.

"There's nothing like the warrior pose to make you feel energised and proud," says yoga instructor Anandi. "This pose strengthens the whole body by opening the chest, which improves heart function and vital energy."

To create the pose, make sure that the knee is aligned over the toes. Arms should be strong and at shoulder level, torso vertical and not inclined forward. Ground the back foot well.

4. Have a Giggle

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals and is one of the best instant energy boosters.

"Laughing releases tension and stress and improves the immune system," says Anandi. "It also balances the pineal and pituitary glands, lets go of mental strain and is very energising."

"Raise the arms up and laugh from the heart," she says, "it sounds weird, but just try. Begin with the mouth closed and make no noise, notice the giggling sound coming, go with it and laugh out loud."

5. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration will sap your energy, so it's important to keep your fluids topped up, even in the colder winter months.

"Mild dehydration can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue," says Dr Glenville, who suggests drinking six to eight glasses of water or herbal teas a day.

"Don't wait until you get thirsty to drink, thirst indicates dehydration has already occurred."