Put down that cup of coffee and keep reading. Here are 7 other ways to boost your energy levels.
Eat vegetables
Specifically, green vegetables like baby spinach and kale. These foods help your digestive system break down the foods that fuel your body, as well as providing all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function.
This is because they have natural enzymes that break down the food for you. This means that your body is doing less work so less energy is applied and can be used somewhere else.
For those of you that find it difficult to get a good amount of green vegetables into your diet, mix them up into a fruit smoothie. The sweetness from the fruit will man you won’t even taste the vegetables but you still get all the goodness.
Jog before work
This may seem a bit backwards. After all, surely exercising tires you out so you have less energy? This is true, but only for excessive exercising.
What we are talking about is a brief, light-hearted jog in the morning for around 10 minutes a day. This will release hormones in your body that will make you feel good and you will notice a whole different level of energy.
You will even improve your fitness levels as you go, increasing confidence, giving you even more energy. Make sure you use a foam roller after the exercise for better recovery.
Drink plenty of water
It may not seem like a very exciting option but drinking water is a great way to boost your energy levels. Keeping your body hydrated ensures your body can work at its best, meaning your muscles are working better and your brain can perform optimally.
Without sufficient hydration, you can easily feel sluggish and tired throughout the day so make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Try to drink around 2 litres of water a day but ensure you have a full glass at breakfast and top up throughout the day.
If you’re feeling experimental, switch to coconut water to get a dose of vitamins along the way.
Singing in the car
There is method in the madness. There has been a study published in the Journal of Music Therapy that rocking out to tour favourite songs can boost energy levels.
They measured people’s arousal levels after singing a song or just listening to a favourite and they found their subjects to feel a lot more energetic.
If you think about it, hitting those high notes can take a bit of effort. This actually triggers a stress response in the brain and gives you that energy boost you need. So next time you’re commuting in the car before work, make sure you give it a try!
Get some sun
Just 15 minutes in the sun may help you feel less sluggish, according to a recent Dutch study. Researchers found that people who saw more daylight felt less fatigued than those who spent more time in the dark.
When your eyes are exposed to natural light, they send a signal to the areas of your brain responsible for alertness, the researchers say. Simply leaving your blinds open or stepping outside may wake you up, too.
While you’re at it, get yourself some vitamin D! The sun acts a free source so there’s no need to worry about eating fruit or taking a premier formulas supplement.
Mindset
Having the right mindset is so important. Upon waking up, are you already convincing yourself that you’re tired, that you didn’t get enough sleep, or that you would rather get more sleep than champion the day?
The first hour after shuteye is critical. How you spend your morning can determine how you spend your whole day. Before you open your eyes, lay in bed for just a few minutes and recite some affirmations for health and vitality.
You can also immediately go into gratitude for the energy that you will have and all the great things you’ll be manifesting.
Laughing
Laughter is the best medicine, that’s what they say right? Well, it’s also true when it comes to boosting energy levels.
Laughing at a joke or story, or watching a funny video increases the blood flow to the body, increasing your energy.
If you’re feeling sluggish in the afternoon, take a quick break to find something funny. Your boss may even appreciate the break from their busy day.