It’s been a long day at the office, or maybe even a weekend filled with too many errands. It feels like you’re running low, but you still need to get things done. Here are some tips to help you get your energy back quickly.
Drink a glass of water
Often times when we are busy and stressed, we tend to become dehydrated. A dehydrated body tends to make you feel lethargic. Drinking water and staying hydrated will keep your energy going.
Get out there and get some sun
Moderate amounts of sunlight can increase two hormones that are known to improve mood and concentration. Serotonin and dopamine work in the brain to help you feel calm and cheerful. When you feel happier, you also tend to feel like you have more energy.
Turn on your favorite tune
Listening to upbeat music has been shown to increase a person’s heart rate and move blood through the body faster. This action, in turn, accelerates oxygen throughout your body and brain, giving you that energy boost.
Call someone you love
Interacting with other people you care about has been known for a long time to improve mood and reduce stress. Getting close to loved ones or socializing has been shown to increase levels of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin reduces anxiety levels and makes you feel less stressed. Less stress, in turn, means feeling more energetic.
Avoid sugary treats
Feeling a bit tired? You probably think that a little candy or a Sprite will give you that much-needed boost. Well it’s true, these sugary items will spike your blood glucose and give you a blast of energy. However, the energy boost will be short-lived. Eating and drinking super-sweet foods and drinks wreak havoc on your metabolism. They raise your blood sugar levels quickly, but they also cause your glucose level to drop just as quickly.
Take a nap
If all else fails and you have a little time and space, take a nap. The power nap is a real thing. However, the experts at Sleep.org do not recommend napping for hours. A long nap makes you sleepy and can make you feel more tired. It seems like the perfect amount of time to nap is around 20 minutes. During this time period, you will experience a remorseless sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
So the next time you’re feeling a bit drained of energy, check out these quick tips and have bright eyes and concentration in the blink of an eye.
