Don’t Gas Me Up I Like Running on E: 7 Ways to Increase your Energy

I envy chipper people. You know the kind of people who are bubbly at 7am and who don’t rely on caffeinated drinks (coffee, Red Bull, Speed) to get them through the day and say things like “Super Duper”. I salute them and secretly want to drink from whatever fountain of energy they have tapped into. While, my energy is not completely in the can I do find it hard to remain upbeat and motivated without strapping on my wings and/or taking a hit of E on a consistent basis. (I kid, I kid)

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Instead of being content with my lack of energy, I’ve been scouring the net  and trying new ways to banish restlessness without having to resort to crystals or energy bracelets. With a full-time job, full-time blog, semi-social life it can be difficult to not feel rundown. Here are few tips I’ve found success with and others I plan to try.

Exercise your way to Energy

You’re already beat and I want you to exercise. Sounds counter-intuitive non? But regular cardiovascular exercise increases oxygen to your cells, lowers blood pressure and decreases body fat; all things necessary to increasing productivity and reducing stress.

Get your Vitamins naturally

Pills and I don’t mix. I forget to take them on a daily basis and wind up wasting money. But healthy, nutrient rich food, that’s something I can get down with. Eating leafy greens, fruits and vegetables are all perfect (and delicious) ways to get your necessary vitamins and minerals. And if your memory is better than mine, vitamin supplements are a perfect way to get the additional nutrients that your body needs. Prevention has a great comprehensive guide to Supplements for Women.

Find your motivation

“What’s my motivation?” Discovering the answer to this question may just unlock the door to your energy lulls. Knowing what makes your pulse race, what gets you fired up and makes you spring out of bed will help you to get motivated when your energy dips.  Discover what energizes you and strive to do it and do it often.

Take a Breather

Even the best of us needs a break every now and then. Pay attention to the times of day when you’re energy is at its lowest and schedule breaks around that time. Go outside and get some fresh air, take a walk or do some simple stretches at your desk.

Sleep Tight

A surefire way to restore your energy is to get a good nights sleep. Sleep is nature’s magic elixir and getting a sound, uninterrupted, engaged rest can do wonders including relieve stress, help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation and improve your memory. All of that?!? I’ll take sleep for 500 Alex!

Become a Yogi

I’ll admit my first few attempts at yoga were a beautiful failure. In a gym class full of people I couldn’t relax or get centered. However, I got a few DVDs from Netflix and my living room has become my Zen palace. Doing yoga first thing in the morning stretches your muscles, relaxes your breathing and puts you in a great state of mind for the day.

Caffeine can be your Friend

This is a slippery slope, but since when do I play it safe. Some days we just wake up on the wrong side of the bed, literally. And all the stretching in the world won’t help. If you’re already out on the sleep-deprived ledge  a cup of coffee, shot of espresso, energy drink may bring you back to life. I’m a fan of Red Bull, though a only limit myself to 1 a day and only if I desperately need it.

When our energy is low our motivation and goals suffer. Feeling renewed and revitalized is so important to being successful individuals and achieving our dreams.

How do you renew your energy?

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