8 Quick Ways to Energize

by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner

Try these top tips to keep momentum going. Feel spring’s radiant energy throughout the season and beyond …

Spring settled in nicely. You’re no longer surprised to find the sky still bright at dinnertime and hear tree frogs welcome the night. As we grow accustomed to spring, we tend to get lulled by a new routine. Wake up and smell the daffodils with these proven energizers.

1. Stay Hydrated. Feeling sluggish can be a sign of dehydration. A tall glass of water often combats fatigue. Start your day with one upon rising and refresh with water throughout the day. Add slices of citrus fruit for a boost of vitamins.
2. Increase Potassium and Magnesium. These two energizing minerals help lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can help increase energy levels. Best sources: potatoes with their skins, cooked spinach, dried prunes (potassium); halibut, almonds, and cashews (magnesium).

3. 

   Take microbreaks. Set a timer to signal a break every hour. Then, follow through and take one! Even a quick five-minute burst of physical activity helps you detach and return to tasks refreshed. Tight muscles relax, and the brain gets recharged with increased oxygen.  Ask a personal trainer for easy cardio exercises and stretches to perform in your office. Walk around outside or visit your garden. Removing yourself from the environment enhances the benefit, especially when enjoying fresh air.

4. Eat to energize. Work to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Spikes delivered by sugar and caffeine are temporary, and result in a tiring aftermath. Consume plenty of whole grains, which provide a steady, slow release of fuel. Protein is also powerful in maintaining steady energy levels. Energy boosters: peanut butter on whole wheat bread; yogurt with bananas; cheese and nuts; brown rice with veggies. Get a natural sugar rush from fresh fruit.

5. 

   Work out. There are many benefits to exercise. If increasing energy is one of your fitness goals, complement your routine with low- and moderate-intensity workouts. According to Cedric Bryant, Ph.D. and chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise, exercisers get higher levels of energy-producing, mood-elevating neurotransmitters during moderate exercise than when exercising at high intensity. Schedule in weekly walks or pick-up games with neighbors. Enjoy added perks from socializing.

6. Downward dog it. This yoga pose is reported as energizing by 85 percent of yoga practitioners. Don’t know what it is? Ask a Group Fitness instructor. While you’re at it, check out a Yoga class. By decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increasing clarity, yoga helps reduce fatigue and improve mood. The movements encourage proper posture, allowing better oxygen and blood flow for increased energy. It also qualifies as that low-intensity workout (see #5) to balance out your fitness routine.
7. Get enough sleep. If you are tirelessly tired, be sure to get the amount of sleep you personally require. The standard eight hours is only a general guide. And, don’t be afraid of a mid-afternoon power nap. A quick snooze is not lazy but rather productive. You awake refreshed and ready to plow through tasks.
8. Try random energizers that really work. Enjoy a hearty laugh, chew a piece of mint gum, practice good posture, listen to uplifting music, briefly meditate, and quit complaining (it’s just downright tiring).

Always schedule routine check-ups with your physician. Maintaining a baseline of blood work and other standard tests helps determine what is “normal” for you. Chronic fatigue can signal issues with your health. Be sure to let your physician know if you suffer from it.

Get moving now! Walk, not necessarily run– and have a good laugh.

Sources

“9 Surprising Ways to Get More Energy,” by Hallie Levine

“Top 10 Ways to Boost Your Energy,” at www.webmd.com

Image Credits

Energizing swirls (introductory photo): pixabay.com/en/flame-fractal-3d-render-design-683659/

Break for energy: flickr.com/photos/usaghumphreys/5505139885/

Basketball players: flickr.com/photos/78428166@N00/8375149410/

Laughing walker: flickr.com/photos/musicsthename/16391131527/

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