These days we all seem to be living a busy life with lots of conflicting priorities such as work, family, travel and personal. Even if we come back from a holiday it’s not long before we feel tired and basically “over it”.
The good news is, we’ve complied 7 easy things you can do daily to help boost your energy levels!
1. Breathe Deeply
The problem: Your day has been stressful. You’re about to go into another meeting, but you’re feeling low on energy.
Why it works: Stress makes breathing more rapid, which can decrease the oxygen supply to the brain.
How to use it: Whenever you feel a dip in your energy, put the tip of your tongue behind your upper teeth. Inhale through your nose for four counts. Hold the breath for seven counts, then exhale for eight counts.
2. Seek some Lemon-Aid
The problem: Dehydration can make you feel sluggish and lethargic before you even have a chance to start your day.
Why it works: Staying hydrated is key to keeping your energy levels high.
How to use it: Having a cup of warm lemon water in the morning infuses your body with needed liquid after hours without water. Adding lemon boosts the benefits by infusing the drink with vitamins and flavor.
3. Green Tea
The problem: You need a caffeine kick, but you’re trying to cut back on your coffee drinking.
Why it works: Green tea has that perfect mix of caffeine, nutrients, flavor and hydration.
How to use it: This nutrient-packed drink will help get you going in the morning and support your body in the stresses of the day ahead.
4. Protein and Fiber Breakfast
The problem: Your breakfast isn’t filling and you’re hungry again by mid-morning.
Why it works: Protein and fiber are two key components to setting yourself up for success throughout the day. Fiber slows the digestion of your food, allowing your body to slowly extract sugars and nutrients over the course of the morning rather than being flooded all at once. Combined with fiber, protein helps to make your meal more satisfying. You feel full sooner and longer, which means you’ll eat less while maintaining high energy levels throughout the morning.
How to use it: Try a side of an egg with your oatmeal or add some blueberries to your morning bowl of yogurt.
5. Cocoa
The problem: You’re looking for more variety in your energizing morning drink routine.
Why it works: The cacao bean is packed with nutrients and vitamins and packs its own low-level caffeine punch.
How to use it: The key to reaping the health benefits of cocoa is to find a pure cocoa powder without any added sugars or flavors. Make your own morning or afternoon hot chocolate with almond milk, honey and a touch of vanilla essence. If you’re going for a sliver of chocolate, make sure it’s as dark as possible with less sugar.
6. Exercise outside
The problem: You’re fried from fatigue in the office and not feeling 100%.
Why it works: Exercise—even a slow walk—may be the last thing on your mind when you're tired, but "movement stimulates alertness in the brain, and sunlight provides your body with natural cues to promote wakefulness," Jeffrey Durmer, MD, chief medical officer at FusionSleep Center in Atlanta, told WebMD.com. Specifically, sunlight turns off the production of melatonin, the hormone that triggers feelings of sleepiness
How to use it: Exercise or go outside for a walk during lunch. Studies show that working out can improve productivity enough to counteract the time away from the office.Power nap
7. Power nap
The problem: You’re in an important work meeting and you nod off a couple of times hoping no one has noticed! Avoid being “that” person by catching up with a power nap
Why it works: Studies have shown more sleep can lower the risk of health problems such as high blood pressure to obesity and diabetes. Power naps have also been known to enhance creative thinking, improve memory and learning.
How to use it: The ideal length for a power nap can vary from each person however 10-20 minutes the general recommendation. Anything longer may defeat the purpose of a power nap. Remember to set a timer or you may end up feeling like a zombie!
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