It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing, the pumpkin spice lattés are returning, and the cool nights of autumn are upon us.
Fall traditionally represents change and balance as plants, animals, and the world around us prepare for the winter season ahead. We swap the shorts for a scarf, an iced chai latte for a hot chaga chai, and, for many, we start staying inside more, sleeping more, and feeling more tired.
This decrease in energy levels is common for many during the fall and winter seasons. Studies show that the decrease in the amount of sunlight we get combined with the lower temperatures can make people feel fatigued and tired throughout the season [1].
Before reaching for a coffee, keep reading. We’re going to go over four natural ways to boost energy this fall!
1) Hydration
You’ve probably heard that sometimes the brain confuses your hunger signals with thirst signals, meaning that sometimes you feel hungry when, in fact, your body is actually thirsty.
The same can be true with tiredness and fatigue. Oftentimes when we feel tired it’s actually our body trying to tell us that we’re thirsty. In fact, some of the primary symptoms of dehydration are fatigue and sluggishness [2].
During the fall season when we don’t feel as hot thanks to lower temperatures, many people reduce the amount of water they drink, which can easily lead to dehydration and, thus, increased fatigue.
So the next time you’re feeling tired or fatigued, try reaching for a glass of water instead of a cup of coffee. It doesn’t have to be plain water, either. What’s important is that your drink is caffeine-free, as caffeine can be dehydrating...If you’re craving a warm drink, load up on our delicious mushroom teas!
2) Energy Boosting Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have a wide array of benefits including boosting your energy and immune system. Medicinal mushrooms are also used to support bridge & transitional periods, which is perfect for the autumnal season. Mushrooms are also very spiritually grounding as they come directly from the Earth.
Chaga mushrooms benefits, in particular, are known for their natural energy boosting capabilities and antioxidants, giving your immune system the kick it needs to feel more energized, especially during the fall’s cold & flu season [3]. Not only does chaga support energy and stamina, it also helps with recovery and chaga can help combat fatigue [4].
Try our Chaga Chai for an amazing fall drink that has the added benefits of boosting your immune system and your energy levels — without caffeine!
3) Exercise
Ever notice how even just getting up from your bed and walking around gives you a little natural boost of energy? What about that post-workout feeling of being alive and awake?
That’s because anything that gets your blood & heart pumping, whether that’s a walk, a run, a dance party, or ultimate frisbee, releases feel-good chemicals in the body called “endorphins” [5].
This can lead to:
- Improved energy levels
- Mood boost
- Reduced fatigue & tiredness
- Reduce depression & anxiety
Not only have studies shown that exercise can directly boost your energy levels [6], but it can also improve energy levels indirectly. By helping to improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety (namely, you guessed it, fatigue!), exercise can then, in turn, make you feel more lively and energetic [7].
4) Meditation
Like mushrooms, meditation is a great way to help you feel grounded and connected to the Earth. This is great for aligning your body with the season we’re in that’s focused on change and balance.
But meditation has a number of other benefits, too! First of all, studies have shown that meditation can improve energy levels. Not only that, but the same study showed that it can also improve overall brain function [8]!
Like exercise, meditation can also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression, which, in turn, can improve your energy levels as well [9].
This is especially important as we approach the fall and winter since Seasonal Depression, also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affects over 10 million Americans each year on top of the 16 million Americans diagnosed with other forms of depression [10 and 11]. Symptoms of SAD include increased fatigue, low energy levels, and hypersomnia (increased sleeping).
Luckily, meditation can both increase energy levels and decrease symptoms from these conditions that cause fatigue in the first place. It’s a win-win!
Natural Ways to Boost Energy This Fall: What Will You Try First?
These four natural ways to boost energy are simple to do each and every day. You don’t have to go to the extremes to get the amazing energy boosts you’re wanting this fall! All it takes is a glass of warm water, a cup of delicious mushroom tea, and a few minutes of mindful enjoyment.
Ready for that energy boost? Check out our collection of delicious organic medicinal mushroom teas. They’re all caffeine-free to naturally give you that long-term energy boost you’ve been craving!
