How to Boost Energy, Increase Focus, and Slim Down At Home

Are you feeling overwhelmed and anxious? Need help with focus, energy, and curbing those cravings?

Let's be real... when you feel like crap, it doesn't matter how good your mascara is. Beauty is definitely both an inner and outer game...

Even though I like my beauty products fix as much as the next lady.... taking control of my emotional well-being and physical wellness has been a huge focus for me as well as for the ladies in my life who have called me up for help in this area.

After going through the trauma of losing my young husband to cancer last year and instantly became a single working mom of 4, I quickly had to learn how to cope with this new life.....FAST!

Without going into all the details, I will save you time and let you know some main things that helped me stay focused, boost energy, and control emotional eating.

Interestingly, calming nerves and curbing cravings have a lot to do with naturally regulating dopamine levels in your brain.

Dopamine, aka the "happy hormone" is a brain chemical that helps you feel motivated, beat cravings, and just feel good!

So, when dopamine levels are low you may feel fatigued, lack of focus, moody, troubles getting your beauty sleep, increased sugar cravings, and overall lack of motivation.

If any of the above sounds way too familiar... I get it!

Here are few ways to naturally boost that feel beneficial hormone:

1. Exercise 

This became (and still is) a must for me. Even as a busy mom, I definitely can maintain a better mood when I get a quick fun workout that I enjoy. It's also one of the best ways to boost happy hormones like dopamine... and of course, helps keep that body fit!

2. Rhodiola

A powerful adaptogen herb that helps the body respond to stress and fatigue. Research shows it helps boost dopamine levels and helps with weight loss.

Another thing I take daily.

3. Foods with Tyrosine 

The body needs tyrosine to make dopamine. Try incorporating tyrosine rich foods like almonds, avocados, eggs, beans, fish, and chicken. I eat all of those things on a regular basis.

4. Sleep 

I bet you already know sleep is important because you feel better when you get enough of it. But... did you know that lack of sleep has been shown to reduce neurotransmitters like dopamine? This could be why you have increased sugar cravings and lack of focus when you're NOT getting enough sleep. This is another thing I can't compromise! Otherwise, those anxious feelings start to creep up and I feel as if I can't focus properly.

5. Curcumin 

Not only a powerful inflammatory and immune booster but research has shown it also supports dopamine levels. Another staple for me, because of all its crazy benefits.

6) Meditation

One reason why meditation has finally become widely recognized is that so many people feel better when they incorporate it into their daily routine. I won't get into the details here about how to meditate, you have to choose the best way that works for you. For me, daily meditation and gratitude journaling have become a must to help me with focus, energy, and maintaining my happy feelings. The cool thing is research now shows this boosts dopamine levels as well. Makes sense.

7) Music - After my hubby passed away, one thing I really noticed a big difference in feeling glimpses of "goodness" again was when I listened to really good music. Spa music helped me relax and my favorite dancing vibes made me get up and wanna dance, as well as made exercise more enjoyable again. So, not surprised that listening to your favorite tunes causes a boost in this happy hormone. Mix your favorite jams with regular exercise! You'll get fit and boost your happy hormones.