3:17PM – it was the time that I used to look at the clock on my computer every day during the work week. It was the time that signified that I was running on fumes. My energy levels plummeted and my motivation to work disappeared. It took every ounce of willpower not to crawl under my desk and take a nap. If you are like I was you also try to baby-step through the rest of the day. You want to order out because you don’t have the energy to make dinner and you let the TV keep the kids occupied. There’s a sink full of dishes that you skip doing just so you can crawl into bed for what you hope is a good night sleep, just to start all over again the next day. This probably sounds familiar, right?
The good news is that you don’t have to remain tired and unproductive. There are several easy, natural ways to increase energy levels and break out of the cycle of lethargy that binds you. Read on to see a few of the small and simple steps you can take to recharge and reclaim your life.
1. How and when you eat can drastically affect your energy levels. Try breaking your meals into several snack-sized portions and spread them throughout the day – eat every 2 hours or so. Protein rich foods such as nuts and eggs are great for increasing your energy. They’re also excellent brain food, so by eating them you maintain and perhaps even improve memory and concentration.
2. Caffeine and sugar can actually hurt your performance. Both help you feel better in the short term, but because the crash will inevitably come, your energy levels will most likely be even lower than before. If you’re going to have a caffeinated drink or a candy bar, it’s best to have it in the morning so it will burn off a little quicker. Save your afternoon for energy maintenance.
3. A multi-vitamin can go a long way towards balancing your nutritional needs and they help your immune system. Fiber supplements work to control blood sugar and keep you regular. They also help you feel full for longer after you eat, so instead of thinking about food, you’ll be waist deep in that spreadsheet you need to concentrate on.
4. Sleep is vital to renewing your energy levels. I’ve found that quality trumps quantity though, so get to know your sleep cycle and practice good sleep hygiene. Do everything you can to ensure that your sleep is productive in recharging those internal batteries.
5. Did you ever notice that when you get stressed or angry, your internal “wick” burns faster? After an emotional discussion with your spouse or a hard, stressful day’s work do you feel tired? Your emotions play a huge part in your level of energy. Try to maintain your emotional stability and you’ll find your energy levels will even out.
6. Stretch. Set a timer and at one hour intervals throughout the day, stretch your muscles or get up and take a walk. This will release the toxins that build up when you’re motionless and allow you to distress your body. Be sure to drink lots of water during the day to help flush those toxins out.
If you want to increase energy , try just one of these tips and then slowly add more as you feel comfortable. In no time you’ll see that there is a way out of the inertia and into an energetic and healthy lifestyle.
Kate Ryan is a writer, database administrator, and relentless researcher. She did most of the research for this article while at work, and it puts to practice every day. Get more tips to increase energy at http://www.squidoo.com/sleeptight .
Article Source: ArticleSpan
End Tiredness Program is the only natural – no pills or gimmicks - way to fight tiredness.