Energize Your Day

Kelly Gonzalez
Busy Bodies Health and Fitness
Date Published: October 22, 2008

Energize Your Day

The fall is in full swing. The days are shorter, the temperatures are cooler, and the summer crowds are long gone. The energy that infused the local area weeks ago is steadily wavering as we head into the off-season. If you’re lucky, the off-season may be a time to relax, but with a career, family, and other responsibilities that is not always an option. Before you pour another cup of coffee to get yourself through the day try practicing alternative methods to naturally increase your energy levels.

Steal the Spotlight

As soon as you wake up in the morning open your blinds to let sunlight filter in. Bright lights, especially morning sunlight has proven to energize and stimulate our minds and bodies by affecting our natural circadian rhythm. Throughout the day, take breaks, and try to get outside as much as possible in order to soak up energizing sunlight. But remember to apply sunscreen!

Just Move It

If you’re feeling low on energy the last thing you probably want to do is exercise. Remember, exercise doesn’t always have to be a strenuous sweat session. A simple 10 minute walk may be all you need to get oxygen flowing and get going. If you’re at work, take a break to walk around the office consistently for 5 minutes. You’ll feel re-charged when you sit back down, and will most likely be more productive. Keep in mind that even short bursts of exercise add up. Even if you can’t devote a solid 30 minutes to exercise, small increments throughout the day still improve your health and energy level.

Eat Well, Eat Often

Eating 5-6 smaller meals per day keeps your energy level up by keeping your glucose levels stable. Plenty of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are high in fiber provide your body with sustainable energy all day long. You should aim towards receiving 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Getting enough fiber in your diet keeps you fuller longer, supports energy and a healthy digestive system. Start your day off with a nutritious breakfast such as oatmeal, whole grain cereal with fruit, eggs and whole-wheat toast, or fruit and yogurt. Keep healthy snacks with you, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Practice Positive Thinking

Your thoughts can have a direct effect on your energy. Negative thoughts can zap energy and make it difficult to complete daily tasks or even get out of bed in the morning. When you wake up in the morning take a second to lie in bed and think of one positive thing you want to happen today or think of something you have to look forward to. If you think positive thoughts, good things will happen. It’s all how you view the situation.

Even other people’s negativity can affect your energy. Try not to surround yourself with people who have negative attitudes. Studies have shown that other people’s negativity can cause a “stress reaction” in the body causing you to feel anxious or nauseous in their presence due to the burnout of adrenals.

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Take a few minutes for yourself each day. 5 minutes may sound like nothing, but in today’s hectic world 5 minutes of peace and quiet is hard to come by. The phone constantly rings, you have deadlines and appointments everyday, and someone always needs your attention; it’s as if you’re being pulled in every direction.
Get away from it all at some point in the day to do nothing but breathe and relax. Don’t think about your to-do list or stress about upcoming events. Focus on your breath. Inhale deeply as you pull your navel towards your spine and exhale slowly. After a few breaths you will feel your body relax and regain energy.

Life doesn’t come to a halt just because summer is over. When you have a million things to do and less daylight to do it you may feel low on energy at times. Use these techniques to keep you going and energize your day.