Fortify flagging energy without caffeine or sugar
Sometimes the day gets really long when we are getting ready for the holidays. And the holidays themselves can be very busy, and we need something to keep us going. This is not an excuse to skimp on sleeping, nor throw a balanced life to the wind.
In addition, a lot of things that we do become so routine that we check out. By engaging more of our senses and moving our bodies, often we can pick up some energy without resorting to caffeine or sugar.
Here are a few ways to naturally fortify your energy through the day. Try one or more of these, and let me know how it worked!
1. LAUGH
Laughter wakes you up! Ha! ha! Ho! Ho! Ho!
If you are not already laughing at yourself, keep a book of cartoons like Calvin and Hobbs around, or look on YouTube. Limit your time for this, of course, to perhaps 5 minutes.
The cartoon character Snoopy always makes me smile and sometimes makes me laugh out loud!
2. MOVE!
If you have been sitting for a while, get up. Take a walk to the mailbox or around the block.
Or take a boogie break by dancing to your favorite song.
Physical exercise increases circulation overall, especially to the brain, helping to make you more alert.
3. GET A BEVERAGE (WATER)
Get a glass of cool, clear water . . . drink it down. Natural Action structured water sure goes down good.
Did that help wake you up?
You might even get a glass of sparking water. The fizz certainly will wake up your mouth! That’s a treat for me.
4. GET OUTSIDE
Winter is a time we like to stay inside. Particularly if you work in an office then go home and attend holiday activities, you are inside all day.
The fresh crisp air outside can be invigorating, especially when you’re moving your body as during a walk. The change of scenery alone can be refreshing.
At other times of year consider taking your work or your meeting outside.
5. SEND YOUR EYES OUTSIDE
I always position my desk so that I can look up and see for a distance, ideally to the horizon, outside. If you spend long hours staring at a computer screen or written papers, your eyes can get fatigued. You may feel tired, but it may be that your tired eyes are affecting you.
Take a break frequently to look away from the screen into the distance out the window. If you don’t have a window, take a break where you can look outside. A five-minute gaze at something else can help you feel more alert.
6. PHONE A FRIEND
Even a few minutes talking to someone you care about can help re-energize you.
When you make the call, be clear that you have only five minutes to prevent the call from taking over your day.
7. UNBUNDLE
How many layers of clothing are you wearing?
I know it is winter and the sweaters and scarves feel good, but sometimes we don’t realize that we’re actually a little warm when the brain fog rolls in.
Try taking off a layer and see if the cooler temperature will wake you up.
8. ENGAGE YOUR EARS
Uplifting, snappy music can instantly pick your energy up. Find your favorite cheery songs, those that make you want to dance.
If you create a playlist, you will have a go-to when you need it.
9. WHIFF AN AROMA
Essential oils such as citrus, peppermint, or jasmine are known to help increase alertness.
Keep some at your desk and in your car. When you start getting dull or sleepy, rub some on your temples or wrists.
You may also want to get a personal diffuser.
10. A CHANGE OF PACE
When you schedule your day, mix it up.
Doggedly working on one thing can make you tired and zoned out. When you’re starting to drag, switch gears to something else for awhile. The best is something that will engage your creativity, like selecting illustrations for the project.
When you come back, you’ll be in a better state to get back to the it again.
Let me know in the comment section below if you have a favorite strategy, and if you do something not on this list!
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