12 proven ways to increase your energy

Forget the mid-afternoon fatigue, you are now feeling it at ten in the morning most days. Between work, driving the kids to school and practices, and running a hundred errands, you need all the energy you can get. Luckily, there are some natural, healthy habits you can add into your routine to help those energy levels soar, without bringing in those unwanted crashes.

Proven ways to increase your energy

Increase Magnesium Intake

Adding foods like almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, whole grains, and halibut into your regular diet can help your body to have enough stores of this important mineral. Magnesium is necessary for the breakdown of glucose into energy.

 

Be Wise at Breakfast

When it comes to the famously important meal, make sure you are choosing high carbohydrate and high fiber options. The carbohydrate will give your body the initial kick start your body needs, while the fiber will help you feel full longer. Avoid breakfasts that are only comprised of carbohydrates, as these will leaving you feeling hungry and tired much more quickly.

 

Drink More Water

Avoid drinking alcohol, soda, and energy drinks. While they may help you feel better for a short bit, they often leave you dehydrated and lethargic. Replace these drinks with water to keep yourself well hydrated. At a minimum, you should be drinking eight, 8 oz. glasses per day. Staying hydrated will help your body to keep up the energy and reduce fatigue. We love this water bottle.

Don’t Skip Meals

Just because you eat a good breakfast, does not give you liberty to slack on your other meals throughout the day. As you eat regularly, you will be able to keep your blood sugar levels up, giving you more energy.

 

Choose Power Snacks

Along with meals, eat some power packed snacks between meals. Make sure they include a complex carbohydrate and a protein, to get that effect of quick, but sustained energy. Try combinations such as greek yogurt with granola, whole wheat crackers with cheese, or whole wheat toast with peanut butter.

 

Increase Physical Activity

Whether this means starting a new workout routine, or simply taking the time to go for a short walking break during the workday, adding to your physical activity routine can do wonders for your energy levels. Just 10 minutes of walking per day can help drive away the midday yawns.

 

Take Short Breaks

Believe it or not, studies have shown that taking short breaks while working (as little as 14 seconds) can have an effect on your energy levels. One study in particular even showed these short breaks add to the productivity of the workplace. Use this time to stretch, have a quick chat, or refill your water bottle.

 

Take a Power Nap

Nap time is not something that should have stopped after the preschool days. Taking a short nap can help you to feel refreshed and in the long run, gives you the energy to perform your duties the rest of the day more efficiently. Be sure that your nap does not last longer than one hour to avoid the opposite of the desire effect.

 

Puzzles

If you are feeling sleepy, try completing a puzzle. Challenging puzzles help to stimulate brain cells and help you stay alert.

 

Focus on Stress Relief

Stress is the number one culprit to low energy levels, so the more you can do to manage your stress levels, the more you will be able to see your energy levels increase. Try taking time for meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises throughout your day.

 

Avoid Simple Sugars and Trans-Fats

As you reach for foods to give you a little pick me up, avoid simple sugars like those found in candy, white breads, and pastas.  Also steer clear of trans-fats found in donuts, french fries, and chips. These foods may help for a bit, as they cause your blood sugar to spike, but they cause a steep crash shortly afterward. Focus more on whole grains, fiber, and lean protein options.

 

Glass Half Full

Being around negative people can quite literally drain you of your energy. Do your best to surround yourself with positive influences and you will see your energy levels increase. A happy, active social life is one of the secrets to adding energy to your life.

 

As you find yourself participating in these behaviors you will see an increase in your physical and emotional health. As you take better care of your body, you will see yourself becoming healthier, which in turn will lead to increased energy levels as well. It is a beautiful cycle! However, if you try many of these tactics and you still find your energy is lacking, it is possible you may have a condition that may be affecting your energy levels. You may benefit from seeing a physician and considering other options, such as those listed here.

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