Motivation Monday: Energy

Lately I have been exhausted, barely able to stay up past 8/9pm (old lady alert!). While I have recently caught up on years of sleep deprivation, I feel like I'm not able to function socially! So, I need to find ways to gain more energy to enjoy time with my hubby and friends.

Here are some tips to re-energize throughout the day - whether at work or on the weekend. Most of these tips are suggested via zenhabits.com.

1. Enjoy an afternoon power snack. A healthy snack that is low in sugar and high in protein and/or fiber (e.g., mixed nuts, nonfat yogurt, apple with peanut butter, trail mix or a granola bar) will replenish your energy and help you finish off the day strong.
   
   • Incorporate eggs into your diet. Protein makes you feel fuller without feeling stuffed, and they provide a steady stream of energy for your body.  
   • Eat yogurt. Yogurt with live cultures keep your digestive system clean, which helps your body absorb all the nutrients from food. That makes you healthier and more energetic. Yogurt is also a good low-fat snack.
2. Take a power nap. But do it in your chair. Don’t lie down on the sofa or you won’t get back up. Keep it short: 5-10 minutes max. Any longer and it will be counterproductive
   
   • Wake up at the same time everyday. Including weekends. This sets your body clock. The key is to go to bed at the same time every night. If you need to reset your sleep cycle in one day, stop eating for the 16 hours before the time you want to wake up.
3. Use caffeine wisely. Coffee can boost your alertness, but be careful about letting it be a habitual crutch.
   
   • Enjoy a cup of tea. In a recent study, University College London researchers noted that drinking a cup of tea 4-6 time a day reduces stress hormone levels in your body. The study’s results suggest “drinking black tea may speed up our recovery from the daily stresses in life.”
   • Drink lots of water. Dehydration is a definitely a cause of fatigue. Try to drink a 32 oz (1 quart, 4 cups) water bottle twice a day.
4. Get on your toes. Roll up and down on your toes. This stimulates your circulatory system, which will deliver much-needed oxygen and fuel throughout your body. You’ll be more energized and sharper. 
   
   • Stand up, stretch and take a couple of deep breaths. Stretch your arms, back, legs, and neck. Take a deep breath through your nose, hold it, and let it out slowly and forcefully. Repeat several times. This will take 30 seconds and will be an instant fix. When you sit back down, you’ll have the clear head and fresh feeling needed to power through the tough/boring task in front of you.
   • Take a walk outside. Getting outside for some fresh air, a change of scenery, and a quick walk to get your blood going will do wonders for your mood and motivation. Seeing the sun is a signal to your body that it’s not bedtime yet.
5. Get your world organized. When your world is organized, you don’t have to expend mental energy keeping track of a million things.
6. Look on the bright side. A generally upbeat and optimistic outlook on life will keep your energy level up. Yes, the worst thing that can happen might actually happen, but giving it too much worry will only drain you. Look for the positive in every situation and you won’t be so tired.
7. Take a mini-vacation. Take one day and just do whatever you want. No work, no chores, no errands. Enjoy your one full day of vacation, then come back to work more motivated and energetic.
8. Shed a few pounds. The things you do to lose weight — exercise, drink water, avoid simple sugars — are actions that also have a positive effect on your energy level. Even better, the actual loss of excess fat provides an energy boost of its own.
9. Listen to tunes while you work. Throwing on the headphones and listening to any music you like while working will give you a productivity boost.
10. Dress up. Feeling better about yourself has a magical way of giving you more energy. Put just a tad more effort into looking your best for work, and you’ll get compliments from coworkers that will make you feel better — and make you a perkier, more energetic worker bee.
11. Have a laugh. Laughter is great medicine for exhaustion. Make sure you laugh regularly to keep your mood up.
12. Socialize. Turn off the computer, put down your Kindle, set aside your iPhone and  socialize with friends. Humans are social animals, and we need regular socializing to keep ourselves in peak health and energy.