How to stay energized, all day long

Are you the don’t-talk-to-me-until-I-have-my-morning-coffee-or-else-I-might-hurt-you type of person? Or maybe you’re the grumpy kind, who can’t wait to get home after work so that you can sneak in a little nap? I used to be both. Here are a few tips that will help you feel energized, all day long.

STAY HYDRATED

This seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many of us walk around dehydrated. Dehydration can cause tiredness, sleepiness and even dizziness, so make sure you drink a huge glass of H2O, first thing in the morning. As I already mentioned in this post, as you wake up, you need to realize that your body just went hours without water, so it’s very important to replenish your fluids. Nearly every single biochemical reaction that occurs in our bodies, needs water. Drinking water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning gets your digestive system going, which will also help to energize your entire body. I also traded in my energy drinks for cold sparkling lime water. I always keep a few bottles in my office fridge- it’s a perfect little pick-me-up, without the jitters.

GET OUTSIDE

Even if it’s only a 10 minute run in the morning, a walk with your dog, or a brisk walk in the park during your lunch hour, try to get outside, even if the weather is a bit gloomy and cold. Fresh air can do wonders for you when you feel tired and a bit sluggish. If you really cannot leave your office/work/school for a midday stretch, crack that window open, let a cool breeze in and take a few deep breaths.

HAVE SOME CHOCOLATE

Yes, ya heard me, have some chocolate. When a lot of us are tired, the first thing we reach for is candy, as it gives up a bit of that sugar rush. Dark chocolate has more caffeine than milk chocolate and it’s a great energy and mood-boosting supplement (or at least I like to call it that ;) ). Of course, being that I’m a bit of a health freak when it comes to nutrition, I’d recommend that you go with dark chocolate- the darker, the better. Dark chocolate has antioxidant properties and increases nitric levels which help control your blood pressure. Rather than reach for those M&M’s that you have lying around somewhere by your desk (oh come on, we all keep an emergency stash somewhere at work, right?) have a small piece of dark chocolate.

HAVE A LIGHT BREAKFAST

Forget about that bacon-egg-egg and cheese on an everything bagel. The heavier of a breakfast you will have, more tired you will find yourself feeling during the day. Try something that’s lighter, more nutritious and healthy like vegan overnight oats or a green smoothie.

And before you go to bed… try to avoid alcohol and turn off your TV. Contrary to popular belief, a glass of wine at bedtime will not help you get better sleep. Depending on the dose, alcohol can act as a stimulant, which means that it stimulates your brain and your nervous system, rather than slow the communication between the two, which results in relaxation. As far as the TV and other electronics go, I’m pretty sure you all already know that browsing the internet or watching TV right before you go to sleep won’t help you fall asleep. Both cause a distraction, and if every single time you go to bed you automatically turn the TV on, your brain won’t make the connection that bed equals sleep. Next thing you know it’s 2 am and you’ve watched half a season of Dexter on Netflix and still don’t feel sleepy (don’t ask how I know. or do. yes, it happens to me. quite a lot). Also, if you find yourself feeling tired a lot, it’s good to get your iron and vitamin D levels checked up.

How do you keep yourself feeling energized on a busy day?