Some days call for more energy than others.
If you're feeling drained or tired, it can be hard to muster up the energy to get things done. When you have a huge to-do list, it can be alluring to use the fastest energy-boosting methods possible.
As tempting as energy drinks may be, those will give you a grand boost and an equally grandiose crash.
Before you reach for an energy drink, you may want to consider the side effects other than a temporary energy surge. One study by the International Journal of Health Sciences showed the sugary drinks raise blood pressure and gastrointestinal upset.
So, what’s a tired, overworked person to do?
We’ve rounded up 10 energy boosters for you to try out ASAP:
1. Wake Up With Renewed Vigor
Start your day doing whatever you enjoy. Who wants to get out of bed and start their day with a dreaded task? Not many folks. However you love to start a new day, begin your morning routine with that. It may mean brewing coffee, working out, meditating, or taking a walk. It’ll give you more pep in your step when you first wake up. You may even become a morning person!
2. Call on a Friend
Mayo Clinic found that friendship is good for overall health. Call on your very best friends during your best and worst of times. It will help you recharge emotionally to connect with your support system. Connecting with friends also boosts happiness and reduces stress. What’s more energizing than that?
3. Turn up the Beat
Can you listen to your favorite song with a frown on your face? Probably not. Create a playlist of songs that make you want to dance. Anytime you’re feeling sad or down, turn to this playlist to boost your mood. Some music studies have shown music therapy to improve sleep, lessen depressed moods, increase energy, and even reduce stress. Rock on.
4. Laugh Long and Loud
Mayo Clinic research shows laughing is good for your health. It soothes tension, stimulates organs, and relieves stress. It also improves your immune system. Whether you’re cutting up with coworkers or laughing with your kids, all laughter is the best medicine for renewed energy.
5. Take a ZZZ Break
A short cat nap (20-30 minutes) will increase short-term alertness, according to the National Sleep Foundation. It’s the perfect length for a lunchtime nap to improve performance without feeling too groggy. If you can comfortably curl up for a short snooze, do so before 3 p.m. — otherwise you might disturb your quality evening sleep.
6. Make Time For Yourself
It isn’t selfish to spend time alone to recharge. Take 30 minutes a day to do what you love to refresh your spirit. That may mean turning into bed a little early, or even waking up before the rest of your household to take in the quiet before the chaos of the day starts. However you do it, make sure it’s uninterrupted time doing something you truly enjoy.
7. Journal Your Thoughts Away
Taking time to journal can be like creating your own private therapy session on paper. Journaling allows you to literally push your thoughts out of your mind and onto paper. It helps you see negative thought patterns, bad decision-making, but also the progress you’re making in life. Journaling may also help reduce stress and clarify your thoughts on certain situations. The result? A lighter mind and more energy.
8. Say Goodbye to Distractions
Unsure of how to get through your day without being pulled in a million directions? It may be time to take a look at your biggest distractions. These tend to be your biggest energy drainers, too. For example, if you’re working on a big project but find yourself checking your social media or email too much, consider cutting back. Set timers and a time — say twice daily — that you can check it.
9. Jump in a Cold Shower
Snap out of sleep mode by hopping in a cold shower first thing in the morning. It immediately pumps up your heart rate, waking you faster than it takes to brew a cup of coffee. If that’s too jarring, alternate between hot and cold. Or, turn on the cold water the last 30 seconds of your shower. You’ll be alert and ready to take on the day as soon as you get out, guaranteed!
10. Drink H2O All Day
If you’re thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Unfortunately, being dehydrated will also make you feel fatigued. Drink water throughout the day; you’ll know you’re hydrated enough when your urine is a pale, light yellow. Whatever it takes to get you to down your 8 glasses of 8 ounces, do that. Buy a cute water bottle. Set a timer. Get a fruit-infuser water bottle. However you get it done, your body and your energy levels will thank you.
Pick What Works for You
No matter which of these you choose, these energy boosters are easy to implement any day of the week.
There’s a lot of reasons why your energy may be depleted. You could be sick, or maybe you haven’t been getting the quality sleep you need. Perhaps it’s a mental drain like taking on too many commitments at once.
Whatever the case may be, life often doesn’t wait to throw more at us until we have the energy. Being in tune with your body is helpful in detecting which factors are draining you the most. Once you understand what your energy suckers look like, you can use natural energy boosts to get you going again.
While these mini boosters are great ways to recharge your batteries, keep an eye on chronic fatigue symptoms that occur over an extended period of time.
If low energy drags on for too long, it’s wise to see a doc to check out any potential underlying issues. This is true especially if you find that you’re resting well, drinking enough fluids, and managing stress just fine, but symptoms persist longer than two weeks.
If you’re simply tired from doing too much, take it easy for a bit. Add these in as they work for your busy schedule. Try one or try them all over the next 10 days to see how your energy improves. You may be surprised by what works best for you!
What are your favorite ways to boost your energy? Let us know in the comments below!
