Feeling low on energy? It might be your poor gut health

I was low on energy earlier in 2023 which was cured at the time by iron supplements. I eventually ran out of supplements and was fine for another 3 or 4 months.

In September, low energy levels returned. This time, while browsing Facebook, I was shown an ad talking about the negative consequences of poor gut health caused by leakage in the lining of the gut, and spruiking a custom supplement containing butyrate, a mitochondria fuel that repairs the lining of the gut. The custom supplement was called Bio Complete 3™ and arrived 4 days ago. I’ve been taking 1 tablet twice a day since then and already my low energy levels are gone, I feel more vitality, and I can feel the insides of my body glowing with a cool relaxing energy, particularly my arms. The supplement is not cheap, US$49.95, but I’ve been impressed.

I know people with anxiety, depression, introversion, or middle age seem to experience low energy levels so I made it today’s mission to research some other ways to find more energy. My top three methods, other than fixing a leaky gut, are getting good sleep, exercise, and time with loved ones, but I wanted to know if there were others.

I used GPT4 to find 10 methods to feel more energised and received an excellent response and wondered if there were more, so I asked for another 10 and was surprised to find another great response. Now I started getting greedy and asked for another 20, which were great ideas, and then another 40, which were also great; like playing a poker machine and receiving constant payouts.

This article is mainly to share the success I had with Bio Complete, and keep a record of the additional ideas for when I need them, but if someone finds some ideas on this list that work, all the better.

1. New Experiences
2. Relaxation & Stress Relief
3. Physical Activities
4. Mental Well-being/Mind Stimulation
5. Diet & Nutrition
6. Hobbies & Interests

New Experiences

1. Hiking or other Outdoor Adventures: Immersion in natural environments can provide a sense of peace, reset mental energy and reduce stress, increasing overall energy levels.
2. Travel: Visiting new places offers an exciting break from the ordinary. The experiences and memories gained from travel can be a source of happiness and energy.
3. Learn a Musical Instrument: Learning a musical instrument challenges your brain in a unique way, leading to improved focus and energy.
4. Portable Water Bottle: Good hydration supports optimal function of the body and brain, helping you stay alert and energized.
5. Try a Sports Activity: Trying a new sports activity can provide a fun challenge, a break from routine, and a boost in mood and energy.
6. Visit Museums or Art Galleries: Exposure to art can be thought-provoking and can stimulate the brain, resulting in increased energy levels.
7. Decorate Workspace: Having an inspiring and clean workspace can reduce mental stress and help enhance focus and efficiency.
8. Planning and Organizing: Harnessing your planning and organizing skills can create a less stressful environment, boosting your energy by freeing up mental space.
9. Switch up Commute: Changing your daily routine can break the monotony and provide refreshing energy.
10. Planning and Organizing: Keeping your to-dos and tasks in order can reduce anxiety and stress, and freeing up mental space boosts your energy.

Relaxation & Stress Relief

1. Heart-to-Heart Conversations: It can help you process your emotions, feel understood and supported, and relieve stress, thus boosting energy levels. Deep, meaningful conversations can help you feel understood and supported, releasing stress and increasing energy levels.
2. Listen to Uplifting Music: Uplifting music can stimulate the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain like dopamine, improving mood and boosting energy levels.
3. Practice Forgiveness: Letting go can make you feel lighter and free up energy for more positive use.
4. Quality Time with Loved Ones: Connecting with loved ones provides emotional comfort and a sense of belonging, which can boost energy levels.
5. Good Night’s Sleep: Adequate sleep is absolutely critical for good health and energy levels.
6. Warm Baths: A relaxing bath can soothe the muscles, calming the mind and promoting a state of peace and tranquility.
7. Massage Therapy: A good massage can decrease tension, elevate mood, facilitate relaxation, and reduce stress levels, thus increasing energy.
8. Find a Pen Pal: Exchanging letters with a pen pal can provide emotional release and a sense of connection, elevating mood and energy levels.
9. Attend Social Events: Meeting new people and engaging in social activities can elevate mood and energy levels.
10. Guided Imagery: Promotes relaxation and a calming mental state.
11. Attend a Candlelight Vigil: Can bring a sense of peace and community.
12. Hobby Classes like pottery or painting: Serves as a creative outlet and promotes relaxation.
13. Aromatherapy: Certain scents can promote relaxation and energy.
14. Guided Imagery: Promotes relaxation and a calming mental state.
15. Attend a Candlelight Vigil: Can bring a sense of peace and community.
16. Hobby Classes like pottery or painting: Serves as a creative outlet and promotes relaxation.
17. Aromatherapy: Certain scents can promote relaxation and energy.

