Do your eyes droop in the middle of a meeting? Are you yawning throughout the day? In this hectic world, we all could use an energy boost now and then. Following are some tips help you feel more energetic.
- Exercise - Contrary to popular belief, exercise doesn't make you tired; it actually invigorates you! That's because it produces endorphins and circulates blood and oxygen throughout your body. Exercising in the morning makes for an all-day energy charge, while working out later in the afternoon can serve as a good pick-me-up. If you've never exercised before, strive for 20 minutes a day, three days a week, and increase it from there.
- Drink Plenty of Water - Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired. By the time you're thirsty, you've already lost 2 to 3 percent of your body fluid. Tote a water bottle, drink before you start feeling thirsty and aim for consuming between eight and 12 cups of fluids a day. Watch your consumption of alcohol and caffeine, which are diuretics that can cause dehydration.
- Get Enough Sleep - Research shows that at least 30 percent of adults in the United States are sleep deprived. The average adult needs around eight hours of sleep a night, but most people get fewer than seven. Cut back on activities if necessary, and try to go to bed and get up around the same time every day.
- Eat a Healthy Diet - Eat a good balance of grains, dairy products, meats and fruits and vegetables. Have at least one iron-rich food per day, such as red meat or iron-enriched breads and cereals. These foods help transport oxygen to your tissues. Avoid large, high-fat meals which can make you feel sluggish for up to six hours.
- Eat a Good Breakfast and Healthy Snacks - Skipping breakfast or going for long periods of time without eating leads to low blood sugar, which makes you feel tired. To get a steady infusion of energy all day long, eat breakfast everyday and keep portable healthy snacks, such as fruit or granola bars handy.
- Belly Breathe - Shallow breathing, which you do most of the time, doesn't take in enough oxygen and increases levels of carbon monoxide in your blood, which can make you tired. Practice deep breathing from your diaphragm several times a day.
- Get Moving! - Sitting in one position for long periods of time saps your energy, so move more! Go for quick stroll or do some stretching to recharge you.
- Manage Stress - Meditate, do yoga, get a massage, listen to relaxing music - whatever alleviates stress and refreshes you.
- Make Time for You - Balance work and home responsibilities, and take time to get away to recharge your batteries. Hire a babysitter and go to dinner with your spouse, volunteer at an animal shelter or read a good book. Even if it's just 10 minutes a day, do something that you enjoy each day.
