Feeling tired? There are a multitude of lifestyle practices you can put into place to bring your overall energy levels up.
But what can you do now, like, in the next 15-20 minutes?
I gotchu, friend. Here are 10 ideas to get your energy levels elevated… and none of them involve hits of caffeine (which may interfere with your nighttime sleep).
- Breathe deeply. This may be the fastest way to not only relieve stress, but also re-energize yourself. It’s quick, easy, and certainly convenient. When you take big, slow inhales and thorough exhales, your lungs and brain receive the oxygen they need to bring more vitality to your body and mind.
- Drink up. Water, that is. Mild dehydration shows up as reduced energy. Don’t wait until you’re parched to drink water. Consume water throughout the day. All of the body’s cells and organs need it to function properly. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, down a glass of water.
- Stretch. We tend to sit in one place for long periods of time, and this can drain our energy levels. Taking a few moments to stretch allows for blood and nutrient flow to the body, giving you a quick boost.
- Walk it off. Not only does walking have the same effects as stretching, but it also allows your mind to have a change of scenery, and thus, employs other senses and gives the brain more things to engage in.
- Dance. Put on that ’80s music (maybe?) that moves you, and shake your body! Endorphins galore! The music alone can give you energy, but when combined with movement it’s a double boost!
- Take a screen break. Our lives are online so much these days. It is what it is, but those screens are here to stay. They can be energy vampires, for sure. Do yourself a favor and take a few screen breaks throughout your day. Not only can the content we see online be draining, but the screens themselves are, as well. Shut the laptop, shelve the phone. Get up and move, chat with your neighbor, clean the bathroom, read a book, or…
- Go outside. Sit in the sun (vitamin D is life-giving), and if you don’t have sunshine available, go outside and look at the green around you. Studies suggest that spending just 20 minutes outdoors gives your brain an energy boost. Bonus if you’re breathing deeply of the scents of pines, flowers, etc.
- Laugh. Laughter really is good medicine! It bathes your body in endorphins and speeds up your heart rate, thus bringing oxygen to your brain. Voila, more energy!
- Get a quick massage. If a 15-minute massage isn’t readily available, try using a foam roller on yourself. Massage (and foam rolling) aids blood flow, thus delivering oxygen to your body and brain, bringing more energy. Hooray!
- Power nap. If you’re really feeling sluggish and have 20 minutes, by all means, close yer door and git a little shut-eye. It’s amazing the rejuvenation that can come in this small block of time. Just make sure you set an alarm!
All right, lovely. You’re armed with strategies to boost your energy next time you’re lagging and need a quick pick-me-up (without caffeine)!
What about you:
Do you have any quick, give-me-energy strategies? I’d love to hear!
