10  EASY-TO-IMPLEMENT STEPS THAT WILL INCREASE YOUR ENERGY

We've all experienced days where it's a struggle to stay focused and you feel like you're dragging yourself around. All you want to do is put your head down on the table and close your eyes - and maybe you should.

Below is a list of 10 things that are easy to do and will help increase your daily energy.

10 THINGS THAT WILL INCREASE YOUR ENERGY

1) DRINK A GLASS OF WATER

Dehydration can leave you feeling drained, exhausted and fatigued. You don't need to strictly stick to the 8 glasses a day rule, but it's important that you stay hydrated. If you're feeling low on energy always start with getting a drink of water.

2) MOVE! 

Get up and dance to your favourite song, step outside and walk around the garden, or simply walk around the room a few times and move your body. Movement is a natural energy booster! It gets our blood pumping which in turn increases our energy.

3) GET OUTDOORS

Sunshine, fresh air and movement are all known to enhance your mood and be invigorating. It can help increase energy levels and self-esteem. Step outside for just a few minutes or enjoy a walk around the block in fresh air. If you can't step outside then try raising the blinds and opening a window.

4) HAVE A SNACK

Our brain needs fuel to function. When our blood sugar level drops our brain can start to slow down and cause us to feel lethargic and unfocused! Snacks that provide protein and also slow-burning carbs are best. A handful of nuts, a banana, some peanut butter  - are all yummy snacks to have that will fire you up again.

5) REDUCE STRESS AND WORRY

One of the biggest drains on energy is stress. Even at low levels it can deplete our energy over time. Stress, worry, fear, anxiety can all leave us feeling mentally and physically exhausted. Try to find the stressful triggers in your life and reduce them. As a quick daily relief - stop and meditate for a few minutes to relax and clear your mind from overwhelming thoughts. Giving your mind a rest from worry and stress will help rebuild your energy levels.

6) CALL A LOVED ONE OR FRIEND  WHO IS UPLIFTING

Surrounding yourself with supportive, uplifting friends and family is a great mood booster which will in turn increase your energy. Emotions can be incredibly contagious! Time spent with a positive, uplifting or supportive friend or family member can help replace exhaustion with renewed energy.

7) TAKE A NAP

If possible - take a short nap! Research has proven that information overload; constant thinking and pushing our minds to the limit can greatly deplete our energy levels. Just a short 1 hour nap can help relax our minds and restore our energy. Even closing your eyes for a short 15 minute nap can work wonders!

8) DON'T SKIP MEALS

Our body needs fuel and nutrition to function at it's best. The nutrition we get from food keeps everything in our bodies going - without which things start to slow down and not function as well. Missed meals can result in lack of energy, mood swings and all over fatigue. Staying energized depends on fueling our body!

9) EAT MORE WHOLE FOODS AND LESS SUGAR

The key to maintaining energy is to maintain balance! Foods high in sugar cause a rapid spike in our blood sugar levels, giving us a fast increase in energy. But the following drop in blood sugar levels is just as rapid and leaves us feeling depleted and wiped out. Replacing foods high in sugar with whole foods that release fuel steadily and slowly will ensure that blood sugar levels stay balanced. This will in turn ensure that your energy levels remain stable throughout the day. If nothing else - try to eat foods with no added sugar.

10) USE DAILY POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

How can words increase our energy? Easily! Often our exhaustion stems from overwhelming thoughts of stress in our lives. Our emotions are so powerful and can completely deplete our energy. By repeating positive affirmations and replacing negative thoughts with uplifting ones - our mind can be empowered which in turn elevates our mood and increases our energy. 

And don't forget to be kind to yourself. Some days are just going to go slower. Some days are just going to have less sparkle - no matter what you try to do. But that's ok. And that's normal. 

"Nature does not hurry. Yet everything is accomplished." - Lao Tzu

Always listen to your body and if it needs a day to go slower then so be it. Drink some water, eat wholesome food, gently move and get some fresh air - but don't push yourself too hard. You'll bounce back stronger because of it!

With love, Yasmin