Always Tired? Everyday Reasons Behind Low Energy

Healthy Monday is my weekly note to start your week with one small, practical step towards feeling your best. Each week: a thought, a little body knowledge, one simple tip and an ingredient to try.

This week's thought

If you're sleeping enough and still feel exhausted, sleep may not be the whole story. This week we're looking at some everyday factors behind low energy.

Let's understand your body

Ongoing tiredness usually comes from a combination of things, such as blood sugar ups and downs, low iron, ongoing stress or sluggish digestion.

A breakfast high in simple carbohydrates can lead to a quick rise and fall in blood sugar, which many people feel as a mid-morning slump. A balanced breakfast with protein and healthy fats tends to keep energy steadier for longer.

Sometimes tiredness is a sign your body would benefit from gentle movement rather than more rest. A short walk can do wonders for how alert you feel.

Your Hecna tip

Add some protein to your breakfast, such as eggs, yoghurt or nuts. Breakfasts based only on fruit or cereal tend to be digested quickly and leave you hungry sooner.

Ritual of the week: mint, lemon and ginger

Rather than a single herb, here is a simple ritual to start your day.

How to make it: add a few slices of fresh ginger, the juice of half a lemon and a few fresh mint leaves to a mug of warm water. Sip it 15 to 20 minutes before breakfast as a gentle, refreshing way to wake up.

A little reminder

Tiredness isn't always a message to sleep more. Sometimes it's a nudge to try something different. Experiment with one small change this week.

If tiredness is persistent or unexplained, speak to your GP, who can check things like iron and B12 levels with a simple blood test.

Want personalised support?

If you'd like a plan tailored to you, with herbal, nutritional and lifestyle guidance, you can book a 1:1 naturopathic consultation, in person in London or online.

With love, Mehtap

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or another qualified healthcare professional. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, please check with your doctor before making changes to your diet or using herbs.