Physical Activities

1. Deep Breathing: This simple yet efficient practice can increase oxygen flow, improve posture and aid in stress relief, instantly rejuvenating your senses and leaving you feeling more alert and alive.
2. House Cleaning: It can increase productivity and satisfaction, helping you regain a sense of control.
3. Practice Song or Dance: Performing arts can help you express emotions and get moving, offering a great way to release stress and improve mood.
4. Engage Your Creativity: Creatively expressing yourself, whether it’s painting, cooking, or designing, can keep your brain stimulated, mind fresh and spirit high – a great energizer.
5. Yoga: Embarking on a regular Yoga practice can help in stress management, conditioning of the mind and body and overall well-being.
6. Creativity: Crafting and art-related activities can stimulate your brain functions.
7. Alternate Work Locations: Change of environment can stimulate focus and boost productivity, leading to increased energy.
8. Participate in Competitions: Friendly competitions can motivate you to improve, thus boosting energy levels.
9. Outdoor Sports: Playing games like soccer, tennis or basketball combine physical activity with social interaction, making them great for boosting evergy.
10. Fly a Kite: The playful activity is not only nostalgic, but the focus required and joy of seeing the kite soar can be quite energizing.
11. Start a DIY Project: Building something can give a sense of achievement and purpose, which is a great mood and energy booster.
12. Try Rowing: This full-body workout not only enhances your physique but also boosts stamina and energy.
13. Stretch Every Morning: It can relieve any muscle stiffness and awaken your body for the day ahead.
14. Go Skateboarding: It’s fun and physical, promoting better heart health and improved energy levels.
15. Take a Power Nap: Power naps of 15-20 minutes can help recharge your brain and increase alertness and energy.
16. Jump Rope: It’s an easy way to get a fast but effective workout in, and it also triggers endorphin release.
17. Try a Hot Yoga Class: The combination of challenging poses and heat allows for deep stretches and a good sweat, which can improve your energy levels.
18. Gardening: engaging in physical labor while enjoying nature.
19. Swimming: allows for full body workout.
20. Cycling: Good for cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
21. Tai Chi: Enhances balance and mental tranquility.
22. Zumba Classes: Aerobic activity that is enjoyable and energetic.
23. Aerial Yoga: An entertaining way of muscle strengthening and toning.

Mental Well-being/Mind Stimulation

1. Practice Positive Affirmations: Repeating positive statements can rewire the brain to believe in them, boosting mood and, in turn, energy.
2. Learn a New Skill: The process of learning develops new neural pathways and can provide a sense of achievement, both of which can spark a surge in energy.
3. Mental Health Day Off: Taking a day off from work occasionally to do things you enjoy can help refresh your mind and boost your energy.
4. Avoid Procrastination: Procrastinating can weigh on your mind and cause stress. Breaking tasks down and tackling them can prevent this and increase energy.
5. Self-Reflection: Reflecting and understanding your personal strengths and areas for improvement can lead to increased motivation.
6. Mindfulness and Meditation: It trains the mind to stay focused and calm, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity, thereby increasing energy levels.
7. Cognitive Training: Brain training exercises can help enhance cognitive functions like memory and attention, which can help with energy levels.
8. Read a Short Story or Poem: Distractions from daily lives by engaging in a quick read can divert negative thoughts, promoting a lighter and more energetic mood.
9. Learning Different Cultures: This can provide broadened perspectives and diversified knowledge that stimulate your thinking, energizing your outlook.
10. Find a Mentor: A mentor can provide guidance, support, and motivation, helping you feel more focused and energized.
11. Learn Astrology: It can be a fun, intriguing way to cultivate a new understanding of people and even yourself, stimulating fresh energy surge.
12. Learn a New Language: Learning a language can stimulate parts of the brain related to memory, attention, and thought, refreshing your mental energy supply.
13. Listen to Podcasts: Expanding knowledge or just entertainment can stimulate the brain.
14. Book Club: Encourages consistent reading and social interaction.
15. Sudoku: Boosts logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
16. Adult Coloring Books: Works as a form of meditation, promoting relaxation.
17. Virtual Reality Games: Provides a novel mental experience.
18. Increase Laughing: Promotes mood enhancement and feel-good hormones.

