t’s no secret that we have severe schedules these days.
Between juggling work and family, it’s no wonder that you
r energy levels are low.
Although most people resort to caffeine to remedy their lack
of energy, there are viable alternatives that are much healthier.
Use these strategies to boost your energy without having to
step into a coffee shop:
1. Exercise. When you need a fast energy boost, exercise is
the best fix. Take a brisk walk or hop on an elliptical machine.
The energy boosting effects are nearly instant and can last up
to two hours. Doing even just one minute of jumping jacks in
place can give you a boost!
- Exercise increases your alertness and the level of endorphin's.
- Endorphin's are known mood boosters. So, you’ll have more
- brainpower to completing your paper, and you’ll also be happy
- to do it!
- A great resource on the subject of exercise, energy and menta
- l alertness is the book, Spark. Check it out!
2. Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Maintain a regular sleep
schedule and ensure your body gets enough rest to function
efficiently.
- A lack of sleep has can cause early physical signs of aging,
- such as hyper-pigmentation on eyelids, puffy under-eye
- circles, and wrinkles.
- It also literally makes you age prematurely at the cellular l
- evel!
3. Indulge in a power nap. A 15- to 30-minute power nap
can provide you with an instant boost of energy. If you don’t
have a half hour to spare, a 10 or 15-minute snooze may
provide enough energy to power you through the rest of
your day.
- You may be tempted to just forge on through your tight
- deadlines instead of taking a nap. However, after arising
- from your power nap, productivity increases from the
- rest you’ve given yourself and you’ll be able to accomplish
- double the results you would attain if you were to keep
- working without a break.
- In addition to immediately boosting energy levels, power
- napping also increases your ability to retain information.
4. Minimize the junk. Avoid unhealthy foods that are laden
with fat, sugar, and preservatives. These foods widen your
waistline and make you feel groggy after each meal as well
as tired in general throughout the day.
- Maintain a balanced diet. It’s okay to indulge in something
- sweet every now and then, but eating microwavable
- macaroni and cheese and cinnamon buns every night
- adversely affect your energy and work performance.
5. Eat often. Many people find that eating small meals
throughout the day keeps both their metabolism and energy
functioning at optimum capacity.
- Avoid skipping meals.
- Carry healthy snacks with you always!
- Eating heavy meals can deplete your energy fast.
6. Smell peppermint. Peppermint has a strong, refreshing
scent that can wake up even the drowsiest person.
Peppermint candles, peppermint oil, or peppermint scented
air freshener sprayed throughout your work area has the
power to invigorate your senses.
Combine several of these tips to supercharge your energy
level in a very short time. Say goodbye to the days of coffee
highs and crashes. Small changes you make today can make
a huge difference in how you feel and your performance
at work.
