Tips on How to Improve Energy
Most of these tips are based on sleep studies as well as research into the body's circadian rhythms. Some of these tips on how to improve energy are, well, plain common sense. But you know what they say about common sense: it isn't that common!
Tip #1: When the Alarm Calls, Get Up!
While it's definitely tempting to keep hitting the snooze button on sluggish days, sleep studies show that the snooze button is detrimental to better energy. Once you have been awakened by the alarm clock, snoozing interrupts your hormone cycles, which could make you tired and cranky later in the day. A better plan would be to set your alarm for when you REALLY want to get up, then put the clock across the room so you actually have to get up to turn it off. Then get moving!
Tip #2: Flip on the Lights
Light is apparently one signal that tells your body to "Wake up!" According to Michael Terman, PhD, director of the Center for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City, either artificial or natural light can help you wake up, have better energy, and get going in the morning. If you have to use artificial light, opt for cooler whiter light rather than yellowish light. The whiter light is better at mimicking natural light, and works better to help you wake up.
Tip #3: Get a Move On
It might seem ridiculous to tell you to get moving if you already feel sluggish in the morning, but exercise and sleep science suggest that a short leisurely walk 3 times a week is an option when you are considering how to improve energy. Note that we said "leisurely walk." If you are already tired, an intensive workout can fatigue you further and drain your batteries. Instead, according to a study done by the University of Georgia, people who took short walks 3 times weekly had 20% better energy on a regular daily basis.
Tip #4: Take a (Legal) Pep Pill
Research indicates that the hormone spike that gets us going in the morning tends to slump in the afternoon, usually after lunch. This is perfectly normal, but it does tend to interfere with getting work done. If this happens to you, consider taking a supplement mid-day to boost your energy.
One energy-boosting supplement that we have found works well is this form of the AFA blue-green algae. This supplement contains easily assimilated nutrients including: essential fatty acids, active enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, proteins, complex sugars, and phytonutrients. In layman's terms, that means this supplement provides your body with nutrients it can easily use for better energy. It's a no-brainer (see the end of this article for proof!)
Tip #5: Move Every 90 Minutes
Science shows that the human body isn't meant to focus on a single topic or issue for more than 90 minutes. That means if you find yourself sitting at your desk for more than 90 minutes, you are draining your batteries and your productivity is starting to suffer. The solution is simple: just get up and move around. Even if you have to stay in your office, get a long phone cord and walk around as you talk. Better yet, go outside and breathe some fresh air (assuming the air is fresh) and take a quick walk. When it comes to how to improve energy, exercise is one of the best ways!
A Little Story about AFA Blue-Green Algae
In 1994, upon returning from the hospital after a sudden illness, I was totally lacking in energy. As I huffed and puffed my way upstairs, grasping both handrails, I wondered what kind of future I had. I began researching what I could do for myself, and four months later stumbled upon a tape recording about blue-green algae. What a change! After taking AFA blue-green algae for two months, I noticed that my energy had returned and I was cooking a festive holiday dinner for family and friends. Now, 14 years later, I am in excellent health at age 80!
B. Tisdell
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Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/hayleybloom/
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