Fatigue and lack of energy affect more people than ever. It’s a serious problem most people have experienced at some point in their life. And, according to one study, Britons spend more than 20 hours a week feeling tired – that’s almost three hours a day!

There are many causes of fatigue and lack of energy. The hectic pace of everyday life and work, stress, the effect of air pollution and lifestyle factors all contribute to leaving us feeling below par more often than we’d like. Not to mention recent events.

And, when we’re in this tired state, it’s tempting to combat fatigue with the obvious stimulants. The problem is, these easy-to-hand options can end up causing more problems than they fix, ultimately making the problem worse.

Here are three mistakes not to make:

Don’t reach for the caffeine
I
t’s tempting to rely on a daily dose of coffee to get you going in the morning. Caffeine is a stimulant, so it’s perfect for that kick when you need it. However, caffeine is also a diuretic. Take too much and it can cause dehydration which leaves you feeling even more tired. Like most things, moderation is key here.

Don’t reach for the sugar
Grabbing sweet treats for a sugar fix may give you an immediate boost, but, over the course of a day, it can seriously affect your mood and energy. When you consume a sugary drink or snack, it causes a rapid rise in your blood sugar, which gives you a boost. However, this blood sugar spike is countered with a fall. It’s this drop that may lead you to feel tired again… so you grab another sugary snack and the cycle begins. Long-term, not only does this not work, but it also has an impact on everything from mood to weight gain.

Don’t try and nap
It’s tempting to have an afternoon nap to re-energise – and there’s undoubtedly proof it can pep you up if you need a boost. However, that’s only true if it doesn’t affect your overall sleep. Sleeping late or during the day can impact night-time sleep, which is essential for the release of the most important hormones the body needs to survive. Aim for better sleep at night-time.

Ok, so now you know what you shouldn’t be doing, but what’s the alternative? Here’s what to do instead :

Load up with essential vitamins and minerals
Sure, you can take a supplement. Better still, get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs in the format nature intended – through fresh fruit and vegetables, preferably organic.

Use a natural source of energy
One of the most effective ways of getting energy naturally and effectively is by using supplemental oxygen. Regular supplementation of oxygen helps combat the ill effects of air pollution, clears brain fog and sends oxygen directly into your cells for clean, natural energy.

Worship the sun
In the UK, we generally suffer a lack of sunshine, which means most people are deficient in vitamin D. You can hit your daily vitamin D requirement by taking a supplement but it’s best if you can get outside and get as much natural light as possible, even if it’s a cloudy or overcast day. It’ll also help your sleep quality.

Fix your sleep
You can’t always fix tiredness and fatigue just by staying in bed longer. When it comes to sleep, think quality and not volume. Make sure you avoid the blue lights from electronic devices just before sleep and don’t take caffeine or alcohol before bed.

Follow these tips and you’re sure to add a spring to your step rather than struggle through the door with no energy.