Energize! 10 Ways to Increase Your Energy Level Fast

Ugh, that after-lunch, no-energy slump. It happens almost every day, and falling asleep at your desk is not an option. So what do you do? An awesome article from Health on CNN Health offers some tips for getting past that wall (tips theirs, commentary mine):

1. Take in natural light. And not just when you’re tired, but first thing in the morning to get your body on the right time schedule.
2. Get a protein fix. High-protein meals and snacks give you energy that will sustain you for a long time, rather than the high followed by a crash you get from carbs. There’s a place for everything in your diet, but remember, protein = long-lasting energy, carbs = short burst.
3. Help someone else. Doing good gives a burst of endorphins, and endorphins pump you up. Try just helping a coworker accomplish a tough task, or go clean out the office fridge. It totally counts, and who knows, may get you brownie points with the boss.
4. Increase your heart rate and speed your breathing. Go run up and down a couple flights of stairs, or head outside for some natural light and a brisk walk around the building to get your blood moving and inject some oxygen into your system.
5. Change your drink. Hooked on coffee? Switch to tea. Love green tea? Try white. Stay hydrated and get feel-good nutrients at the same time.
6. Switch up your routine. Do things in a different order, or give yourself a break from a task that’s making you batty.
7. Try at-your-desk acupressure or a massage. A handheld back massage to loosen up your neck or one of those awesome heat and vibration seat covers may be just the ticket. So can a quick self-massage of your pressure points.
8. Silence the cell and turn off the e-mail. Technology is a constant distraction, and if you feel like you’re spinning your wheels all day because you can’t get anything done, that’ll suck the energy right out of you. Give yourself a tech-free zone each day.
9. Meditate. Take a few minutes to do NOTHING and just clear your mind. You’ll come out of it feeling refreshed.
10. Get better-quality sleep. Go to bed and get up and the same time every day, and make sure your bedroom is truly conducive to sleep.

Another great way to boost your energy and lower your stress level, and one of my very favorites, is aromatherapy. How do you keep going through the whole day?

(image: Newscom)

Contents © Copyright 2008 Kristen King

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