The older we get, it seems energy is harder to come by. Ironic considering that we need more energy as we age — energy to work out, keep up with our kids, excel in our careers, and do the things that are important to us. People in search of more energy often make the mistake of slurping down more caffeine, but that’s not the answer. What you need is to create better habits.
If you want to give your energy level a permanent boost, here are five simple ways to do so. But before you explore any of these ideas, you first need to accept that energy is a decision. Our minds have a powerful effect on the way our bodies feel, so if you tell yourself you’re tired, you will be. Instead, start telling yourself that you’re awake and alive. Decide now that you have more energy. Then, by developing these five simple habits, you’ll start feeling better than you have in years!
1. Make working out part of your everyday routine. Being tired is the most common excuse for not exercising. Well, guess what? You need to do it anyways, regardless of how tired you are. Just minutes into your warm up, your endorphins will kick in, and you’ll have all the energy you need to finish your workout.
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Plus, daily exercise is proven to work mental and physical wonders. Yes, you might feel tired now, but you just have to get the ball rolling. Making exercise part of your daily routine boosts energy, makes you more productive, improves your mood, and makes you feel good … not to mention it helps you lose weight. It’s a win-win situation!
2. Fuel your body for optimum performance. The phrase “you are what you eat” is so true. Food is fuel, so if you eat junk, guess how you’re going to feel? With poor nutrition, emotional energy drops as a result of the synapses in your brain firing improperly. Consequently, you end up feeling irritable, confused, tired and weak. Sound familiar? Perhaps it’s time to take a look at your diet. To increase your energy level, choose whole foods, red fruits, and veggies over addictive, low-quality foods like complex carbohydrates, caffeine, sugar and fat. Also, stay hydrated. Water enables your body to function properly, keeps your metabolic rate steady, and prevents premature aging and chronic fatigue.
3. Keep your emotions in check. Whether you’re happy or sad, riding an emotional rollercoaster does a number on your energy level. Keep your emotions steady by taking some time to yourself throughout the day. Breathe, take a walk, stretch. Balancing out your emotions will help sustain your energy level.
4. Get more sleep. A good night’s sleep boosts your physical and mental energy. Quality sleep improves mental focus, increases loss of body fat, slows the aging process and speeds up the healing process.
5. Sit up straight! Your body language has an incredible effect on the energy you feel and project. Sit up tall with your shoulders back and eyes open. Now, breathe. This is a quick fix that will immediately have you feeling more awake and alive.
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