5 Easy Ways to Naturally Increase Your Energy

Mait Jüriado via Compfight

Feeling a little less energetic lately? Need a kickstart? Read on to learn some easy ways to increase your energy naturally.

1. Eat a Proper Breakfast

Let’s start with breakfast, after all it does jumpstart your day. Breaking the fast soon after rising supplies your body with a jolt of fuel that sets the tone for the whole day. So many people find themselves rushed in the morning and reach for something easy and quick, which is usually full of sugar and will leave you feeling tired after an hour and reaching for something else to snack on.  Time spent planning breakfast is much more valuable than the few extra minutes of sleep you might get by skipping the morning meal.

Think outside the box. Breakfast doesn’t have to be a bowl of cereal or granola bar. Try a green smoothie, top a piece of whole grain toast with your favorite hummus, eat a bowl of fresh fruit, mash up an avocado and spread it on a piece of toast or bagel, the possibilities are endless. All of these options only need a few minutes of preparation and planning.

You will feel so much better about yourself and your nutrition knowing you started the day off right. When eating a proper breakfast becomes part of your regimen you start having ownership of it, become more consistent, and feel that you’re making a change for the better.

2. Drink More Water

Drink, Drink, Drink….More water that is! Keep a bottle, thermos, or glass of water with you at all times. When we are thirsty our bodies are often fatigued, and if we wait until we feel thirsty then we are already dehydrated. Even slight dehydration can leave you feeling tired and lethargic. When you feel tired your first thought might be to reach for your favorite coffee drink or soda to give you a quick pick me up, but it ultimately decreases energy levels further by provoking dehydration because caffeine has a diuretic effect on the body. Drinking enough water will boost your energy levels and reduce fatigue. Start by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day.

3. Just Move

Many of us are sitting for hours at a desk, staring at a computer screen. Get up and move around for a few minutes every hour if you can. Just standing up sometimes can make a difference.  Another fun option might be getting a standing desk, one that you can adjust from sitting to standing. You will be amazed at what a change this could make in your daily life. On your lunch break get some fresh air take a quick 10 minute walk. When you start moving even for a few minutes it will increase your energy and boost your metabolism.

“And what is a man without energy? Nothing – nothing at all.”
– Mark Twain

4. Be Social

We are made to be social, and those of us who have strong support systems to turn to have an easier time coping stress at home or work. I don’t think we realize how much stress can really drain us. This is why one of the classic signs of depression is fatigue. By socializing with supportive happy people we can increase our energy levels because happiness becomes contagious to everyone around.

5. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to feeling good and having energy throughout the day. Your day will be much more productive and you will feel much better after a restorative night of sleep. Research has shown that we should try to get 7-8 hours of quality sleep at night, not a night of tossing and turning. It’s a good idea to give yourself time to wind down about an hour before bedtime. Read a book, take a bath, do something relaxing. You will be better prepared for a night of quality sleep. If you find it hard to shut off your mind at night and you keep thinking of things to do, then keep a list handy and write them down and then let them go!

Your Take?

What energy boosting tips do you have? What will you do to increase your energy today? Share it with us in the comments below!