Diet & Nutrition

1. Spice Up Your Diet: Adding spices to your diet could help kick your metabolism into a higher gear and reduce inflammation, leading to enhanced (long-term) energy levels.
2. Green Tea: Due to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine, it can provide a much smoother rejuvenation than coffee, preventing energy crashes.
3. Eat Superfoods: Foods like berries, nuts, and spinach can provide you with sustained energy while securing an array of nutrients.
4. Whole Grains: The complex carbohydrates found in whole grains can provide a steady energy release, keeping you powered throughout the day.
5. Nutrient Rich Smoothies: Combining fruits, vegetables, nuts, and protein in a smoothie can provide a variety of nutrients and a quick energy boost.
6. Intuitive Eating: Listening to your body and eating when you’re actually hungry can help maintain consistent energy levels.
7. Magnesium Intake: This essential mineral aids biochemical reactions in the body, including energy creation. Including more magnesium in your diet can increase energy levels.
8. Alternate Work Locations: Changing your working location occasionally can stimulate focus and boost productivity, leading to increased energy.
9. Avoid Heavy Lunches: Heavy lunches can cause a mid-afternoon crash, opt for lighter and balanced meals to avoid this.
10. Add Protein to Breakfast: Consuming protein-rich breakfasts can help maintain steady blood glucose levels, thus providing sustained energy.
11. Iron-Rich Foods: Iron deficiency can lead to feelings of tiredness. Including iron-rich foods such as lentils, tofu, or meat in your diet can help maintain energy levels.
12. Healthy Fats: Consuming healthy fats like avocados, olives, or nuts can provide a lasting sense of satiety and sustained energy.
13. Vegetable Juicing: Consuming juiced vegetables is a great way to pack in nutrients that fuel your body’s energy production.
14. Try New Fruits or Vegetables: Trying out new, nutritious foods could be a fun way to switch up your diet and boost your body’s energy supply.
15. Bake Bread: The process of baking bread is therapeutic and the aroma of freshly baked bread can induce a sense of calm and joy.
16. Try Probiotics: Good for gut health and digestion.
17. Drink More Water: Proper hydration is key for overall health.
18. Eat More Fiber: Promotes good digestive health and sustained energy levels.
19. Regular Meal Schedule: Consistency can help avoid energy dips.
20. Cook at Home: Ensures nutritious and balanced meals.

Hobbies & Interests

1. Forest Bathing: Immersing yourself in nature can provide a refreshing recharge to your mental, emotional, and physical energy levels.
2. Listen to Nature Sounds: Natural sounds like waves crashing or birds chirping can make you feel more relaxed, boosting mindfulness and energy.
3. Embrace Minimalism: Cutting out the unnecessary excess in life can lead to lower stress levels and a substantial increase in energy, clarity, and happiness.
4. Watch Inspiring Movies or Shows: Inspirational content can evoke powerful, uplifting emotions that can make you feel more vibrant and energized.
5. Quality Time with Loved Ones: Spending time with people who understand and support you can result in a positive mood and higher energy levels.
6. Good Night’s Sleep: Regular, sufficient sleep leads to improved mental and physical energy, mood, and overall health and well-being.
7. Warm Baths: Taking a warm bath can relax tense muscles, calm the mind, and even improve mood, leading to a refreshment of overall energy.
8. Massage Therapy: It can help reduce muscular tension and may also improve blood flow, break down muscle knots, and increase your general mood and energy level.
9. Attend Live Performances: Experiencing live music, theater, or dance can induce strong positive emotions, enhancing mood and energy levels.
10. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and releasing various muscle groups, leading to reduced anxiety and a sense of calm and restored energy.
11. Find a Pen Pal: Writing and receiving letters provides a new way of connecting with people, which can be a mood and energy booster.
12. Visit Museums or Art Galleries: Such places expose you to new information and ideas, boost creativity, and potentially increase energy.
13. Join a Choir: Promotes socialization and creativity.
14. Photography: Encourages outdoor excursions and creativity.
15. Learn Magic Tricks: Fun way to challenge the mind.
16. Visit Animal Shelters: The joy of interacting with animals can be comforting and energy-boosting.
17. Volunteering: Helps to feel purposeful and energetic.